Livin' Lite Forum

CampLite => General Q & A => Topic started by: Revdgrimm on October 17, 2018, 03:12:47 PM

Title: Exterior door
Post by: Revdgrimm on October 17, 2018, 03:12:47 PM
We purchased a used 2013 RBS camplite trailer.  The previous owner put jb weld for aluminum on a small indent on the exterior skin of the entrance door.  We have noticed that the surrounding area has bubbled out.  Does anyone know how to repair and prevent any further damage?  Thank you Dale Grimm
Title: Re: Exterior door
Post by: Herman on January 16, 2019, 12:51:34 PM
I have a 2012 Camplite and the exterior door has the same problem, it is bubbling up like if the insulation chemically reacted with something (?). I am sure this is coming from inside the door (insulation). I wonder if I need a new door.
If anyone out there knows what to do or how to order a new door please let us know.
Title: Re: Exterior door
Post by: DavidM on January 16, 2019, 01:49:13 PM
I would doubt that the insulation caused the bubbling. It is pretty inert polystyrene, but maybe glue or something else caused it.

But typically aluminum that isn't prepped right before painting will do this. The bare aluminum needs to be primed with an etching primer like Alodine before painting with the finish coat.

You can patch an area that is bubbling by sanding the area down to bare aluminum, priming with Alodine or similar and then finish coating with a can of matching spray paint. It may not match exactly but will be better than the bubbling area.

David
Title: Re: Exterior door
Post by: djsamuel on January 17, 2019, 02:32:13 PM
I started to get some bubbling on the door of my 2013 21BHS.  There was water draining from inside the door, so I knew moisture was getting in.  I removed the window, and resealed the glass.  No additional bubbling since.
Title: Re: Exterior door
Post by: Herman on January 22, 2019, 11:10:09 AM
I found that the doors were made by a company called "Challenger Doors" in Indiana. I found the label on one side of the door. I found their website and we can order a door directly to them. But before I do that, i want to try to repair it myself -based on the previous advice. Please take a look at the pictures attached.
Title: Re: Exterior door
Post by: gglkap1 on January 22, 2019, 12:57:23 PM
I ordered two additional doors to add to the camper. Challenger was great to deal with and there was no minimum order. The shipping seemed a little high, but after seeing how they were packaged, I understand.

Gerald
Title: Re: Exterior door
Post by: Sylvain on March 18, 2019, 01:30:16 PM
Quote from: gglkap1 on January 22, 2019, 12:57:23 PM
I ordered two additional doors to add to the camper. Challenger was great to deal with and there was no minimum order. The shipping seemed a little high, but after seeing how they were packaged, I understand.

Gerald

Just out of curiosity, do you mean the main door or the two small compartment doors?  Are the doors expensive?

Thanks
Title: Re: Exterior door
Post by: K Syrah Syrah on April 17, 2019, 10:51:46 AM
Your photos look like corrosion. Replacing at this point looks like the only alternative. However, it's also a good reminder to all to thoroughly wash down your RV, no matter what material it's made from, ESPECIALLY if it was ever near salt (on roads or near the ocean).
Title: Re: Exterior door corrosion
Post by: cbk0155 on August 10, 2021, 12:01:00 AM
Quote from: djsamuel on January 17, 2019, 02:32:13 PM
I started to get some bubbling on the door of my 2013 21BHS.  There was water draining from inside the door, so I knew moisture was getting in.  I removed the window, and resealed the glass.  No additional bubbling since.

I noted the same issue along with the corrosion bubbling.  Evidence of moisture coming from inside the door on the threshold.  Discolored water stains on the threshold and bottom of the door.  I've not pulled the window frame yet, but I'm betting that is the entrance point for the water.  It also appears to be in a vertical line so possibly running down a structural member or just a vertical path inside the door.  Not knowing how the skin is attached it may be at rivet locations?  Or maybe it's just where the paint prep and adhesion wasn't done properly.

In any case I'm debating between door replacement and repair.  I'm concerned that the corrosion may be throughout the door and not just cosmetic on the exterior.