Stress Joint Installation

[martaz]

Hi. On our 36 Fl sidewall is cracking underneath both slides. I want to install stress joint and trim myself as I can't have rig tied up at dealer. Contacted Redwood for some info on this and was told they couldn't/wouldn't advise me on this procedure. I have two questions you all may be able to answer.
- do I cut all the way through the sidewall or just part way before covering cut with trim piece?

- where can I source and what style of trim do I need?

Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks

[johnboytoo]

You are a braver man than I
I suspect the crack will only go so far and then stop...

Can you find a local tech to do it ?
Good luck with it, as I've never had any luck, but I would ask them to pay for the local tech .

[piper guy]

One thing you might consider, and would be the first thing I will do if/when mine develops a crack is to "stop drill" the crack. This is commonly used in aviation panels. Means to go to the end of the crack and drill a small hole, typically 1/8 th inch, to stop the stress at the end of the crack. Then you can go about fixing the crack and it probably won't spread any further.

I'm not totally sure this will work as well in fiberglass as it does in aluminum so if it doesn't, I never said it. Lol. But it's what I will do.

[atom ant]

First, I am disappointed you got that answer from Redwood.

I have thought about doing it myself as preventative measure, and I actually found some of the "T" channel trim in my "stuff", but I haven't tried. If I were to start, I would remove the lower trim and cut into the exterior gelcoat as deep as it takes to get through the backer board (not down to frame), and reinstall the lower trim. Then I would cut a piece of the "T" channel to size and push it into the groove I just created. It would require painting the "T" channel to match color you have.

[Blenhardt]

I have thought of doing it myself also as preventive measure. Would be interested to know if you find some of H channel or T channel. I think of not cutting the siding all the way through,giving it a path of weaker resistance for it crack with T channel over the cut??? Humm, stop drilling? That also sounds like a possibility. How about a few small holes straight down covered with plastic? Just thinking out loud.

[travelin' texans]

I think it's only the thin fiberglass that's cracking so shouldn't be that difficult to slide trim on from bottom after loosing as Brad said. If it's crack through the fiberglass & plywood backing you better rush to somewhere 'cause you got serious issues.

[martaz]

Thanks. I think just cut deep enough to install channel. I can get paint matched at local auto paint store, they will mux up pretty good match into a rattle can for you. I see no reason why manuf couldn't advise either, probably worry about liability stuff. Crack isn't structural just surface thing. Since it appeared I have paid particular notice to other 5ers, most of them have it already installed from factory. Don't know whats up with Redwood as I thought this division was started by experienced people (from Carriage??) seems like they are more like a new start up type organization at times. Anyway we will do eeet!! I will let you know how it goes. Thxs again.

[Beechguyjim]

It's a easy fix draw a line through the crack and use a 1/8 thick cut off wheel follow the line carefully then use a block of wood and small hammer drive it up cut the bottom off and put back together use a small touch up gun or buy a Preval sprayer its a glass bottle with a gas bottle on top makes a spray can

[Blenhardt]

Beechguyjim, where did you get the H channel?

[Grizzby]

I am going to do the repair also. Would also like to know where I can purchase to trim piece. Any help would be appreciated!

[Beechguyjim]

Redwoodrvowners sent me a piece but it's just like they put between 1/4 inch paneling if your carefull you can even paint it before you install

[Grizzby]

Thanks for the info. I think I will go to Lowe's to see if I can find s trim piece that will work.

[Beechguyjim]

Make sure it's plastic and you have to cut thru the outer skin of the trailer

[Grizzby]

Not too worried about cutting through the fiberglass....already have a nice crack line to follow. : ). Unfortunately, on one side the crack isn't perpendicular to the bottom of side...it has an angle to it. I'll have to make it look as good as I can. I've never worked with fiberglass repair work before....just good ole bondo!

[Beechguyjim]

If I knew how I'd post picture of mine msg me and I'll email it to you

[Grizzby]

I will send you my email address. Where shall I send it to?

[Beechguyjim]

Send in private msg on forum