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Topic: End Cap Cracks? (Read 636 times) previous topic - next topic
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End Cap Cracks?
While doing an annual inspection of seams and end caps, I noticed these two areas on the passenger side that I suspect, but not sure of, are cracks in the end caps. Is this an area of concern? Are there any preventative actions I should take at this point?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: End Cap Cracks?
Reply #1

If it were my LD, I would stop-drill the two cracks by drilling a 1/8" hole at the end of each crack to prevent them from spreading. The crack shoud be fill with a sealant or covered with a clear tape.
3M's automotive clear protective tape is a good choice as it last a long time and it does not yellow.
Amazon.com: 3M Clear Bra Paint Protection Bulk Film Roll 2"-by-72"-inches :...

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: End Cap Cracks?
Reply #2
Yep, I have the same cracks in my 2017 TK, bit earlier than yours, but I suspect I have more miles than you, over rougher roads.   Just clear tape for now and monitoring both cracks.
Dave

2017 TK

Re: End Cap Cracks?
Reply #3
Thanks for the advice Larry, I was afraid you’d say that.  I understand the concept but it’s going to be hard to drill holes in Nocona. ☹️ 

Dave, so you didn’t drill holes before taping?  Yes, we don’t travel nearly as much as you (or Larry).
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: End Cap Cracks?
Reply #4
Well, the deed is done. I almost cried but it needed to be done. Reminded me of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnPmBCIParY
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: End Cap Cracks?
Reply #5
While drilling in your LD is painful, stop drilling can help stop cracks from spreading. It is a widely used procedure in the aircraft industry.
Our LD has cracks in the flip-up rear wheel covers and in the spare tire cover; you will find stop-drilled holes in all the cracks.
Cracks and Stops - StudentPilot.com
The small holes can be filled and painted if desired.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: End Cap Cracks?
Reply #6
So I did order and receive the clear repair tape that Larry linked to but would like to touch up the holes up with paint before taping over them. Any suggestions on where to purchase the blue touch up paint? I have the LD paint code.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264


Re: End Cap Cracks?
Reply #8
Awesome, thanks Ed!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264


 
Re: End Cap Cracks?
Reply #10
Hi Greg; A local member of the Caravan Club needed a new door to the electrical storage cord area. A 1989 coach, the paint code wouldn't have matched anyway.  This person had the broken off metal (badly rusted) cover with the small cord relief. I had replaced the plug on the end of the cord with the plug with a handle, and it was about a1/8" too big to fit through the hole. So I replaced the door with a more modern, and larger, white access door.
    I took what was left of the old fixture to a Lowes and they color matched about a half pint of outdoor acrylic. I applied it with a brush. It matched well enough.  You could get color chips, match the outside of your rig by holding the chips up to your paint. You only need a small blob anyway.
    Another method would be to find a newer car your rig color. Buy touch up paint to match them and use that.  An auto store might have an array of touch up paint bottles pretty close.
    For you Greg, get a set of acrylic artist paints. You can just buy really small tubes separately. Blue and white. Mix your own to match. It will be covered by the tape anyway, to protect the small spot from sunlight fading.
   Here is a kit: https://www.hobbylobby.com/art-supplies/art-sets/acrylic-paint-set---51-pieces/p/9924  You could unleash you 'inner artist' and take up painting for a hobby as you visit different vistas!
   This link shows the 'a little too dark' results in reply #9  Non slip running boards?      RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB