Over head crack

by Mids Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:44 pm

Sorry couldn't seem to send picture and text at same time.was clearing Broadway today and noticed this split in the roof above the drivers door.any idea what could have cause this ?movement and stress? Van only 20 months old still under warranty. Not sure how this could be repaired.anyone had the same problem?thanks inadvance for any replies

by Cymro Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:55 pm

Mids: I wonder if you could post some additional photos, please, or confirm as follows: Is the crack to which you're referring the faint line running at about 30 degrees upwards right to left, starting at the line (presumably a joint) which separates the light and dark areas in the photo?

Notwithstanding the above, whatever it is I'd take it back soon to the dealer who sold it to you and get it repaired under warranty.

by Mids Wed Jun 02, 2021 11:01 pm

Yes the dark line is the joint from cab to roof.so the split or crack is actually in the roof part of motorhome not the cab

by Molly3 Thu Jun 03, 2021 9:12 am

Could it have been caused by someone working or standing on the roof ?

by Caraman Thu Jun 03, 2021 6:55 pm

I guess it might only be a crack in the gel coat in which case it can easily be repaired - under warranty of course.

It could have been there for some time and is only showing up now due to dirt in the crack.

by Mids Thu Jun 03, 2021 7:18 pm

Caraman.
Hope you are right.if it is crack in the gel coat any idea how they go about repairing that easily. Thanks

by Caraman Thu Jun 03, 2021 7:38 pm

Mids wrote:Caraman.
Hope you are right.if it is crack in the gel coat any idea how they go about repairing that easily. Thanks

My limited experience of gel coat repair is with boats and once on some fibreglass components of a caravan when fresh gel coat was applied to the damaged area which is a bit like touchup paint. The gel coat can be mixed to the same colour as its surrounds. This can be done as a DIY in which case it will probably show up, or, it can be done professionally with no sign of the repair. The importance of repairing the gel coat is not just cosmetic but to ensure that water can't penetrate into the fibreglass which can then cause the fibreglass to delaminate. This is particularly important in boats. It is possible that your crack is only a scratch in which case it might be possible to fill and/or polish it out. Whatever the problem, I am quite sure a professional can make it go away.

by FreelanderUK Thu Jun 03, 2021 7:40 pm

They grind the crack out with a small dreamless like tool reapply a gel coat filler and sand and buff , depending on how large an area some repairs ate they may even have to paint it , highly unlikely in this case

by Mids Thu Jun 03, 2021 8:28 pm

Thanks for your replies.hope it can be repaired as easily as you say.when I first saw it. I was thinking the worst .new roof!! Do hope not. As I said van only 20 months old..shouldn't have happened!!.

by Guest Sat Jun 05, 2021 1:33 am

I've had this twice on my old Cotswold and again on my current Burford. Spiders web and crack type appearance. Only noticed as I always clean the roof.
All 3 times I've got a quote from a specialist, forwarded it to my dealer and Autosleepers have covered it under warranty.
Repairer says it happens on all makes of van and is usually easily repaired.
The cracks on the Cotswold were in different places second time, but they still said it was normal.
They don't cover every problem mind. One of my alko steadies has stopped lowering and they are saying it's an Alko problem, not theirs. Over £300 for new one's, so probably why.
I'd get a quote and forward it on. Not to me obviously!
Peter

by Mids Tue Jun 08, 2021 4:41 am

Update on crack.
Autosleeper need as to get a quote for a repair.dealer has recommended same one .so taking it tomorrow for them to look at it and give us an estimate

by Suppersready Tue Jun 08, 2021 10:15 am

Mids wrote:Update on crack.
Autosleeper need as to get a quote for a repair.dealer has recommended same one .so taking it tomorrow for them to look at it and give us an estimate

Would you be so kind as to update on the quoted cost .....

Niall.

by Mike187 Tue Jun 08, 2021 7:30 pm

Last year I had a star crack on the side of my roof. Luckily on the storage site I keep the van there is a one man caravan repairer, he charged me £80 for very good invisible repair.

There is also a mobile technician based there so the habitation service is also easily taken care of.

Mike

by Molly3 Wed Jun 09, 2021 11:15 pm

Mike187 wrote:Last year I had a star crack on the side of my roof. Luckily on the storage site I keep the van there is a one man caravan repairer, he charged me £80 for very good invisible repair.

There is also a mobile technician based there so the habitation service is also easily taken care of.

Mike

Good call it also saves a lot of hassle . I found a local repairer to do mine ,done on drive . Very easy diy repair if you have the basic skills .

by Mids Thu Jun 10, 2021 3:25 am

Had the estimate done and it will be forwarded to dealer. In turn to autosleeper. For authorisation to go ahead with repair. Will update the cost when available. Man in the garage said this problem is common problem and has repaired many all different makes and models. Makes me wonder why manufacturers dont try to resolve problem in there build process .he told me they are stress fractures. Dont expect this on a van that has done 4000 miles and cost£ 66.000 something older yes.

Over head crack

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Crack on roof

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