Step by step guide on repairing a Camper Shell
Almost all of the pop up motorhomes available have both hard and soft shells. For the roof, pop-up caravans usually have a hard top. This type is a recent invention used by outdoor enthusiasts, particularly families who love the great outdoors. Simple camping trailers combine the comforts and convenience of larger camping trailers with the portability of owning a full-size tent.
Although pop-up caravans are generally easy to maintain, problems can arise, especially when used to house the trailer. There have been many cases where the outer layers become brittle. Also, RV covers are prone to cracking from cold weather or from years of use. Replacing the entire unit is not a great idea because a new one will be expensive.
Therefore, it is better to fix it, especially if it is minor. There are certain ways to mend camper shells and ensure more nights outdoors with campers.
Follow a simple guide that will explain in detail the easiest and most effective methods to repair a broken caravan. Must have sandpaper, fiberglass repair kit, alcohol refills, permanent marker, use of a stall or garage, and your own choice of paint and paint color.
Insulate the crack from the cover of the caravan. You have to mark the crack with a permanent marker. Marking the crack allows you to be optimistic that you will repair the broken section of the RV deck and not lose any part of the crack that still allows moisture to enter.
Roughen the area with the crack and the edges with the sandpaper.
The next thing you need to do is lay out the fiberglass cloth and cut it. You have to measure the length and width of the crack so that the length and width of the fiberglass completely covers the crack in the RV. Cut the fiberglass with 2 to 3 inches of overlap from its edges.
Mix the fiberglass epoxy clay and spread it over the crack. Apply only a thin coat over the crack and a thicker coat around the crack.
Place the cut part of the fiberglass cloth on top of the epoxy clay and spread another layer of epoxy clay on top of the fiberglass cloth. You can repeat this process 3 times to build a wide layer of fiberglass over the cracked area. 6th Step – You will have to let the fiberglass resin dry indoors for 1 to 2 days.
Once the resin is completely dry, lightly sand the surface and edges of the fiberglass cloth patch.
Using the alcohol swabs, dust and clean the area around the fiberglass patch.
You will paint the fiberglass area with touch up paint. Make sure the paint color matches the color of the caravan. If not, you may need to paint the entire top of the caravan shell.
The paint will dry after a day or two. After the top of the RV cover is dry, you can now use it for your next camping trip.
Tips when repairing caravan shells
Apply 3-4 coats of fiberglass cloth and epoxy clay over cracks. It is strong enough to seal cracks and make it waterproof. On the other hand, if the cracked area of the camper shell is within a high stress zone, apply 6 coats or more to the affected area.
Be very careful when sanding the area around the crack, as RV covers are sharp. It is advisable to wear gloves when repairing caravan shells.
