There's a strange dearth of repairers in Adelaide. Everyone I call refers me to someone else. Who refers me to someone else. Who says they can't do it.
I hit an overhanging branch while parking. Crack isn't even that bad.
I'll also need some work on the door which, separately, I managed to smack when it popped open while I was while I was parking.
I'm thinking maybe people just go to Victoria, were the manufacturers are?
Trying to find a place to do this has been so bizarre I feel like my great aunt when she was going around trying to get her answering machine repaired - one of even then (20 years ago now) ancient things with the two cassettes. Guys at the shop were just staring at it, trying to delicately tell her to just throw it away and buy a new one for 20 bucks.
I'm pretty sure I'm not the only guy who's ever put a crack in a motorhome shell. I'm pretty sure most people don't just junk it and buy a whole new one.
I would be looking for a fibreglasser, maybe a surf board maker, boat builder or someone like me, as I do that a lot, repair fibreglass, but I am 2500km from you. You can buy kits from Supercheap/Bunnings, and with the instructions, and a non damp day, it is easy to repair. In the mean time get yourself some quality gaffer tape and block the crack otherwise, water will leak inside, do damage , never dry, as it is very hard to get out.
-- Edited by Bicyclecamper on Tuesday 23rd of May 2023 04:43:49 PM
I have no idea whereabouts in Adelaide you would get your motorhome shell repaired
Perhaps driving the vehicle to some of the local fiberglass repairers, and asking for a quote, may be better than just ringing around
When you do find a mob that will do the repairs, it would be good if you came back, with a recommendation, as what happened to you, will happen to others
Ric's above advice is good advice - I cannot offer any repairers in South Australia
Perhaps if you contact Colin Young at Caravan Council of Australia, he may be able to point you in the right direction - be aware that most caravan repairers are booked out for months.
CARAVAN COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
3 Margaret Street,
Parkdale VIC 3195
T: 0409 865 399
F: 03 9587 1828
I'll assume that you are insured and advise you to contact your insurer.
It won't be a cheap fix and depending on the amount of damage sustained, it might be very costly.
In the interim, advise your insurer of the problem. Depending on how handy you are, get a repair kit and seal up the damage to prevent water getting in. If not handy, get someone to do a temporary repair , just to make it waterproof
Look up yellow pages for Fibreglass Fabricators they will do the job no matter the materials involved, it's just a matter of getting an address and going for a drive.
There should be an abundance of fibreglass repair businesses, or even mobile fibreglass repairers around. Let your fingers do the walking, you will eventually find one.
How bad is the crack/damage. A picture would be nice
The BEST glass repairer in Oz is Brett Murray. He was head of fibreglass for Marinero Yachts. He is in Maroochydore, contact details: Southeast Fibreglass Repairs
07 5443 1036 WWW.Southeastfibreglass.com.au
I think you're right... but it's just bizarre how hard it is to find anyone todo this.
I did contact a fiberglass repair shop that does at lot of boats but had a photo of a motorhome (parked at their door, since it couldn't fit inside). They said they're booked out until next year.
Most places say they things like they don't have doors big enough.
Even the guy who runs the annual Caravan Show didn't know.
Also, it probably needs to be pushed slightly to close the gaps - it's cracked atop and below the window. Wondering if I can push it against a tree or something... but that's the sort of repair attempt that tends to go catastrophically wrong.
Thank you. I got some mighty tape. I think there's a bit of flex. Because it snapped in the middle.
I'll put some pics. I've been overwhelmed with sense of defeat on this. Three of us have been calling business after business. Start to wonder things like, Is this a dream? Are they indeed disposable? Has the country become that deskilled?
For my sanity, I had to back away from it for a bit.
Kippr, definitely don't try to close gap be slowly driving into tree or any other fixed object - You may be able to utilise a ratchet strap to slowly pull edges together. Genuine Gaffer Tape or Gorilla Tape will hold without tearing if it is not being twisted.
You can always cover the crack/hole with plastic or vinyl patch taped over it.
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