Exterior Pitting Issues

[AJalbert]

Does anyone else have issues with pitting or pocking on their exterior of their coach? We have a 2006 Magellan and it's exterior looks like a bad disease.

[Phil Saran]

Has it been hit by hail? Or did you drive through a construction zone?

[Beacher]

All the pits are directional. That means that something hit the fiberglass. Rocks, gravel?

The good news is that it's really easy to fix gelcote.

[AJalbert]

They are all over both sides and it isn't from rocks or hail damage. Every year more and more keep showing up. They are at the top and the bottom.
Someone said it could be from moisture in behind? Also one one side the panel has partially let loose from the coach.

[Beacher]

Originally Posted by AJalbert

They are all over both sides and it isn't from rocks or hail damage. Every year more and more keep showing up. They are at the top and the bottom.
Someone said it could be from moisture in behind? Also one one side the panel has partially let loose from the coach.

Hmm? I have been around fiberglass boats, and RVs most of my life, and I have not seen that type of age-related degradation due to moisture, even if it's been sitting in a swamp for twenty years.

It's possible that when the fiberglass sheet was being manufactured there were small contamination inconsistencies in the resin, or the surface. And now, when the fiberglass is aged, (and completely gassed-out), those inconsistencies are popping out.

All fiberglass gets old and brittle. It's only a matter of delaying the inevitable aging process with good cleaning and regular waxing practice. By the crazing, it appears that the fiberglass is very dried out and weathered.

You very likely have three options.

1. Patch the obvious damage. Sand/Polish/wax and call it a day.
2. Patch the damage, then paint the entire coach, (if it's worth it).
3. Replace the entire damaged panels with new fiberglass sheet.

[AJalbert]

We are just in the process of seeing about replacing the whole exterior panels on both sides. Not sure how much it will cost! �� The coach is 9 years old. It is just weird that each year more and more come to surface. I have read forums that say it is called pocking or pitting. Alfa apparently had big problems with this.

[Tracesiler]

I also have the same pitting issues on my 2006, albeit much worse than the picture you posted. Been trying to figure out how to fix. And you are correct- it looks like a bad case of chicken pox or something! Any new suggestions?

[Chateau_Nomad]

Looks like buckshot. The BEST cure is PREVENTION. Keep it clean and free of oxidation. Then ALWAYS keep a protective coating on the decals and gelcoat.

Once the decals show signs of cracking or peeling, they're history. There's "fixes"... but all are just patches. Many YouTube videos out there on these fixes... which vary from removing, replacing and painting over.

[ducksface]

Sand
Then
Seal
Then
Wrap.

$20,000

But
It will never stop.

[Hugh.vines@att.net]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Sand
Then
Seal
Then
Wrap.

$20,000

But
It will never stop.

If you put some sort of name on the wrap you can deduct on your taxes as advertising

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Hugh.vines@att.net

If you put some sort of name on the wrap you can deduct on your taxes as advertising

Even better... if you own the company doing the restoration and wrap!

[Whitey2insk]

Originally Posted by AJalbert

Does anyone else have issues with pitting or pocking on their exterior of their coach? We have a 2006 Magellan and it's exterior looks like a bad disease.

I have the same issue. I am considering using a rubber paint or Linex type product to address this.
Any comments would be appreciated.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Whitey2insk

I have the same issue. I am considering using a rubber paint or Linex type product to address this.
Any comments would be appreciated.

Some of my friends used wrinkle paint on their car wheels back in the day. But we were just kids. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.