1997 Coleman Westlake- ABS roof crack repair attempt.

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Ole1830

Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2005
Posts
12
I bought this trailer used about 4 years ago.  Last November, I took it out for a deer scouting trip.  I was shocked and disappointed to see the cracks that had appeared in the past year. 

After my first attempt at repairing the cracks (I used ABS cement, unsuccessfully), I tried MEK/ABS paste, with fiberglass drywall mesh for reinforcement. 

I worked on it yesterday for about 4-5 hours. 

As of now, the patch work is mostly done.  I might put another coat on the repair areas tomorrow.  I know they aren't pretty to look at, but the repairs feel pretty solid for the most part.  I hope they hold up for a year or two.  :)  I really enjoy this trailer and it's in great shape, other than the failing roof. 

 
Image tags don't seem to be working.  :(

Here are the links to the pictures:

http://picsorban.com/upload/crack1step1.jpg
http://picsorban.com/upload/crack1step2.jpg

http://picsorban.com/upload/crack2step1.jpg
http://picsorban.com/upload/crack2step2.jpg

http://picsorban.com/upload/crack3step1.jpg
http://picsorban.com/upload/crack3step2.jpg
http://picsorban.com/upload/repairarea1.jpg

http://picsorban.com/upload/crack1.jpg
http://picsorban.com/upload/crack1repaired.jpg

http://picsorban.com/upload/crack2.jpg
http://picsorban.com/upload/dsc00060.jpg

http://picsorban.com/upload/dsc00062.jpg

 
Most of the major cracks were on the right side, where the awning was mounted.  I won't be putting the awning back on there.

There are small cracks all over the shell.  I've read this is a common problem with these roofs. 
 
I have a 2001 Coleman Westlake that has developed hairline cracks on the left side of the top of the trailer. Having read many of the weblogs, I decided to use the 3M Marine Adhesive/Sealant Fast Cure 4000 UV to do the job. I drilled a 1/16 hole at the ends of the cracks in order to keep the cracks from spreading. I must of had over 60 hairline cracks along the roof top. The time it took to drill and spread in the white sealant took approximately 2 hours. I just used my fingers and a clean cloth to keep the surface clean. We will see how durable the sealant lasts but this appears to do the job and was an easy and inexpensive fix. The sealant was white and blends well with the ABS roof top.

2001 Westlake
2004 Honda Pilot
 
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