RV Delamination Repair Tips // How To

I successfully completed the delamination repair on my 11 year old RV and it looks great now. Here are my top tips and tricks I learned that may help you with your delamination repair. It took a full week to complete the job, but only cost me around $200 in additional materials. I also share my delamination repair kit below. If you do ever have this problem, know that it's not the end of the world.

*GOING SOLAR? You DO NOT need to Start from Scratch*

*Video Topics*
00:00 Intro
02:11 The Delamination Repair Process
05:17 10 Tips For a Successful Delamination Repair
12:11 Before and After Results

*Materials and Parts You'll Need for this Project*

*More about this project*

My delamination was located on the rear side-panel of my RV where rain regularly runs off from the rain gutter. I typically keep the RV covered during the rainy months in the Northwest, but I'm guessing some rain had gotten behind the seam and softened the wood backing along the edge early on. Once a bubble starts, it just continues to grow through temperature changes of the seasons.

I only noticed the damage in the last two years, but the problem probably started many years ago.

Here's the the general process I followed to repair the delamination:

1. Remove edging, compartments and windows to get behind delaminated surfaces
2. Tape a large syringe and plastic tube to a long stick (injector)
3. Mix epoxy and load injector
4. Insert injector behind delaminated area
5. Push syringe to inject epoxy while slowly pulling the injector out
6. Press down on surface immediately after injecting to spread and bond epoxy to sides
7. Apply temporary clamp if possible
8. Repeat until you’ve treated a section
9. Clamp treated section until cured (15-24 hours)
10. Repeat for all sections

Here are some tips and tricks to increase the success rate of your repair:
1. Work from the bottom up
2. Mark the area to be treated with blue tape
3. Cover with plastic (drips and oozing)
4. Inject above area to be treated
5. Apply pressure after each injection (to spread epoxy, keep from collecting at bottom)
6. Buy the pump kit (mix quicker and accurately)
7. Mix small batches of epoxy (4-5 pumps)
8. Do not reuse injector for multiple days. Build a clean and fresh one each time
9. Have plenty of wedges ready and shims (I made eight, then another eight. It never seemed that I had enough)
10. Do a test run before treating each area

#rvwithtito #rvrepairs #rvdiy #rvlife #doityourself

*Disclaimer*
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.

*Affiliate Disclaimer*
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[CruizinWithTheCarsons]

DUDE! I have watched dozens of video's on YT as I am about to tackle some delam on my 2018 Keystone Montana. I have to say, this was by far the most impressive, detail oriented and informed video I've come across. Very well done, sir.

[richio]

Great walkthrough of the repair. Nice job!
Tip 11: Turn off all propane flames.
Tip 12: If needed, wrap tape around the wand to mark a certain place, so you know when you've reached a particular depth.

[takeitallin]

Brian, you're a great teacher.  You cover the fine points without getting repetitive and boring!  Thanks for your willingness to share your experiences.  Great job.  bg

[geraldhenrickson]

This is serious DIY stuff. It is good to know since delamination is too costly to have a dealer repair and without taking action...your entire rig can disintegrate over time. Thankd for showing us how you acomplished this.

[wtbman]

I just completed re-laminating one side/corner of my 5th wheel today. I used this guide and others and put my own twist on it. We'll see how it turns out. Epoxy is messy. The West system with the pumps is great! Makes it easy to mix.

[frankgioia]

in a word, wow! that was a massive undertaking. Power to you for doing it in the first place and showing it too.

[nonrev-mo]

Holy cow. That was a project. And you pulled that off. Can’t imagine how much a dealer would have charged. Guess they would have pulled the whole panel off and redone. You saved yourself BIG time cash. Looks great. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[georgemoomaw]

I am pretty handy - but not in a million years! I would never have the courage to bite off such a project. I did however enjoy your sharing this experience - thank you.

[RVHabit]

Pretty big project but well done. Number 10 is probably the most important tip. When working under time restraints you want to know exactly how to move forward. Awesome job that certainly deserves a pat on the back.

[johndiaz]

Very expensive repair if done by a shop. My previous 5th wheel delaminated before I had known what delamination was. Took it to a shop and 6500 dollars later it was fixed. Fast forward to my most recent toyhauler it had happened again. I did it myself and 500 dollars later it was fixed. I learned my DYI lesson but am still learning what should be rule #11.... caulk the seems on your rig religiously and I may never have to fix anything like that again. Thanks for the video you are awesome.

[RVgeeks]

Wow, Brian... that was a serious undertaking! Very impressive. We're definitely grateful that this is one problem we don't seem to be having, but if we should, you've made an eye-opening piece about how to address it.

[marilynstrunk]

Just had to write and say thank you for your video and links to all the supplies. We have a 2001 36' Itasca class A. We decided to change back bed to bunks. We knew the back wall was delaminated, but once in the wall, found the wood was dust. My husband and I worked together using your techniques and tips. Finished the last side wall tonight. It's not 100%, but it is SO much better. Thanks so much!

[cheapdaddy]

Great video! I love your encouraging statement that delamination is not the end of the world.

[starttherebellion]

Tito... you are one serious DIY'er! When I saw the title to this I almost skipped it knowing that it was above my DIY tolerance level, but after watching I could actually see myself doing this if needed. - Thanks for the great video!

[lr]

Thank you so much, so many videos are just the best thing is to prevent it, now where that is common sense, there is hardly any who tell how to do it. I bought a used RV that they hid a lot of issues, and I was a newbie to RV's. Luckily we were able to fix any leaks and repairs, there is a bit of deamination that occurred. Thank you so very much.

[gabrielhenry]

Maaaan very helpful and very well explained especially with your 10 tips that's usually something everybody has to go through themselves to understand just to find that they do not have the patience to finish

[clintstinytrailerconversio]

I have never had delam, Tito. Now have an airstream and won't face that, but will have other challenges, I am sure. But, as usual, you did an excellent job and where many may think it can't be done, you proved it could.

[johncrooks]

I have watched many of your videos on many different topics. I echo the comments that you are a great teacher and detailed as an engineer would be. Your attention to detail and quality is amazing and encouraging. Keep up the good work! I will keep watching.

[nighthawkflater]

I just got an older rv that I'm sure I will find issues as I start replacing the roof and renovating the interior. Good idea.

[duanemcbride]

It working!! I was also told that delamination was the end of the world and way too expensive to have professionally done. I wish I could add a pick of my set up! I’m doing a foot in the morning then a foot in the evening with the fast hardening and it’s working beautifully. Then I’m going to tape the edges with roofers flashing tape then replace trim!