Micro-cracking on all exterior panels - anyone suffered from this?

[Chammer]

Hi all, I have a 2002 Crystal Champ that has developed an issue with micro-cracks appearing on all the exterior panels (photo attached). This has led to grey discolouration which is extremely difficult to deal with - washing does nothing and caravan/motorhome whitener is equally unsuccessful. The only thing that is even marginally successful is power washing inch by inch from a very close range, and this would take several days to cover the whole motorhome. Even then, the discolouration is reduced but not removed. Has anyone else experienced this, and does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Lenny HB]

That looks like Gel coat on a GRP panel breaking down. Only two options get it re-gel coated but that will be very, very expensive, or get it sprayed that will be very expensive.
If left like it is water will get into the fibre as there is very little resin in this type of construction it needs sorting fairly urgently.

 

[CazPaul]

It’s not a good idea to power wash any Motorhome from a close range, especially one with a problem like yours has.

You will just create lots of damp and not fix the exterior bodywork issue either.

 

[Trevor Wbm]

Yes, looks like a gel coat problem, happens on boats too. Bit of a bugger to fix without spending a fortune sadly. If you do opt for a paint job, try to get it done by someone who knows what they're doing - I've seen a few hand painted GRP boats on the canals that just look bloody awful, on the other hand there's some hand painted self-build campers that look really good. Another consideration would be wrapping it, perhaps after applying some sort of sealant, maybe.

 

[Landy Andy]

Hi all, I have a 2002 Crystal Champ that has developed an issue with micro-cracks appearing on all the exterior panels (photo attached). This has led to grey discolouration which is extremely difficult to deal with - washing does nothing and caravan/motorhome whitener is equally unsuccessful. The only thing that is even marginally successful is power washing inch by inch from a very close range, and this would take several days to cover the whole motorhome. Even then, the discolouration is reduced but not removed. Has anyone else experienced this, and does anyone have any suggestions?

Where about s on the vehicle is it? All over or just the roof?

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[BusyBuilder]

Get it Wrapped

 

[Just smiffy]

Jet washing the van so close is washing out the gel coat, you are making it worse…

only remedy now is to get it gel coated, a boat yard business is your most likely bet…

 

[Rusticrogers]

It started on mine a little bit but I wrapped it in vinyl so it won't cause any damp issues but you can see the crazing under the vinyl when close up