Shower base

[Local150]

I have found a small crack in shower base, welcome to ideas how to fix it. But 1st how do I determine if it is fiberglass or acrylic for a lack of better terms plastic. Thanks, oh ya it is 2012 Denali 5th wheel.

[sundancer 87]

Originally Posted by Local150

I have found a small crack in shower base, welcome to ideas how to fix it. But 1st how do I determine if it is fiberglass or acrylic for a lack of better terms plastic. Thanks, oh ya it is 2012 Denali 5th wheel.

Maybe you can remove the shower drain and look in the hole for fibers that might be there.

[Local150]

Good idea

[dsol]

I would be shocked if it was anything other than plastic—but that is just a guess.

[Local150]

I tend to agree with you, it sure seems like plastic to me. It has a small crack any ideas on how to fix it ?

[dsol]

Well that depends how concerned you will be with the look of,the repair.

If you can live with an obvious repair make then the easiest would be caulk and probably clear which will be less obvious than white. And if you don’t like the look of this one you can remove it.

Another option is JB Weld which will be more permanent but harder to redo if necessary.

Pool supply stores also carry products for patching and repairing pipes too that actually can be applied under water and still work.

Personally, I would do any of the above before trying to remove and replace the existing base which would be the best option but also the most time consuming and expensive.

[franktafl]

Originally Posted by Local150

I have found a small crack in shower base, welcome to ideas how to fix it. But 1st how do I determine if it is fiberglass or acrylic for a lack of better terms plastic. Thanks, oh ya it is 2012 Denali 5th wheel.

is the crack near the center (drain) or away from the center? Is because the shower pan flexes when you step on it? My shower pan always felt like i was going to step through it because it flexed so much. IF it flexes, I would look at the inspection hole to see if there is any way to prop it up then, one option would be to probably put some Eternabond tape on it (from the top). If it doesn't flex and the crack won't spread, you may consider puting some Gorilla Silicone on it (IMO) but my first inclination would be the Eternabond.

[Local150]

I sanded it down with some 80 grit, then used jb weld for acrylic, will try that 1st, if it doesn't I will have to grind the jb off and go to plan B. It was a hairline crack but I put the jb about 1/2 wide. Time will tell, thanks everyone for your comments

[rich2481]

my problem is how flexible our shower is, and has a opening where to see all the wires come thru the hack job from Manu,, I put in some dense foam to help but if I was going to fix a crack, I would replace it.

[BertF]

My shower base cracked, and after investigating, I found that the base had a double floor. The lower portion was well supported, but there was a gap between the lower and upper floor, which was nearly impossible for me to fix, and it was the cause of flexing in the base. I fixed the crack at first with JB Weld, but it did not last because of the flexing. I then fixed it with eternabond, and the problem is solved. Not the prettiest repair, but function is more important than appearances, especially when it comes to leaks.

[steve weston]

I was amazed how "flexible" the shower floor was (is) in my QB200. I opened the inspection access door and still cant believe what a piss poor installation that Kodiak did. I have many issues with this brand of trailer and if I could have a do over, I wouldn't...
Speaking of awning motors: Mine will not retract if fully opened. Its ok is out to the last two feet but all the way out is another pisser...

[Local150]

I almost used eternabond, if this doesn't work thats my next step. I was going to drill a couple small holes on base then fill it with expanding foam to support it. But real hard to drill a hole in it, just sounds dangerous lol

[steve weston]

I too thought about "foaming" in under the shower pan but then realized that doing repairs later on would be a disaster. All the foam would need to removed which could be a pain. Looking under the pan I saw 2x2 wood blocks that are supposed to stiffen the floor but that is another piss poor solution. Dutchman
(Kodiak) must be a lower end trailer. We like the looks and layout but after you own one for awhile you get to see defects. My fiberglass front cap must have been built by a fourth grade class and then my rear fiberglass is separating from the plywood ..... If I purchased again I would consider a metal exterior..
OK, enough. Sorry for ranting...

[franktafl]

maybe you can experiment with "foaming" pillows. Take a plastic bag and let it expand. Would not be an issue to get it out as much as it would be if you just sprayed that stuff and filled in the whole thing. They make an expanding foam that is hard. Maybe try postlock expanding foam or some such thing.

[ATCguy]

Originally Posted by steve weston

...Dutchman
(Kodiak) must be a lower end trailer. We like the looks and layout but after you own one for awhile you get to see defects...

ALL of the rigs in this price range (under $250k) are the Ford Pintos & Chevy Vegas of the RV world... regardless of the manufacturer or brand. It’s strictly quantity over quality on the plant floor. As the rigs move from station-to-station on the line, the assemblers only have a set amount of time to complete their installs... and they ain’t stoppin’ the entire line for a single hold-up.

Once that notion is firmly implanted in your head... the repair & maintenance routines become much simpler to deal with.

[Local150]

No way to get under the base in mine, other than drilling a hole or 2

[steve weston]

Most excellent idea. I might try that :in the bag" process.

[steve weston]

Isn't there an inspection panel in the front of your shower pan ? Mine is a panel about six by 10 inch for working under the pan.

[Local150]

Wish mine did but it doesn't

[steve weston]

I didnt think mine had the removable door but I went and looked. Sure enough, there it was. Just below the door and about two inches off the floor. I wonder why some do and some dont have the access. What if the shower drain needs work ? There has got to be a way to get to the drain pipe....