Question about cracking

[Martha in Tennesse]

Hi, Everyone. I'm new to this site and have enjoyed learning from the many helpful people here. I'm in the market for a FG egg, and I'm wondering how much to worry about what people call hairline or spider cracking. Here's one photo--this is right rear of trailer, mostly around the belly band. Should I be concerned as a potential buyer? Thanks in advance for your comments and advice!

[John in Michigan]

The gelcoat cracks appearing along the belly band in your photo appear to be superficial cracks, i.e., its unlikely they extend into the fiberglass and unlikely they affect the structural integrity of the camper.

[Martha in Tennesse]

Originally Posted by John in Michigan

The gelcoat cracks appearing along the belly band in your photo appear to be superficial cracks, i.e., its unlikely they extend into the fiberglass and unlikely they affect the structural integrity of the camper.

Thanks for your insight, John!

[Borrego Dave]

Originally Posted by Martha in Tennesse

Hi, Everyone. I'm new to this site and have enjoyed learning from the many helpful people here. I'm in the market for a FG egg, and I'm wondering how much to worry about what people call hairline or spider cracking. Here's one photo--this is right rear of trailer, mostly around the belly band. Should I be concerned as a potential buyer? Thanks in advance for your comments and advice!

H Martha, hairline or cracks like that in gel coat are not out of the ordinary with a lot of items built of FG. If I had to venture a guess, I'd say being out in the sun/age and elements 24/7 cause most of them. Cracks in areas that have stresses on them is another story. Good luck in your search.

[Martha in Tennesse]

Dave, thanks for your reply! Helps hearing from people with more experience than I have.

[Vtec]

Hi Martha,

I have a few hairline cracks on the same corner or our 2010 Casita SD. For a few minutes I was concerned but after careful examination there was no sign of any accident trauma or bumping, the belly band looks perfect. Stress during manufacture or whatever it was from is only superficial in my case and likely yours too.

[Jack L]

I have one spot on my Bigfoot with spider web cracking and I had two fiberglass boats with similar cracks'. They are annoying but they are only cosmetic. With both boats and the trailer, the cracks never changed at all. Fixing them would require removing the gel coat over the entire area and applying new gel coat, which is a major job. Filling the cracks or covering them will not work. They just reappear. Gel coat is very hard and brittle. The fiberglass underneath has some ability to flex. I would just leave the situation alone and enjoy the trailer.

[Martha in Tennesse]

Big thanks to all who replied. You are helping educate this newbie and making me feel comfortable enough to get serious about a potential buy! Hope to be camping soon!