I am looking to buy a 2009 Jayco Discovery pop-top. The van looks quite clean, even though I doubt it has been detailed. One of my concerns is the outer finish on the firbreglass gel coating. Currently it is OK except for one area where the coating has been stripped away. I am concerned about the long-term durability of the gel coating. Has anyone here had experience with such a van. The van will be under cover when it is not being used so it will probably be OK, but if one area has stripped away, what about the rest? Your opinions would be welcomed.
patrol03 said
03:18 PM Aug 4, 2016
I do not own a Jayco but I would be inclined to have a talk to the people who repair fibreglass boats.You may be able to get a few tips concerning repairs on Gelcoat.
Sarge9 said
07:51 PM Aug 4, 2016
more information might be required ERAD, has a mechanical process been applied like sandpaper or angle grinder, or does it just look badly sun bleached and faded, or is it having a skin peel?
My limited experience with an old 1961 Atkinson truck and a couple of late 70's boats the gel coat remained as made unless it had been rubbed by tarps, or other repeated contacts. I managed to get a satisfactory result with a cut and polish. Most areas of the truck had been painted, so standard paint repair process was used.
I wonder if your van has had a repair and been painted too (My son has same vintage with an excellent repair but slightly less glossy paint on the repair).
Sarge
erad said
09:20 AM Aug 5, 2016
Thanks for your replies. I expected a few more, so maybe for most people the finish of the gel coating is not an issue. Only one area has been damaged - how I don't know, maybe a slight accident? I had a closer look at the van and decided that although it is 9 years younger than mine, mine is in better condition (not that this van is in bad condition). This van has a shower and toilet which was the drawcard. It is a fraction too high to fit in my shed, and nearly a metre longer which means I would have to clean out my shed, and probably that was the decider.... I think that this van has not been under cover, or if it has, one side certainly has been exposed to a lot of sun, hence my query. Sadly, I think I will give this van a miss.
macka17 said
12:11 PM Aug 10, 2016
Look at Evernew. Roadstar. Regal. Traveller. Roma. Trackmaster.
Royal Flair.
even the smaller Coromals in Tandem are good.
They all proven long term keepers, with a coupla others..
You can even get older Phoenix at good prices nowadays.
I wouldn't touch Jayco with the proverbial.
They proven one of the NOT so keepers.
I am looking to buy a 2009 Jayco Discovery pop-top. The van looks quite clean, even though I doubt it has been detailed. One of my concerns is the outer finish on the firbreglass gel coating. Currently it is OK except for one area where the coating has been stripped away. I am concerned about the long-term durability of the gel coating. Has anyone here had experience with such a van. The van will be under cover when it is not being used so it will probably be OK, but if one area has stripped away, what about the rest? Your opinions would be welcomed.
My limited experience with an old 1961 Atkinson truck and a couple of late 70's boats the gel coat remained as made unless it had been rubbed by tarps, or other repeated contacts. I managed to get a satisfactory result with a cut and polish. Most areas of the truck had been painted, so standard paint repair process was used.
I wonder if your van has had a repair and been painted too (My son has same vintage with an excellent repair but slightly less glossy paint on the repair).
Sarge
Thanks for your replies. I expected a few more, so maybe for most people the finish of the gel coating is not an issue. Only one area has been damaged - how I don't know, maybe a slight accident? I had a closer look at the van and decided that although it is 9 years younger than mine, mine is in better condition (not that this van is in bad condition). This van has a shower and toilet which was the drawcard. It is a fraction too high to fit in my shed, and nearly a metre longer which means I would have to clean out my shed, and probably that was the decider.... I think that this van has not been under cover, or if it has, one side certainly has been exposed to a lot of sun, hence my query. Sadly, I think I will give this van a miss.
Royal Flair.
even the smaller Coromals in Tandem are good.
They all proven long term keepers, with a coupla others..
You can even get older Phoenix at good prices nowadays.
I wouldn't touch Jayco with the proverbial.
They proven one of the NOT so keepers.
Don't look at pricing. Look at the reputations.