Diesel RV 2017 Winnebago Forza Crash Repair!
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- So not only did this 2017 Winnebago Forza crash, but the repair needs to be done quickly so the owner can use it in a few weeks. The guys at Cassone's RV are quite backed up with examples of poor driving driving habits on the American roadways. They asked me to re-build the front end of this motorhome so it can get back into the body shop for final fiberglass and paintwork.
This is a longer video, but hoped showing the whole process might be easier in one go rather than multiple videos.
Thanks for watching!
James ...your a legend , and these ppl with thier accidents are in good hands
"I'm gonna take some pictures...take a lot." Excellent advice!
I work on bowling alley machinery which is quite old & there aren't a lot of manuals out there for many of the things I work on. So I always, repeat, always take lots of pictures, step-by-step so I know exactly how everything should go back together.
Good stuff! I still find that I didn't take enough photos sometimes.
@@AZExpert hello, I can remember BEFORE CELL PHONES WITH CAMERAS, while working on roof top a/c units , but there ARE TIMESI forget I have it now. GREAT JOB SIR 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I can see that a good RV repairman is part mechanic, part auto body expert,
part electrician, part roofer, and part carpenter. Great work and I really enjoy learning more about how these machines are built and repaired.
There are so many overlapping trades with these units. It can be enjoyable with the constant variation, but very frustrating at times too. Thanks!
James, it really is awesome how you are giving us all of the great content that no-one else is providing! Thank you so much!
Glad you enjoy it!
@@AZExpert Most definitely, James!
I retire in 7yrs and hoping to go full-time in an RV. watching your videos is eye opening. The build quality of most RVs is suprising low for the cost. So im definitely learning all I can beforehand. Your videos show the real deal. Keep up the great work, you are a true craftsman.
Awesome! Thank you!
It will cost you Double ☺ what you think.
We are 20 plus full time now.
Lots of $$$$$$s needed.
Once again, beautifu, better than factory work.
I've learned a lot over the years...... As a DIYer I am always looking to expand my knowledge and share my experiences. One thing I've learned is manufacturers use little to no butyl; from the 90s onward. Cost saving and weight have always been their excuse. I believe the primary reason manufacturers use little to no butyl, in addition to increase profit margins in manufacturing, is to ensure sales remain strong as units with water damage get traded in for new units. Additionally dealership are happy due to strong sales and their services departments keep busy repairing water damaged units. Afterall it is the "owners responsibility" to ensure there are no leaks once they leave the lot.
Without butyl behind exterior trim and rails water will migrate down the screw treads and find a way in via various means. An exterior screw free of rust covered threads is rare on any unit three years or older. Which bring me to the belt line. From personal experience I would argue sealant is a requirement along the top and at each vertical joint of the belt line trim if the rail behind it has no butyl. Obviously James would know if this specific unit has butyl behind the belt line trim rail. The idea is to keep water from pouring down and filling the void behind the trim piece faster than the water can drain. I would argue sealing the top of the belt line is a must given the beveled edge of what could be a non-butyl backed rail with a bevel sloping toward the sidewall. As James already knows, without sealant or butyl water will migrate into the walls and floor via screws, abanonded holes, and where the sidewall may have been cut a bit short.
On my current unt (DRV Houston) there was not a piece of butyl anywhere on the unit. Every screw on the roof to sidewall trim was rusted from head to tip. The heads of over 20 fell off. Pulling off all trim of this fully painted unit, backing with butyl, and using stainless steel screws to replace all unpainted screws was a challenge ensuring no white gel coat was visible. Of course, my being a bit obsessive meant an unnecessary bead of sealant was added to all trim in addition to butyl.
When it came to the belt line I found all screw were rusted and the side wall was cut so short only a third of the screws penetrated it. In several areas the screws had nothing to sink into, just air. The trim simply screwed into the skirting where the sidewall was cut too short. Where the side wall was long enough the aluminum skirting over lapped, not underlying: thus allowing water to drain down the inside. Where there were leaks water passed behind the skirting and into compartments, where the floor decking was exposed/screwed into, and down into the underbelly insulation.
Despite all manufacturer claims and marketing, it is as if the industry as a whole designs these unit to fall apart in less than five years. From the time it was completed to my taking delivery she was leaking in several locations. Many failed sealant beads were too narrow or shallow to withstand travel and thermal expansion. Had butyl been used there likely would not have been any water intrusion. This includes where the sidewall was cut too short and where skirting over lapped the sidewall.
The dealership simply put on new beads and in a few locations actually went over the existing failed bead. I took on the task of pulling all trim, adding butyl, and replacing all unpainted screws. This June I had the pleasure of replacing some of the insulation in the underbelly when the smell of mildew began to permeate the basement; and the rest of the unit each time the furnace kicked on.
So that is my long drawn out explanation of why sealant is necessary over the top of and the vertical joints on the belt line trim where no butyl exists. Because this trim is aluminum its is going to sweat in the void: liquids need to drain and vapor needs to escape. Therefore there should not be any sealant along the bottom of this trim.
If anyone feels the butyl free belt line trim on the subject unit should not be sealed as I explained, please, please tell me why you would not seal it. I genuinely want to know where my logic could be flawed.
Just to be clear my comments are not directed at James or his crew. These comments are the personal views of a DIYer based on experience.
Cheers!
James, I have to admit that your idea of "Should be a lot of fun" and mine are quite different. Your outcomes are much more rewarding though.
Thanks again for your time putting together the videos. Stay safe and healthy, brought to you by Hardees.
LOL! That's clever about Hardees
Only a man with those skills can rock that hat 😁. Love your vids thanks.
Thanks 👍
My daughter came in and said “ Dad what are you watching?” In a bit of a disgusted tone. I laughed and said “This is good stuff”
Thanks for showing us how it’s done!!!!
LOL. Thank you!!!!
Your building my confidence with each and every video.
thank you!
Good repair. Helps if you are familiar with each coach and how they are put together.
Good job, buddy ... Leaned a lot about the 34T Forza... have an 18 ... same model and colour scheme ... Hope to 'never' need your services - Stay Healthjy ...!!!
Right on!
Very nice. Thanks for the video James. Happy trails!
Thanks for watching!
I myself had just repaired a drivers front side crash very similar to this one on a 2006 Country Coach Allure 460. I was able to slide the generator tray out of the way which sure helped matters.
You are a technical/mechanical genius.
:) I'm just a guy trying his best
Thank you
You're welcome
Tell Chad to work quieter! Excellent work as usual. Learning a lot. Cheers.
Will do!
Looks better already. Nice work!
I think so too!
James, that Forza has a Magnum MS2012 Inverter. Magnum stresses that when removing the batteries that you need to remove the Positive connection first and then the negative. The reason being that when the negative is removed first the inverter's electric control boards will look for a negative elsewhere and it "can" destroy the control boards. The inverter is not on the main power solenoid cutoffs but usually there is a rotary knob (old fashioned "salesman switch") cutoff mounted adjacent to the inverter on the positive cable to the battery. If that rotary cutoff is off then you can remove negative battery cables without worry. However, if it's on you should disconnect the positive battery cabling first. Also, Winnebago wires the inverter to the batteries directly and usually somewhere in the middle of the battery bank. Hope this helps.
On the battery bank, you'll notice I removed two main grounds, one goes to the inverter and the other is the main 12vdc ground/chassis. Thanks!
Would love for you to do a review on that cordless rivet gun. I know people do reviews but a lot of them have all these shiny new tools but seldom use them. I can tell your tools are worked hard. And a honest opinion from someone not sponsored would be a breath of fresh air.
I can appreciate that. If I don't get around to it, I will tell you that rivet gun is fantastic. I expected it to struggle and be slow. It's crazy expensive but if you do pop rivets hands down a great investment. Handles steel and stainless steel rivets easily.
@@AZExpert The fact that it is so expensive and not a common tool would make the review even more compelling . thank you
I'm really enjoying all of these videos! I know this is random but that is a very loyal impact driver you have!
You have a very good eye. It's a Craftsman Nextec driver. The series was discontinued almost a decade ago, but I have 10 or so batteries that are very long lasting and a slew of tools for them. New "old" stock is still available so it's been very difficult to let go of the past and move on. I think I've gone through 2 drivers in 10 years and it's a workhorse. I have a Milwaukee replacement set which is very similar as a backup, I just really like the Nextec though.
You need a "Quiet on the set" sign for Chad! Lol
Shops just don't care about sounds and filming or my feelings. It seems personal :)
Great work you do
Thanks!
Super Video James. More so because I own one of these. I learned a ton.
You must just work, edit and sleep because your video production rate is phenomenal.
I don't have many hobbies. But I am happy to hear you enjoy the videos. Encouragement does make the editting more enjoyable, :)
Thank you James for this and all your videos. After seeing how Winnebago's are made, I'd damn sure never buy one. Just my opinion from seeing just how poorly they are made.
Probably by the cheapest help they can find. Thoroughly disappointed in them.
Regards, Myk
Thanks for watching!
James you are an artist enjoy the rebuilds stay safe and healthy and merry Christmas to you and your family
thank you, yours too!
That shop isn't afraid of anything. They got you in the back pocket lol. Before I built my steel building I parked my coach at a storage yard. Came to see it one day and the drivers side mirror is bent backwards and broke. My spot was way in the back and the owners tried to see who hit it on the security video. We knew who did it (landscaping truck) but the owner said he could not see any matching damage and the cops said the same. So, I found a used mirror online and fixed it. Feel bad for the one that had the grill caved in like that along with the one rear ended. You mean I could start today ordering a few parts at a time. A few years I have a new coach!
That's my feelings too. I have more fear then they do for sure.
@@AZExpert what do you think of Cummins Coach Care?
Or is that a loaded question?
They called you because they needed “The Expert”.
They definitely called the right man... for that job thank you for sharing man and Merry Christmas🎄🎅🎄
Thank you, Merry Christmas too!
fascinating. Love the longer video too
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
@@AZExpert very much. Thank you!!
Keep Chad on his toes! Thanks for the video! Respectfully, Kevin
Will do!
From A to Z, the expert puzzle builder. 😄 👍🏼 🍻
Doing these does feel like a puzzle or lego build so it is satisfying. Thanks!
Another job well done. And you do more with one hand than I could do with two....and someone helping me lol
I really appreciate that, thank you!
That was the biggest little job I think I've seen in a loooonnng time.
Thanks for watching!
Wow I didn't know you could get all those parts pre made. Also the installation seems simpler than I would have imagined.
Yes, Winnebago manufactures nearly all the components in house even the extruded aluminum.
This repair look pretty easy to do thanks to Winnebago and the availability of parts so easily attained makes me thinking that if I ever get a motorhome maybe a Winnebago is the right way to go. And I do have a theory why all of a sudden you have all of these wrecked motorhomes that need fixing more and more people are buying motorhomes and traveling and not used to the height, they are used to cars.
It was very straightforward. Winnebago has great legacy support due to having the tooling and molds for the components, but with the exception of the extruded aluminum, most shops should be able to fabricate the pieces if needed.
You are the master.....
thank you
That’s too funny with the seal, I have ordered an aircraft seal from a private aircraft manufacturer, supposed to 12 foot received 1 foot. Again throughly enjoy your videos.
I just have to wonder about the person pulling the part, thinking yeah, this is what they wanted.
Looks like the old utility box could have been saved but clearly it was way easier to put in a new one..... not having to do metal work.
Another mighty fine job done!
You have really good patience..or ya cut all that out..lol
I always cut out the swearing
Great job
😍Chad!🙋♀️ hey, James, was the first 27 minutes, one day of work!??? You got ALL that done in one day!!???👍🏆you still like working on tanks😘😅😂😎
yes, but I don't think I started until 10 or so.
Sounds like good job security!👍
RVs always need work, it can be heartbreaking
Impressive. Great job. 👍
Thanks! 👍
Perhaps the rash of accidents was tied to the explosion in RV usage after c19 and remote working became the norm...
Awesome job guys 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks so much!
I have a 14 Forza 34Y, this was fascinating to watch. On thing which really astonished me is that they body panels are on hinges. Was that standard construction? Also, the 14 forza has much better latches. Great videos!
Yes, Winnebago's done this contruction method since the 90's
Howdy I’m Mark Wirth I just want you to know that I can really relate to you and your videos! I own an
1995 South wind 36’ diesel pusher ! I have two
Air conditioners . Both my
Roof cowlings for the ACs need replacing! I was wondering if you knew where I could get replacements ?
Subway Foot! LOL
I'm glad someone appreciated that!
Came here to find this comment. It’s one of my pet peeves. Don’t lie about my food!!step it up Subway
Did they give you a price on the labor for replacing the two rear bags.
Have you tried a forehead mount for you GoPro? It would free up your other hand. A few 3/4" #8 screws in your scull and you're good to go! 😉
The GoPro really makes inside shots look awful. Besides, I can't tell where I'm shooting with a body mount.
Satisfying
All those damaged RVs!! Gee everybody wants to be on the AZ Expert channel!! lol!
I don't think I had much to do with most of them being there. But thank you!
Man you do good work!
I appreciate that!
Carl's Jr: F You, I'm Eating! Enjoy your Extra Big Ass Fries!
So when everything is repaired and it goes to paint will they remove all that work to paint? Have to realign everything after paint?
I sealed my beltline on my Fleetwood and it does do something on it. Winnebago is a weird brand lol
Great Job!
Thanks!
When did you start as a technician? Was it something like, "I don't have enough chaos and trauma in my life, I think I'll become an RV Technician" ?. Just asking because I'm looking at certifying RVIA after I retire from what I'm doing now as an Industrial technician.
It started out of necessity but I have been doing it for over 20 years now
When your good, folks coming to you for help.
I think desperation is a bigger driver . LOL
I've done merchandising and jobbing in a past life. How in the world can you possibly bid a job like that? That would have to be time and material or a flat labor rate per hour.
It's very similar to a autobody insurance claim. You break down the needed repairs into labor time and parts/material. If you run into something during it, you submit a supplement to the insurance company. Standard RV repair labor here is $125/hr $95/ RV body labor. Thanks!
Maybe it's just me but....
When I spend all that money on an rv I want a huge bumper on the front.
Is that too much to ask?
You can always duct tape some inner tubes
Great info as always!! After an accident does the repair facility or the insurance co. check for other damage? Like slides, electronics, water systems, etc? And they mount body panels (fender) on hinges? Thx!
It's just like a car accident. The insurance company would send out an adjuster and inspect and approve damage from the accident. The owner would also have to make claims about anything that was working and not due to the accident. The owner would still have to be satisfied with the repair too. Thanks!
😂😂😂 i died a subway footlong
How long did it take to get parts from WB ?
surprisingly a month I think. I didn't order them, but I asked that too
Did you fix that bent generator exhaust?
Yes, thank you
Some. Of. The. Stuff. You. Get. Yourself. Into. Ha. Ha. Good. Job
If you ever meet me in real life, I'm generally grumpy and stressed because of the stuff I get myself into. :)
18:49 Get to the choppa!!
LOL
Our bosses think it’s a 5 minute job for us pros. Huh!
Well, insurance and warranty companies for sure do.
Anouther video ✔ done
thanks for watching
That Chad is a lazy SOB . You can tell him I said so .lol
I tell him that everday I see him, but only in jest
"bad Chad"
LOL!
Hi James, Can you say job security :)
oh I know it.
Beautiful Job, but, Boy are Rv's cheap as far as construction...
They certainly are
Covid 19 made a bunch of new campers
You got that right for sure!
"I like money"
If only Carl's Jr WAS paying me. :)
Hey Chad. Shutty uppy.
so noisy
Hhhh hhhhhhhhhhhh هههههههههه ههههههههههه ههههههههههههه
many times
dum dum!
My friend Bob always called butyl putty dum dum, I thought it was funny.
@@AZExpert it’s all I’ve ever known it being a auto tech
Any chance you'll come to Athens Tennessee and seal up a Winnebago roof
Great job
thank you!