It never fails! You have finally bought your dream: a motorhome! On their first cross-country trip, an inattentive “driver” backs into it. Of course, this is usually done by the compact car and you’ll never realize how they missed this monster of an RV. All that aside, now you need to find a reputable company that specializes in RV bumper repair. Here are some things to know about what this type of service entails, what to look for in a repair center, and other important information.
The Basics of RV Bumper Repair
Most of the newer models of motorhomes have plastic bumpers. In fact, nearly 95% of all vehicles now have plastic bumpers. Plastic is a bit more forgiving if there is a minor collision; however, there are times when you will need to repair a dent, scratch, scratch, stain, or even a crack. After all, there is a limit to how much plastic you can take!
Many people do not know that plastic welding exists. Sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? The best part about plastic welding is that it can eliminate the need for replacement parts in many cases. This can result in significant savings.
Plastic repairs don’t have to be limited to just the bumper area. Minor repairs in other areas, such as trim, can usually be done with plastic welding as well. How is this achieved? Special equipment and a highly trained technician are required.
The plastic welding process
The plastic repair process first begins with identifying the type of plastic, the extent of the damage, and the best method to return the damaged part to its original appearance. With some companies, the latter is an area that often falls short of expectations. However, if done correctly by a trained technician, there should be no evidence of completed work or original damage. Not all damage can be repaired. If there is extensive damage, you may want to consider replacing your bumper.
Once the type of plastic is correctly identified, the technician will determine if the damage repair should be done from the front or rear. Either side of the RV’s plastic bumper is acceptable. The technician will decide which one will give you the best access to the damaged area. In some cases, reinforcement welds can be placed on the back of the part, as well as the front, to restore the strength of the part.
If there is a protective border or decorative border in place, it will need to be removed so that there is enough room to work. Damaged areas of RV trim are usually replaced with an adhesive that will soften with heat treatment. A cold trim that is removed without heating can damage the trim. Once the trim has heated up enough to soften the adhesive, the trim should come off and can be reused after the process is complete.
The next step is to prepare the damaged area to accept a weld. This means removing any paint, debris, or plastic material that is inside the crack. Once the area is ready to accept welding, the technician will use a special welding tool and rod to add material to the damaged area. Even if material is missing, this type of repair can be done in most cases.
Once the weld is in place and cools, the area is ready for painting. Once this is complete, the technician will perform a final inspection to ensure no further work is needed. The plastic component must be as strong as the original and there must be no visible evidence of work done.
Why You Shouldn’t Try RV Bumper And Trim Repair At Home
The soldering iron can be as hot as 700°F. Unless you are very familiar with this type of equipment, you could be setting yourself up for serious injury. If the repairs aren’t completed properly, it can also cause additional damage, which could end up costing a lot more than you originally thought. It is best to choose the right company and leave this work to professionals.