178 front corners coming apart

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   Hello rPoders,We got a used 2015 178 last summer and have taken it on a few trips. It had some obvious damage to the front left corner when we bought it, but it has gotten considerably worse over the last couple outings and I'm trying to figure out the best way to tackle the problem before we go on a SW road trip later this month. My first thought was to scrape out as much of the adhesive and caulk I can and then attach some short lengths of angle iron from the bottom and sides with self-tapping screws to try to pull it all back together. I'm also attaching a photo of where the diamond plate meets the tongue as there is damage there as well that might be related. 

Anyone encounter a problem like this before? Does angle iron seem like a workable solution?

Right front corner:

Left Corner:

Diamond plate:

Thanks much! I've learned so much from this board over the last year. 

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PodOfTheWest Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2021 Location: Napa, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Topic: 178 front corners coming apart Posted: 06 Jul 2021 at 1:50pm
	Hello rPoders, We got a used 2015 178 last summer and have taken it on a few trips. It had some obvious damage to the front left corner when we bought it, but it has gotten considerably worse over the last couple outings and I'm trying to figure out the best way to tackle the problem before we go on a SW road trip later this month. My first thought was to scrape out as much of the adhesive and caulk I can and then attach some short lengths of angle iron from the bottom and sides with self-tapping screws to try to pull it all back together. I'm also attaching a photo of where the diamond plate meets the tongue as there is damage there as well that might be related. Anyone encounter a problem like this before? Does angle iron seem like a workable solution? Right front corner: Left Corner: Diamond plate: Thanks much! I've learned so much from this board over the last year.
	-R 2015 178 1991 Chevy Suburban V2500

pedwards2932 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 21 Sep 2020 Online Status: Offline Posts: 337	Posted: 06 Jul 2021 at 3:26pm
	This is exactly what happened with my 2018 R189. Last trip out I had both sides drop like yours the right side had done it before and I pulled the strip and resealed and it didn't fix the issue. I found that the edges of the sides aren't sealed so the fiberglass outer portion has delaminated as well as the wood (not marine grade) has deteriorated. Here is where I am making the repairs: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14743&title=trip-damage-and-delamination I have finished repairing the delaminations and am getting ready to reinstall the railing. I am going to shoot 5200 sealer along the seam between side and floor....it is the strongest sealer I know about....gotta be careful as it is permanent. Once it has cured then I will remount all the railing using Dicor. I am still working on a support that will use the trailer frame to hold the corner in position. This all is because of 2 things....piss poor construction/design and really rough roads

PodOfTheWest Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 29 Jun 2021 Location: Napa, CA Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Posted: 06 Jul 2021 at 5:06pm
	Thanks for the input, a lot of great info in your thread. I'm going to start to open it up and see what can be done. I think you are right about the rough roads - I wasn't thinking it was a water issue as this has pretty much been a California summer Pod and is stored indoors.
	-R 2015 178 1991 Chevy Suburban V2500