Dented Side Panel Repair

[oregonn8v]

I am new to this board, and I'm already finding it to be a huge source of informaiton. I am currently looking at a 1999 Jayco Laurel Heritage.

The unit is in great shape, but there is a slight dent in the panel of the slide out. It does not bother me too much, but my wife says that it will always bug her. Is there any way to fix this? Can the panel be removed and the dent pushed out? Does the panel have to be replaced, and if so, is it expensive to do so? Where would I find a replacement panel?

Thanks in advance for the info.

Eric

1997 Ford Expedition (just waiting for someting to tow)

[SpeakEasy]

You might want to read "The Story" that I posted in the Campfire forum. While the damage my popup suffered was much worse than what you're describing, there is something I learned from it that you need to know. It isn't possible to remove and/or replace the side panel without dismanteling most of the popup. The tenting needed to come off, and I think they said the roof needed to come off too. I guess it's one of those things where "the shin bone's connected to the - knee bone; the knee bone's connected to the  - thigh bone, and so on."

[oregonn8v]

You might want to read "The Story" that I posted in the Campfire forum. While the damage my popup suffered was much worse than what you're describing, there is something I learned from it that you need to know. It isn't possible to remove and/or replace the side panel without dismanteling most of the popup. The tenting needed to come off, and I think they said the roof needed to come off too. I guess it's one of those things where "the shin bone's connected to the - knee bone; the knee bone's connected to the  - thigh bone, and so on."

SpeakEasy:

Thanks for the tale. I had to jump over after I read your response to my question. No, the dent in the trailer I am looking at is no where near the type of damage your unit suffered.

Do most PUers just live with the little cosmetic issues, or do they have a solution? I am going back out to look at the camper again this week, and I will get more specific measurements on the dent.

Cheers,

__________________
Eric and Beth

Madeleine (
Emily (6)
Alec (2)

1997 Ford Expedition (just waiting for something to tow)

[brainpause]

If there is a big dent, and it is simply cosmetic, and does not affect functionality, get the seller to knock off the price (if it isn't already), and get the camper. The dent won't keep you from camping. Not buying the camper will keep you from camping!

If it is something your wife cannot live with, buy the camper anyway. That is a winter project that can be done while the camper is stored for the winter. Don't eat into the camping season over cosmetics.

Larry