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Bill1159's avatar
Bill1159
Explorer II
Nov 18, 2025

1996 Skyline Nomad

I just bought a 1996 Nomad and I know nothing about campers but I am a mechanic and good with my hands. One of the things I've found is the roof leaks terribly and is rotted in places and also the walls. Right now my biggest issue is I've torn the cabinets half apart and can't find screws anywhere. I've read where some cabinets were screwed to the wall from the outside but I really don't want to have to tear the whole outside off. I'm I missing something? I also spent a cpl hundred on liquid rubber roof. Eternatape and lap sealant. Can I fix the roof with just that or do I have to rack up my cc to buy a new membrane? I have so many question and very little help. Any would be sincerely appreciated. 

6 Replies

  • The reason tin is easier is the fact that you can take it off and reuse it. With filon sides they are one piece. Also, new tin is available if needed.

  • I understand your situation and can appreciate you wanting to do the best you can with it. However, you have entered a different world and that world is trailer construction. You need to find someone that has been around trailers for a while so that they can look at your rig and tell you what you are in for. You have taken on a very major project that will need to be undertaken indoors. The appliances are the minimal side of the issues and are not the gorilla in the room. You are taking on a project that would tax a lot of experienced folks. Good luck and keep us posted.

  • Sorry to say but you are in for more than a new membrane. The rotted structure components will need to be replaced also. There is little extra structure that can take over when some parts give up. The integrity of the trailer relies on all those very lightweight pieces of wood being intact. If your unit has tin sides it will be a lot easier to repair.

    As far as the cabinets go, there is usually a trim strip over the screws. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

    • Bill1159's avatar
      Bill1159
      Explorer II

      I definitely know its a major project and I am no expert on them but I've already cut into the roof and the ceiling so i kinda feel like in for a penny, in for a pound now. I'll probably return the primer and most of the liquid rubber roofing material because i've already bought the new membrane. But  i do realize i'm gonna have to replace some of the frame but hopefully not too much. Plus all the spots that leaked, i'll have to replace the paneling inside too cause its rotted. I know i'll probably have too much invested in it but i'm 53 and i'll probably keep it for a long time. I do have a friend that has alot of experience with them but i need to get him to come look at it. I don't have anyplace inside that i can put it but i have a tarp over it and i figure i can work on the inside of it when the weather is bad and the outside of it on nicer days. The rear is going to be the hardest because its basically completely rotted and of course thats where the kitchen and batheroom is. What did you mean by its easier if the outside made of tin? Because it is.

    • Bill1159's avatar
      Bill1159
      Explorer II

      First off thank you for helping. Ive never had much luck with people replying to my questions on forums before. Anyway, originally i was going to tearout just the bad trusses and outer edge frame, and replace them, and just the areas of rotten roof boards. Then seal all the seams with Eternabond and cover the whole roof with liquid roof, but its hard to tell where just the bad wood is without cutting a bunch of the membrane so its looking more and more like i might have no choice but to remove everything and start fresh, which sucks because i just spent all that money already. I paid $1800 for the camper and didnt want to put that much in it, but i figure if i stick to maybe $2000 more budget and keep it for 5 or so yrs, maybe ill still get enuf out of it for an upgrade. It looks like i can get a new membrane and adhesive off Amazon for about 4-$500. I know its probably not top quality but it might have to do. I found sum screws for the cabinets that screw through from the inside but, from what it looks like the tops may be screwed from outside but im still digging. Maybe I can post sum pics to help. Some of the ceiling and inside paneling will have to be replaced but with the inside paneling going all the way up to the roof board im not sure where to start first. Oh and it is tin siding. I've tested most everything and so far, the electric works (although it kept tripping my gfci from the garage until i found a seperate outlet. I do have a dogbone inline.), the heater was working but then starting blowing cold air. I'll dbl check the propane or the sail switch but the propane was just filled. The water heater seems to work. The air conditioner was working but now it seems the fan isn't working (should be easy fix). The plumbing works in the bathroom, but the kitcken faucet blew air and spit a little water, now nothing there. The frig I'm not too sure about but so far does'nt seem to be working. Now that you know my life story, LOL, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

       More questions to come.🙄

      • Grit_dog's avatar
        Grit_dog
        Navigator III

        Your best bet would be to cut your $1800 loss now and see what (if anything) you can get for it. Return the roof patch materials for a refund and in the future if you want a rebuild project find one that they will pay you to haul it away as it costs money to junk a RV. 

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