Roof Repair - where to start?

Clicky.

That was a great video (thanks for sharing) and should be mandatory viewing for anyone thinking of buying a used RV.

Also anyone that owns an RV and doesn't go up on their roof should watch this.

Thanks again all. Even after getting a fortune cookie this weekend that says "You will find hidden treasures where least expected" I decided this isn't the trailer for us. I think we will just rent one a couple weekends if we really need to test if we want a trailer or not!

:)

Video is fixed, but I don't think it shows much since I didn't know how hard to push at the time. This video has opened my eyes, especially the end when he is on the roof:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx0SPexRHgo

It all depends on the amount of funds you have and how handy you are at restoring it to a useable RV. If you have the funds and skills it would be a good project to restore it but if you don't ... then

I agree with westend that if you can get it for the right price it's repairable. If the appliances work, the rest of the repairs are more time consuming than costly. Go through the trailer and use any issues to beat them down on the price. Push on the outside walls to see if there is any give (rotted studs) and push on the ceiling. My guess is there's a good deal of rot with the roof being that neglected, but there's really nothing in a trailer that can't be fixed.

I'd assume, based on the lack of maintenance it also needs brakes and bearings in addition to tires, but they're fairly cheap if you plan to do the work. This is how we got into our trailer and it was a good (and sometimes frustrating) project. If you're looking for a project go for it.

I walked away from a 5th wheel with less roof damage. I agree with others...free is to much. This TT has not been properly taken care of....called a money pit. You can put all monies invested into something decent with a lot less labor and problems.

Step one is to take the side moulding off and lift up the roof. Then you can look at what is going on.

If you are as off your rocker as I am, you will then repair the damage you find. Considering the condition of what you showed us, I expect that all the plywood has to come off the roof. IF you find that the framing is salvageable, you can treat it all with clear penetrating epoxy sealant (CPES). That will both strengthen what is left and kill any mold or fungus that settled in. Then you re-skin the roof and re-adhere the aluminum.

You absolutely should understand what everyone is saying. DO NOT pay for that rig. It should be free, or it should go to the scrap yard. I would ONLY consider a repair if everything else in the rig was in good shape and the engine was totally healthy.

I foolishly paid for mine and put in hundreds of hours rebuilding the cabover. I cannot emphasize enough how big a project that old rig looks to be.

Cabover rebuild thread

Jose

Your video doesn't display, it says it's "private." Clicky.

I'm also always up for a challenge, and the saving grace on this project is it has an "all aluminum roof" (make 100% sure first.) But, not being able to see how bad the roof moves (or your interpretation of it) is a real show stopper.

If the roof is moving it is telling me that the structure is unsound and you will have to do a complete tear apart and rebuild before it can move. Now if all you need is a hunting shack, then just doing the roof repair is still a good possibility

downtheroad wrote:
Welcome to the Forum...
You wrote: "they said they could give me a good neighbor discount. "

FREE would be too much money.
They should pay you to haul it away.
If you need a project, why not mow the lawn or plant a garden.

Seriously, the above advice you have gotten about "running" is good advice.

This.

Get someone to come and test for mold. They even sell DIY mold test kits. It may look worse than it really is. It looks pretty bad but who knows.

westend wrote:
I don't know....
If you already have an RV in good condition, it might be a piece of junk but if you don't have anything to camp in it may be a godsend.

I appreciate everyone's input! Westend summarized my current sentiment well, but you all have help me realize what it is probably really worth. If they can sell it for anything they should, otherwise I will probably take it off their hands.

I will take a closer look inside when I can. I don't need or want a project, but I can rebuild any of the mechanical stuff myself to make it safe and am willing to, to see if the family really wants to go this route.

I have no desire to rebuild the interior though. If it is not a health hazard we would just leave it be. Heck, the way this winter in California is going it probably doesn't even matter if it had a roof! ;)