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frank33v's avatar
frank33v
Explorer
Oct 10, 2016

Does this roof need work?

We looked at a fifth wheel yesterday and really like the floor plan. But it has some delamination that makes me think at one point it had a leak. The delimitation is on one section in the back left corner and the ladder on the back wall in that corner seems to be loose. However I see no signs of water penetration inside. No musty smell, no soft walls or floors/roof. The cabinets have a dead spot in the corner of the wall with the delamination. I removed draws and got into the area and it is clean and solid.

It's under consignment and I was told that the roof was replaced at some point. It is a 2004 Keystone Challenger. I am a newbie to evaluating these things. Is it possible for a small leak to cause delimitation, the source of the leak be fixed, and everything else be ok in the long run??

I have pictures of the delimitation and a little video of the chaffing that occurs on the roof when I push on it or rub my finger on it. It seems dried out and perhaps needing to be replaced again? We really like the trailer otherwise...30' fifth wheel with good floorpan and a king bed! Thoughts..

Link to delamination

Video of roof

Picture of whole roof

20 Replies

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  • mayo30's avatar
    mayo30
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    The roof is shot,look at the lifting under the membrane along the edges.Staples have come loose from roof edge roll.
  • frank33v's avatar
    frank33v
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    From what I felt the decking felt solid. Wall under delam also felt solid. There had to be some rot on the back though I suspect for the ladder to be loose but I did not feel/knock around to much on that wall. Price is $9,900 could probably get for less. 29 rear kitchen model. I am not afraid of putting some money into it...but how much is too much. I don't want to replace walls.

    I suspect the roof is drying out and not leaking yet...but how soon will it leak.

    Thanks for the heads up on the light being the source for the delimitation !
  • Greene728's avatar
    Greene728
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    The light is definitely the source of the leak that caused the delam IMO.
    I'm gonna be the odd ball I guess on the roof based solely on the video. It appears to me based off the video alone that the weakness shown "could" be caused from the roofing material going from the roof decking to the side over the trim causing a gap under it around the edge. Is the decking underneath solid? Also what kind of price or we talking? Is it priced right so that if some minor to moderate repairs are needed that it would still come in as a good value? Also, is the seller/dealer willing to warranty and or make the necessary repairs? I know you said its a consignment, so have it looked at by a third party inspector and ask for repairs to be covered or low ball it and see what happens if your happy with it.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 10, 2016
    jfkmk wrote:
    gbopp wrote:
    The video removes any doubt. Run away.


    X2!


    X3
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    gbopp wrote:
    The video removes any doubt. Run away.


    X2!
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Oct 10, 2016
    The delam I see was most likely caused by a leak around the (scare) light.
    The loose ladder in the same area around back is not a good sign either...
    There could be (probably is) significant damage in the wall.

    And, I don't like what I am seeing in the roof video you posted.

    My advice is to look elsewhere. There are a bazillion trailers out there for sale. I think you are asking for trouble with this one.

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