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cyauch's avatar
cyauch
Explorer
Apr 09, 2013

Roof Meets Tree. Options?

First, i already realize i'm an idiot for doing this :) So this weekend thought i could make a turn. In fact, i didn't see the damage until 2 days later. With rain called for later this week, kinda in a panic. Pic below is the damage. What are my options, or what would most do? My insurance is Progressive and is working with me to find the best solution with and without affecting rates. I'd like to just patch it myself and worry about a shop fixing the drip rail later. Info / options considered:

1. Currently have Gorilla Tape over small holes (replaced the yellow tape).
2. As per Coachman, roof is EPMD.
3. This is a 2013 (bought Nov 2012) so roof is solid. prefer not to replace entire rubber since i know there's no leaks anywhere else right now. worried about a shop not sealing it back like the factory after removing anything so don't want headaches popping up later.
4. Coachman / Insurance agent both say as long as i take pics and seal myself, only warranty for that spot will be invalid, but rest of roof will still be good to go.
5. Both also say use a compatible patch for EPMD.

My questions / thoughts:

1. i figure i'm capable of patching that small spot. I just don't feel taking everything apart to replace the entire rubber roof is worth potential risks down the road. I know shops do good work and all that, but what if the person had a fight with the spouse, got a ticket that morning, etc. etc..
2. Can / should i use Eternabond or Dicor? Finding Eternabond locally is hard, but Dicor is easy. Is there a difference? I kinda like Eternabond from reading.
3. If i decide to replace the drip rail, i know i have to remove the moulding to access the screws. How about re-installing the new one? Do i need to use Butyl (sp?) tape on the backside before i screw it back in? what would / is the best way to re-seal the rail and rubber roof part to the sidewall?



This is a 2013 Coachman 330FBH 5th Wheel. No wall / structural damage.
Thanks!

17 Replies

  • Thanks for the responses guys!

    As for the insurance, Progressive is being really nice about all this. In fact, the agent today said 'look, take pics of damage as is. then, use a patch that Coachman / maker of EPDM suggest, then take pics after applied. Send to me and I'll file with copy of receipts and your good to go with both us and Coachman' with respect to rubber roof material. He really doesn't want to go the full replacement route also. :) I like that. Coachman has said that the rest of the roof will still carry original warranty, but that patch spot so i i think i can live with that. Afterall, i need something to remind what a bonehead thing i did.

    As for the Eternabond, yea, i've gotten allot of info from this site about it, and Googled for more. I think what I'm going to do is

    1. Find / Get some of that self-leveling sealant and shoot some of that in the holes. After it dries, then put a strip of Eternabond over it, then putting more of the self-leveling sealant around the edges of the Eternabond. I'm going to try and get the EB behind the drip rail also.
    2. As for the drip rail replacement, I'm gonna let the shop do that next week (earliest appt i could get :( The tree hit in two places; one further up but didn't damage the rubber. the drip rail further up is rolled into itself about 2 feet. But with the leaks / holes patched, i think i'll be able to better enjoy this weekend knowing the 100% chance of rain isn't going to get into the coach (I hope anyway).

    If i didn't have to worry about the rain this week (South Mississippi so what can i say this time of year) my blood pressure would be allot lower right now.
  • Sorry that happened to you on such a new rig. I think eternabond also will work just fine.
  • Kennedycamper wrote:
    I would replace the trim, and use Eternabond on the hole.


    X2- Eternabond is good stuff
  • Looks like mine a couple years ago. Your insurance will take care of it.
  • when I had a hole in my EPDM roof on my Bounder I got one of the repair kits from camping world (actually free from them since they put the hole in the roof :) ) which consisted of epdm material with stickum on the back. directions said to overlap a couple of inches and then use a white caulking material on the edges. looked like heck but did the job.
    looks to me like you could glue a piece down over this area and possibly put it under molding on the side wall?
    bumpy