Forum Discussion

A_Miel's avatar
A_Miel
Explorer
Oct 23, 2017

Rooftop sealant - new from factory?

Hello! I am interested in a 2017 model new Winnebago, on clearance at a dealer nearby. There were some little things that indicated some water damage - a rusted latch on the outside, a little corrosion on an outside steel plate, and really strange - the hinge under drop leaf dining table is rusted! Other than that though, it looks beautiful and I did some poking around in corners, ceilings, floors etc. Then I went on top of the roof and saw quite a bit of foam sealant. Didn't really think much of that until I got to thinking later - I wonder if all that sealant up top is how it comes from the factory. OR perhaps there was a water leak at one time and the dealership resealed everything.

We live in the rainy corner of the NW, and I suppose even a brand new rig just sitting on the dealership lot could have a roof leak. I have asked for - in writing - from the dealership for the truth and am waiting to hear back. Anyone out there have experience with what a new roof looks like - is there lots of visible sealant on top? (I searched images on the internet and really couldn't tell.)

Thanks in advance for experienced input!
  • filrupmark's avatar
    filrupmark
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    If you feel that it has issues just remember, that is not the only one out there. Go find another.
  • garyp4951's avatar
    garyp4951
    Explorer III
    Oct 24, 2017
    I think you are confusing self leveling dicor to foam, which is used under the floor to seal pipes and other penetrations.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    A.Miel wrote:
    Update:
    He also sent me pics of the roofing as well as pics of other new rigs, to show that the sealant (which he described looks like a little kid got ahold of a can of foam) is normal and on ALL new rigs.

    I would ask what type of sealant looks like foam.
    Can you post the pics he sent you or provide a link?
  • ol_Bombero-JC's avatar
    ol_Bombero-JC
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    ACZL wrote:
    I've never seen foam on a rrof of a new coach......just lap/Dicor sealant around pipes, vents, skylights, A/C, antenna and ladder........ BUT NO FOAM.


    100% Agree!

    Go look at some other RV's (any brand) at a *different* dealer.
    See if you see any "Foam" on the roof of those RVs.

    Stop by a RV repair shop (not at the dealer/s) and ask.
    They shouldn't have and dog/s in the hunt.

    Unless you are somehow mistaken about what you are seeing....
    Calk = Yes, "FOAM" = NO.

    :h
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    I've never seen foam on a rrof of a new coach......just lap/Dicor sealant around pipes, vents, skylights, A/C, antenna and ladder........ BUT NO FOAM.
  • A_Miel's avatar
    A_Miel
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    Update: The dealer called tonight. He says there has never been a leak. He looked up the service records and told me about the few repairs, including reattaching some crown molding and repairing a wiper seal on one of the slides.

    He also sent me pics of the roofing as well as pics of other new rigs, to show that the sealant (which he described looks like a little kid got ahold of a can of foam) is normal and on ALL new rigs.

    They will be fixing the spot on the outside latch that is rusted. He had no comment when I mentioned the rusty hinge under the table.

    I reiterated that I wanted all these things written, and to please respond to my email with all the answers to my questions. He said no problem.

    So at this point... I guess I will sleep on it again and maybe go ahead with it. Your thoughts?
  • blofgren's avatar
    blofgren
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    I’m not sure about the sealant (a photo would be very helpful), but here on the wet coast it is not uncommon to have a considerable amount of condensation on the interior during the cold, wet winter months which may explain the rusted hinge. We store our fiver indoors for the winter for this very reason.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Oct 24, 2017
    I agree with ScottG, foam isn't used to seal a roof. The sun will eat it quickly.
    It sounds like this unit had a leak.
    I would pass on the deal.

    Please, give us an update when (if) you get a response from the dealer.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 23, 2017
    That's not right. I have nver seen foam on the roof and for good reason, the suns UV eats it up.
    With all the odd rust you've found, I would not touch it.
  • A_Miel's avatar
    A_Miel
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2017
    I am waiting to hear back from dealership. Hmmmm.... any other thoughts are welcome too. Will post when I know more.

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