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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!
  • I’m a Winnie TT fan and don’t like your descriptions of rust and foam. Walk away from this RV. Yes, there was visible sealant where the front cap met the roof. No where else.
  • There should be a visible caulk sealant, such as dicor, around anything fastened to the roof on a new RV. If there is sign of new, very fresh caulk, just means dealer is doing his job, correcting any factory mistakes, or missed openings on roof.

    If a new trailer has visible interior signs of an actual leak (water intrusion), I would pass on it.

    Jerry