Forum Discussion

Happy_Camper3's avatar
May 04, 2015

New camper roof's

I was wondering, say the new 2016 campers, do the roofs still need to be checked twice a year? Have they not figured out a way to put a bullet proof roof on yet?

I mean, my truck has a roof, with an antenna coming out of it, and that doesn't leak, why can't they make it like that?

I find this whole roof thing silly, dicor once or twice a year, re-seal every so often ? This is madness!

I should have to do 0 maintenance on my camper, if not, what's the point?

Spend a week preparing the camper for a two day trip?

I plan on eternabonding my whole entire roof, that should last forever!

My camper should last 70 years! Not 10, then I better sell because all the problems are going to come out, like a car after 100,000 miles.

Please tell me I'm wrong, and my 2003 camper that I've owned 2 years will last 20 more years as long as I keep eternabonding the roof, and replacing appliances as they break?

6 Replies

  • GaryWT wrote:
    I do not have issues with my roof but I do check the goop that was used to seal places that they cut into. The only issue I have found is the seal between the roof and the front cap. I have resealed it a few times but this only takes 5 minutes here and there.

    Sounds like you need an airstream, nice solid roof there.


    I was on the airstream forums, and they said it's not if, but when, your airstream leaks. Magbe they leak, but it takes decades not years ?

    http://www.airforums.com/forums/f196/water-leak-2097.html
  • I do not have issues with my roof but I do check the goop that was used to seal places that they cut into. The only issue I have found is the seal between the roof and the front cap. I have resealed it a few times but this only takes 5 minutes here and there.

    Sounds like you need an airstream, nice solid roof there.
  • I'm not to worried about the mold. I plan to put 2-3 layers of eternabond covering the entire roof.

    Do you have any pics of your tin roof? Was it always that way? Or used to be rubber, but is now tin?
  • My aluminum roof is 44 years old and doesn't leak. It did take about 20 hrs. of scraping old roofing tar/silicone/other sealants and two rolls of Eternabond to get it leak proof.

    Mold on EPDM is not going to ruin the roof. If you clean the roof with an algacide it should be good for many years. Most leak problems are caused at the penetrations through the EPDM and the sealant failing. If you park in an area under trees you'll have more growth on the roof. Cuprous and zinc oxides are known to inhibit fungus or algae, that is why cedar shingle roofs with a copper ridge cap rarely have fungus, algae or moss growing on the shingles. Figure out a way to get some copper or zinc on the roof and you won't have "mold" on the roof.
  • Bumpyroad wrote:
    are you paying attention to the material that your roof is made of? rubber, TPO, aluminum, fiberglass, etc.?
    bumpy


    Which type do I buy next time, so that I have the best chance of it lasting the longest? Thank you.

    I currently have a 12 year old epdm roof with mold on it.
  • are you paying attention to the material that your roof is made of? rubber, TPO, aluminum, fiberglass, etc.?
    bumpy