I will soon be in the market for a used camper for a permanent vacation site. It will likely be 5-10 yrs. old and 30ish ft. long with slides. Are there any makes/models which have seemed to stand above the rest for not leaking? What should I look out for? Is it reasonable to find a trailer of this age that won't need roof repair fairly soon? Thanks.

Most all RVs have rubber roofs and are sealed around the edges and the penetration points like vents, etc. How well the trailer was maintained has more of an effect on leak resistance than a particular brand. I would think if you are doing a seasonal site especially in upstate NY you would want to build something like this:

Roof maintenance is the key. Check those records closely on a used RV and do maintenance at least twice a year.

The longest lasting roofing material is aluminum. Still not perfect as there will be seams that are potential leak points. Any trailer that is 10 years old and not had EXCELLENT care (wash and treat with UV resistant spray) is going to need a new roof (NOT A RECOAT) soon.A carport type covering is your best solution.

We have a TT with a fiberglas roof, made the same way as the walls. It is a 2014 and shows no signs of deterioration. PS it is a Evergreen Ascend 231RKB, which is regretfully no longer made.

theoldwizard1 wrote:The longest lasting roofing material is aluminum. Molded fiberglass is right up there, too.Most of the GMC motorhomes built in the 1970's still have their original roofs. A lot of them still look brand-new.

Need guidance on best roof trailers | Good Sam Community

covered_wagon
Explorer
Jun 08, 2022
I have an 03 fiberglass unit sitting outside, no cover since new and is still good to this day. I think Bigfoot makes an all fiberglass trailer but the condensation in winter with full time use would build up inside.

Your best bet is to get a small mobile home like a single wide. Has 300% more insulation and the composition roof is no big deal to replace if used. Just negotiate the price accordingly and get a good deal. Otherwise build the roof deck cover is a great way to go.

Personally I would want the mobile home with a septic system so I don't have to empty the tanks, that sort of thing.
landingzone
Explorer
Jun 08, 2022
"so I don't have to empty the tanks, that sort of thing"
I have an outhouse
Also, where I'm putting it, a mobile home will be assessed and raise property taxes. No property tax on a camper!
covered_wagon
Explorer
Jun 09, 2022
Sorry about that! I did hear you say, ''permanent vacation home''.

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