I’ve looked around the forums but can’t seem to find exactly what I need. We have a 2008 Adventure Manufacturing toy hauler with a roof soft spot of about 1’x1’ in a rear corner and corresponding swelling of garage vertical members directly below. A sunken soft spot has appeared in the floor. This leak was there when we bought it several years ago as I had the dealership replace the very same vertical member not knowing why it was so. Over the years the cancer has grown. A Camping World in Ashland, Va wanted $16k+ for repairs. In reality I think they didn’t want to deal with it and priced the job accordingly. This far above the trailer’s worth. Other than a tear in the linoleum and black tank level sensors everything else works. She looks nice inside and out. Question for the group is this trailer worth a DIY repair? Or let it go. I’ve had it for sell in a motorcycle track forum but no takers. We had hoped to find a Diyer but seems it’s not something people want to deal with. I consider myself an advanced handyman. I have done roof work, framing, major electrical household wiring - inspected and passed, gas water heater replacement, all manner of floor installation, plumbing, woodworking and major automotive repairs. I know mostly what I’d be getting into - rotted roof plywood, rotted rafters, possible wall structural member replacement, flooring repairs. Removal of all roof fixtures, membrane replacement, unplanned “surprises “. What do you guys think? And yes If she was 100% we would definitely be camping. Reg

Depends on your plans.Keeping it? Since you have knowledge and tools, if you have the time DIY is doable and for the cost of materials you can repair it correctly.If you didn't have the knowledge or tools and needed to pay a "professional" to repair it $16K would not be outrageous when taking in account shop labor charges are typically $120-$160 per hr..But, keep in mind, once you open up that can-o-worms you are committed to the project and a fair chance the damage will be far more than what you can see until you start pealing back the lemon rind.Selling it?Forget about repairing it to sell at top dollar, price it cheap and disclose there is water damage. Good chance your audience you shot for was wrong and/or you priced it way too high. DIY folks want cheap, as cheap as possible, that is the reason they buy used. Its old and has water damage, price it accordingly and it will sell. Try posting it on Craigslist rather than specific types of forums.Wanting a new RV?Use the existing trailer as a trade, sure, you won't get as much as if you were to sell outright, but hey, at least you get it out of your hair.

A trade in is probably your best bet. Don't lie about it but don't play it up either. They will likely give you a price sight unseen...As is, it's probably worth very little SBO, if the damage is obvious and you don't try to hide it. If you do the repairs yourself, either do it right or expect that it won't improve value much.Now is a good time to trade it. RV's are selling, so the dealer is likely to give you a halfway decent price.

I'd be more worried about what you can't see. RV's aren't built well to start with and water is their worst enemy aside from fire. Mold is also likely a concern.

At the minimum and right away patch it with some eternabond tape. Hard repair to follow in due time.

Get that leak stopped first, how is the water getting in? Why haven't you stopped the leaking? I've had roof leaks on on a few trailers, once the water was stopped things dried out nicely. My TH had a leak up front, the wood framing went back to normal size fairly good once the roof rack and windows got resealed. Wallpaper needs replacement, but the roof is firm now. That model should have a walk on roof. I own a RPM 5th wheel 295FB. A full reseal was done, the entire roof coated and all penetrations caulked, windows, vents, lights etc. Everything has stayed water tight so far after three years.Mine was built in 2005 and its needed continuous attention just like any other RV of similar age. Its best to touch them up with caulk and the self leveling stuff at least once a year. Had to replace all the plastic covers and vents on the roof too.

Roof leak and damage. Fix or forget? | Good Sam Community

Sagebrush
Explorer
Jul 09, 2021
We used large dealers for repairs, usually came with some kind of warranty. Locally we have a Gander RV which is a Camping World I guess and they have a huge service center. Haven't really used their services much lately. I'm a do it yourself kind of guy when I can.

Its best to just coat the whole roof and reseal everything IMO, thats how my old 5th wheel was handled about two years ago. The rubber roof is original 2005 vintage, but it has the white roll on coating put on everything. Its nice and thick, I don't have any patches up there so far. The job isn't hard to do. The rubber roofs are easier if they are still laying flat, you just clean and roll the coating on.
afinepoint
Explorer
Jul 09, 2021
Sagebrush the leak has been addressed by two RV dealerships. I had the
top repaired years ago by one and Camping World in Ashland a couple of years ago. The damage continued to grow after each "repair ". I keep a cover on it replacing as the wind destroys the current.

I agree with GDE that it's likely worst than it seems and I would expect a splintered mess once the membrane is peeled back.

Wa8 thanks but there's no way I'd pull this halfway across the country if you did it for free. It's a local repair or not at all.

When I listed it in the bike forum I did say reasonable offer. Track forums are great places to sell a toy hauler FYI. I also did a full disclosure.

I'll give Craigslist a chance. I'm not prepared to buy at the moment as I'd want another much newer TH and am not ready to shell out $$$$$.

Thanks for all of the great input.

Reg
rexlion
Explorer
Jul 09, 2021
If you trade it, the dealer may very well do some cosmetic work and resell it, damage and all, to some unsuspecting chump. Not your problem, but how would you feel about it? Something to think about.

You have the tools and talent. If you have the time, and provided you can stop the source of water intrusion, the repair will leave you with a sound trailer you can keep using and enjoying or else sell with a clear conscience. Surely a repaired trailer will bring more on resale than one that's obviously damaged.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jul 09, 2021
I would strongly recommed getting it fixed.

NOW for the record. I do not and will not do this kind of work. I have the skills but .. well 5 decades ago give or take I did roofing (Houses etc not RVs) but that was 5 decades ago.

IF you are near Flint. MI I can give you a referral.. My RV GIRL does a very fine job.. She's a bit younger than me I think.. (Oh. that's the license plate on her work truck,, The only time I've "Dated" her it involved RV repairs by the way.. We did once spend a day together (Ok so it was the CRIM race and we were both assigned to the same intersection by different authorities) and I've sort of taken her to Dinner once (She drove, I paid) but we'd put in a few hours swapping out a defective Fridge or Floor (Forget which) it was late and I did not feel like cooking or driving (Fridge it was cause it was cool when I got back to the RV).
Sagebrush
Explorer
Jul 08, 2021
Get that leak stopped first, how is the water getting in? Why haven't you stopped the leaking?

I've had roof leaks on on a few trailers, once the water was stopped things dried out nicely. My TH had a leak up front, the wood framing went back to normal size fairly good once the roof rack and windows got resealed. Wallpaper needs replacement, but the roof is firm now. That model should have a walk on roof. I own a RPM 5th wheel 295FB.

A full reseal was done, the entire roof coated and all penetrations caulked, windows, vents, lights etc. Everything has stayed water tight so far after three years.

Mine was built in 2005 and its needed continuous attention just like any other RV of similar age. Its best to touch them up with caulk and the self leveling stuff at least once a year. Had to replace all the plastic covers and vents on the roof too.
agesilaus
Explorer III
Jul 08, 2021
At the minimum and right away patch it with some eternabond tape. Hard repair to follow in due time.
way2roll
Navigator II
Jul 08, 2021
I'd be more worried about what you can't see. RV's aren't built well to start with and water is their worst enemy aside from fire. Mold is also likely a concern.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jul 08, 2021
A trade in is probably your best bet. Don't lie about it but don't play it up either. They will likely give you a price sight unseen...

As is, it's probably worth very little SBO, if the damage is obvious and you don't try to hide it.

If you do the repairs yourself, either do it right or expect that it won't improve value much.

Now is a good time to trade it. RV's are selling, so the dealer is likely to give you a halfway decent price.
Gdetrailer
Explorer III
Jul 08, 2021
Depends on your plans.

Keeping it? Since you have knowledge and tools, if you have the time DIY is doable and for the cost of materials you can repair it correctly.

If you didn't have the knowledge or tools and needed to pay a "professional" to repair it $16K would not be outrageous when taking in account shop labor charges are typically $120-$160 per hr..

But, keep in mind, once you open up that can-o-worms you are committed to the project and a fair chance the damage will be far more than what you can see until you start pealing back the lemon rind.

Selling it?

Forget about repairing it to sell at top dollar, price it cheap and disclose there is water damage. Good chance your audience you shot for was wrong and/or you priced it way too high. DIY folks want cheap, as cheap as possible, that is the reason they buy used. Its old and has water damage, price it accordingly and it will sell. Try posting it on Craigslist rather than specific types of forums.

Wanting a new RV?

Use the existing trailer as a trade, sure, you won't get as much as if you were to sell outright, but hey, at least you get it out of your hair.

Forum Discussion

Roof leak and damage. Fix or forget?

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Roof Damage - Need Repair

RV Roof Damage (water leak???)

Class C roof damage

Forget 5G

State Farm Insurance coverage for roof water damage