Forum Discussion

Vicky's avatar
Vicky
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014

Roof Rot

I will spare you hours and hours of details and ask this simple question. How do you tell if a fifth wheel roof is rotted? We suspect the wood on which the AC is mounted has rotted, resulting in water from the ac to go inside and run to lowest points...between the roof and ceiling, instead of over the roof and into the gutters. Is there such thing as "soft roof construction" where the roof feels soft/mushy to pressure but isn't damaged? Should the roof feel very firm under pressure, over the whole surface area of it? I know it would help to know what kind of construction was used on the trailer....I'm getting that as I write...but I don't have it now. Now to the bigger question. What do I require a dealer to do to prove the roof isn't rotted? Like I said, there are a thousand details but, bottom line, how do I prove most of the roof is rotted?
Seeking Advice
  • Vicky's avatar
    Vicky
    Explorer
    Nov 12, 2014
    Thanks to all who have responded. I will be pursuing the dealership to remove the (new) AC and let me see within the mounting and I will do the recommended inspection by removing the interior housing for the AC. Somehow I don't think I'm going to get that far due to other circumstances. We bought this unit with the verbal and written word that the roof was in good shape...no leaks, no water damage. We'll see how the dealership chooses to honor that contract. I just want to be educated if/when they try to deny a roof replacement. An independent rv tech strongly discouraged anyone from walking on the roof for fear they would fall through it and be injured. Please continue to send me your thoughts and things I can do to help me understand what I need to do next.
  • Snowman9000's avatar
    Snowman9000
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    What hotbyte is saying is, remove the plastic interior trim for the AC, and look at the edges of the wood there.
  • Pirate1's avatar
    Pirate1
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    ksg5000 wrote:
    Other alternative.

    AC sits on a gasket which is sandwiched between roof and AC - if gasket is loose or needs replacing water can enter the rig. Sometimes simply tightening the 4 bolts that hold the AC unit on the rig will compress the gasket eliminating the leak.
    Yea but if his ac unit is sagging into the roof because of rotted wood, it could cause that water to continuously pool next to the gaskets. Not a good thing. Op needs to remove the ac unit inside and out and examine the area closely.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    Other alternative.

    AC sits on a gasket which is sandwiched between roof and AC - if gasket is loose or needs replacing water can enter the rig. Sometimes simply tightening the 4 bolts that hold the AC unit on the rig will compress the gasket eliminating the leak.
  • sonora's avatar
    sonora
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    The roof should feel the same over the whole area when walking around. You should be able to tell a difference if there is one. If you want further proof have the seller unbolt the a/c and move it too the side. This should give you a good look at it. All they will be out is a new a/c gasket and about an hour of time if the roof is solid. Offer to pay for the new gasket if they balk. If they still balk then move on.
  • hotbyte's avatar
    hotbyte
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    Yes, inside the camper against the ceiling. Mine had 4 or 6 screws that old it up to the ceiling.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    no, take the plastic molding /bottom off from the AC and you should be able to get to the wood surrounding the opening. did you just buy this from the dealer?
    bumpy
  • Vicky's avatar
    Vicky
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    Hotbyte,

    I don't know what inside plastic you're talking about. Do you mean the ceiling?
  • hotbyte's avatar
    hotbyte
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2014
    Don't think any roof should be soft...sorry. Can you remove the plastic cover from inside and maybe see cross section of the roof?

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