Forum Discussion

Ranch's avatar
Ranch
Explorer
Sep 05, 2013

Sealing top, finding side channel

Hello. I am the proud owner of a 27' Telstar with a fiberglass roof. Please see attached photos.





1. Can I walk on the roof? It sure seems like I can but I haven't yet.

2. I would like to apply a good sealant around the roof vents. There is a Camping World not far away, is that a good source of sealant? What do you recommend? Clean with what, then how to apply the sealer?

3. There are some rear marker lights with corroded rubber gaskets. How best to get new gaskets? Make them? I can use an xacto knife and cut some, but where to get the material?

4. There is a channel piece missing, it should cover up the screws running down the side. It's there on one side, but missing on the other. Can I buy that channel material in rolls and cut it as needed? Where do I find the good stuff?

5. Small ding in the fiberglass, as shown, any advice on how to patch that up?

All advice highly appreciated. Thank you!
Seeking Advice

4 Replies

  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2013
    Ranch, The vinyl inserts are available from CW. You may need a sample to match properly. I would expose the end of a piece and photograph and measure it before going to CW. There are also hundreds of online stores and many like PPL will carry some inserts.

    Good luck and enjoy your rig.
  • prichardson's avatar
    prichardson
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2013
    With a fiberglass roof a good choice would be 3M 4200 sealer available from a marine supply. This can also be used to seal the light bases. The ding can be repaired with materials from the same place. Get a Gel Coat repair kit. Camping World has insert material for the screw channels.
  • Georgew48's avatar
    Georgew48
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2013
    SkyWriting wrote:
    You never WANT to walk on any roof, ever. I had a leak free roof that cracked with each footprint and in weeks I had to redo the entire roof and repair the water damage inside.

    Anything you can do from the ladders on the side is best. I use plywood to spread out my weight and lie down for repairs. Eternabond Tape is great for sealing all vents and such.
    It's a one sided tape you apply with pressure for a permanent seal. And I use Eterna-clean as well for surface prep. But be aware. One you set this tape down, it can NOT be repositioned.
    I use the white version for aesthetic reasons. Its pricey, but permanent. I have managed, with much effort, to roll the tape into tubes and use it as a window seal instead of caulking.


    That's kind of a broad statement. Many roofs are made to walk on and it won't hurt them at all. Check with your owners manual and it should tell you if you have a walk on roof or not. Have owned many RV's over the last 45 years and never had a problem with walk on roofs and I get up on mine all the time to clean it and check caulk.
  • SkyWriting's avatar
    SkyWriting
    Explorer
    Nov 15, 2013
    You never WANT to walk on any roof, ever. I had a leak free roof that cracked with each footprint and in weeks I had to redo the entire roof and repair the water damage inside.

    Anything you can do from the ladders on the side is best. I use plywood to spread out my weight and lie down for repairs. Eternabond Tape is great for sealing all vents and such.
    It's a one sided tape you apply with pressure for a permanent seal. And I use Eterna-clean as well for surface prep. But be aware. One you set this tape down, it can NOT be repositioned.
    I use the white version for aesthetic reasons. Its pricey, but permanent. I have managed, with much effort, to roll the tape into tubes and use it as a window seal instead of caulking.

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