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jryotas's avatar
jryotas
Explorer
Aug 26, 2013

Should I be worried ?

First off I would like to thank each and every one of you for all the valuable info I have already learned from this site .

We have owned several older TT's throughout time but recently took the plunge and purchased a new unit . I have already experienced many little issues with lack of QC with this new trailer but luckily I am skilled enough to handle this type of stuff myself without having to haul the trailer 2 hours to where we purchased it or worry about not being able to use the trailer on a whims notice due to it being in the shop .

One of the more concerning issues I am having with this new unit is that the aluminum roof seems to be lower in the middle than on the sides , especially where the a/c sits . Every time we use the trailer I take a ladder and look on the roof after running the a/c for a couple hours there is a good amount of water pooled around the a/c unit that does not seem to drain off since water usually does not run uphill . I understand this is considered an entry level trailer and do not expect it to perfect but I am having a hard time explaining my concern to the dealer . I have spoke to 2 different service managers from 2 different branches of the dealer I purchased my trailer from and both pretty much say that this is just a characteristic of aluminum roofs , to be wavy and have low spots . I have also been assured that the seal on the a/c unit should keep the pooled water from actually entering the unit . So what happens when this seal no longer does its job ? I understand that when this happens water will enter the trailer but this may not be noticeable at first and may not be caught until it has done major damage to the wood structure of the trailer .

Can any of you offer any advise with this , or is this really a it isn't broke so don't fix it kind of issue ?

I am really tempted to go ahead and remove the a/c unit and add a 1/2" sheet of ply under the metal skin where the a/c unit sits to help lift this portion of the roof so it will aid in water runoff . Have any of you performed this or is it recommended ?
  • Is the roof basically flat or is there a natural curve to it to shed water?
    I would have the same concerns.
  • I agree....get your concerns in writing and proof that they have been delivered. This way you should be covered by warranty down the road.

    Why would you take your trailer to the dealer for warranty work.? We bought ours an hour and half away from us and any warranty issues we have them pick up the trailer and return it. Their expense, after all that is why we have warranty.
  • Why don't you tell these folks what brand and model it is and find out if any of them have one with a similar problem? I would think that a "aluminum roof seems to be lower in the middle" would be a big problem.
  • And...if they won't fix it, I'd seriously think about getting rid of it well before it becomes a problem, and a financial loss.
  • Get the response from the factory rep to put it in writing. Also, put your concert in writing, mail it to factory rep with confirmation of receipt required. I would really be concerned with any AC unit on a RV roof that sits lower than surrounding area...it's bound to lead to problems (in my opinion). I'd also try to look at a bunch of identical rvs and see if you see the same problems on the roof.

    Good luck!
  • CS rep from factory claims this will not ever be an issue and both of the service managers from the dealer have the same attitude . Basically if it is not leaking water then it is not broke . I am more concerned with the longevity of this trailer as we really like the floor plan and such .

    I will try the string thing but from just looking at it , it does seem to have a little roof sag in the middle even on the inside but it may just be me being paranoid !
  • Is your tt still under warranty? If so, contact your dealer or the factory. If you contact the factory, have photos ready to email them. They will probably refer you back to the dealer.
  • jryotas wrote:

    I am really tempted to go ahead and remove the a/c unit and add a 1/2" sheet of ply under the metal skin where the a/c unit sits to help lift this portion of the roof so it will aid in water runoff . Have any of you performed this or is it recommended ?


    don't do this. leak from AC if and when gasket gives up the ghost should just drip down from the grille.
    bumpy
  • What I would check it to see if there is a sag in the roof by checking it on the inside. Stretch a string across the inside of the trailer in the area of the AC unit and see what you find out. If you detect a sag, then you have a structural problem. My last two trailers had a roof that has a little higher in the center and sloped to each side.

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