Forum Discussion

nbrewer's avatar
nbrewer
Explorer
Sep 15, 2014

How to fix a cracked fiberglass roof on a popup

I am thinking about purchasing a 2001 Coleman Sunvalley from a coworker for a really good price. But, they originally had this popup in Arkasas, where it sat and baked in the sun most of the time. They hauled it from AR to KY about two years ago, put a tarp over it, and really haven't used it much since then. But, the sun in AR did a number to the roof. The current owner said there is a crack in the fiberglass roof, and he feels the entire roof would need to be replaced.
So, should I think about an entire replacement? Or is this something that can be repaired? It's fiberglass, I would think I should be able to repair it, but I haven't seen it yet. Cost wise, does it even make sense to consider repairing it? I'll be going to see it for the first time this coming weekend, and want to make sure I know what I'm looking for.

TIA,
nbrewer
  • nbrewer's avatar
    nbrewer
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2014
    Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll be going this weekend to take a closer look, and will return with some pictures. From the research I've done so far, it doesn't look like it's terribly difficult to do the repairs. More time consuming than anything. But with winter just around the corner, that'll be just fine!
  • mbutts's avatar
    mbutts
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2014
    $500 doesn't sound bad since Coleman/Fleetwood used to charge double that for the shipping of the warranty roofs.

    It might not have been the AR sun. My '99 Coleman had very stern warnings to NEVER cover it with a tarp or roof damage would occur.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2014
    You may want to try out the ETERNABOND strips to see how that adheres to the plastic roof.

    You can get 3" x 24" short repair strips from WALMART and maybe try it out on an out of the way place on the roof to see if it works right.

    You hear nothing but good results from the guys on here about ETERNABOND fixes for the roof...


    You must follow the install instructions to the tee especial the pre-work getting the roof ready before you apply the eternabond tape



    If it works ok for your roof then go online and purchase longer spools of the Eternabond tape...


    Roy Ken
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 15, 2014
    Depending how long tor large the crack is. I have used some bath tub repair epoxy to patch a crack on the nose of my rig.
    It comes with fiber glass matting which I did not use. Comes in white or cream color available at Lowes, Home Depot or Menards.
    I drilled a hole at the end of the crack then applied the epoxy mix to the spider crack about .5 inches on each side.
  • frankwp's avatar
    frankwp
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2014
    The Colemans of that era had ABS plastic roofs the developed cracks. Coleman had a special warranty program that would replace the entire roof even after the standard warranty expired, but it was only available to original owners. It would be best to replace it with one of the new roofs, but I don't know what the availability is.

    You could check with Fleetwood; they made the Coleman brand then. Other than the roof, they were very good trailers. We had one & really liked it.
  • nbrewer's avatar
    nbrewer
    Explorer
    Sep 15, 2014
    It's $500, and I'm not sure how much the repairs will cost at this point. Continuing my research... Does $500 seem like a good deal?
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Sep 15, 2014
    Ill bet its not fiberglas but thermoformed plastic. New parts are probably not going to be available. So do a web search on how to repair plastic. If after reading all about it you feel it is a project you want to tackle then go for it. But it bettet be really cheap

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,209 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 26, 2025