Forum Discussion

DutchmenSport's avatar
Oct 07, 2018

New trailer, new roof type? Care-maintenance ?'s

All my previous travel trailers have had the EPDM type rubber roof's. In the past, I've used only Dicor products, roof sealants, and only RV Rubber Roof cleaners and conditioners. I took good care of the roofs of all 3 of my previous TT's, never had any leaks, and always looks (relatively) clean, as I washed them down at least twice a year. So, after years of experience with this, I've been in my comfort zone for a long time.

Now, my new 5er has the SuperFlex Roof Membrane on it and it uses the "Alpha" sealants and apparently can be washed with either Dawn dishwashing liquid or Spic-n-span per the manufacturer's web site and on-line manuals.

And my dealer told me the roof is 100 percent walkable on my Montana. He said while doing prep-work for delivery, they had 4 guys on the roof all at the same time, so one person would never be a problem. It also has an attached ladder on the back.

And I also found out that rubber soled tennis shoes work really nice, providing nice traction on that roof. It's not anything near as slippery as the rubber EPDM roof. It just feels much more...less slippery.

So, now the questions? Having never had anything different than the EPDM, apart from the above information, the basic information from the manuals, and watching the YouTube videos, from anyone with real world experience, what are the weaknesses of this roof covering?

In other words, what should I be watching for? Anything different than the EPDM roof, cracks in the sealants and calking, or tears in the membrane? Any additional tips, anything I should steer away from that would cause premature damage. Just an FYI... I do not use a pressure washer. I don't even have one.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks!
  • I'll be watching this closely, my camper has the Alpha roof as well.

    I've been having problems with the membrane coming loose and lifting or billowing when travelling. I had to stop on the way out to Colorado last month and screw down a couple of 1x4s across the roof to hold things in place.

    I've been in contact with Alpha about the repair and have a plan. I've been using Dicor lap sealant on the seams and am going to use Eternabond tape to cover the cut I am going to make in the membrane, both were approved by Alpha. I did pick up some of the Alpha adhesive to use to glue the membrane back down.

    I'm curious to see others experiences.
  • “And my dealer told me the roof is 100 percent walkable on my Montana.”

    So is my Winnie’s but I haven’t walked on mine in over a year and don’t plan to do so...not safe and unnecessary with a 7.5 foot width and a good ladder. Yes, I move the ladder lots...

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