I did use a roller on some of my Eternabond repairs but can't say for sure if I used it on those in question. At any rate, I didn't just lay the tape down, I pressed hard. I also cleaned everything very well and worked in the hot noonday sun to get maximum adhesion.
However, I find it very strange that twice, a 2' section of a nearly 8' stretch of tape lifted off while the rest stayed put. I'll try Lacquer Thinner if there is a next time, but I seem to think that acetone was also an option. Maybe I'm wrong about that. The trailer is covered now and I'm making plans to replace the rubber roof this spring.