Forum Discussion
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- fritzrsExplorerI have a new RV with TPO-plastic (not EPDM-rubber) roof. Here's what I've learned about TPO-plastic... it's not rubber...
TPO is ThermoPlastic Olefin (Dicor calls it Brite-TEK)
TPO is a plastic derivative, with all positives and negatives that implies.
TPO comes with or without fleece backing.
Never use Acetone or Citrus Cleaners on TPO plastic roofs.
A soft bristle brush may be used during cleaning.
TPO Repair:
Do NOT use silicone sealant - it will not adhere to TPO plastic.
Do NOT use cleaners or conditioners containing petroleum solvents, harsh abrasives, or citric-based cleaners.
Clean TPO lap sealant: If soap and water do not clean the sealant to your satisfaction, use a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to wipe away dirt build-up on the seal. Rinse off mineral spirits with fresh water.
Repair TPO lap sealant: Use a cloth dampened with mineral spirits to eliminate all foreign materials from surface of sealant, let dry for at least 15 minutes and apply a TPO lap sealant directly over the existing sealant – allow new sealant to touch both TPO and accessory surface.
Cleaning Mold-Mildew* from TPO:
Bucket of water, Sponge, Medium Bristle Brush, TILEX Bathroom Cleaner
*Mold and mildew on your TPO roof is simply a parasite that attaches itself to the roof and grows. It does not attack the TPO membrane but is unsightly and if allowed to grow will discolor the roof completely and may become a stain that cannot be removed.
Note: Removal of mold and mildew is not a job to be rushed. Go slow...
TPO-plastic has more thermal expansion than EPDM-rubber, says Dicor’s Gregg Fore. That means TPO is not as pliable as EPDM. There are weight differences, TPO is about half the weight of EPDM. You save about one pound-per-lineal-foot, which translates into gas savings on the road.
The consumer should plan on checking the TPO sealant a couple times a year (every spring and every fall).
Cleaning: Nothing stronger than Murphy’s® Oil Soap should be used on a TPO RV roof. - spike99Explorer.
If you do decide to buy this 2007 Jayco, below is a short list of mods I applied to my 2006 Jayco. If these mods / fixings apply to your specific Jayco model, do use their items as inspections &/or purchase price negotiations items.
Hope this helps as well.
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For my 2006 Jayco TT:
- Installed Extra 12V computer large size fan behind fridge to keep it cooler during extreme hot days. Great upgrade.
- Re-routed its PEX piping to allow easy bi-pass (for winterization tasks).
- Installed RV Surge Protection. Better than factory.
- Installed better / quieter fan in bathroom. Better than factory.
- Installed large access hole (with removable panel) to view rear of hot water tank (for yearly inspections). This large access hole (and removable panel) should be factory build.
- Installed 12V manual battery switch on trailer tongue. Better than factory.
- Upgraded to STAR brake wiring using thicker 10 gauge wiring instead of default linear brake wiring. Better than factory.
- Removed 11 of its windows, removed its inner lip foam (that always leaks in time) and re-sealed each winter - the proper "old school" way. Better than factory.
- Installed Roof vent covers (black over bedroom area and white over bathroom).
- Tinted windows on the kid's bedroom - to allow them to sleep in longer.
- Installed longer master bed base to allow longer normal house queen mattress (instead of factory RV short queen bed).
- Installed 12V safety lighting on its stairs. IMO, this should be minimum factory.
- Installed galvanized wire mesh around Hot Water tank. Thus, stopping "stuff" within same storage compartment from hitting / laying against the rear of HW tank, and eliminate the risk of fire. This should be factory build.
- Installed 12V light within TV cavity cabinet area. Now, we can see the TV's control buttons without turning on a ceiling light.
- Installed 110/120 Volt meter (bought from ebay) to view available volts (to decide to turn AC unit ON or OFF).
- Installed 12V fan (with manual switch) on roof vent to "suck" the bad smell out of the black tank. No more stank smells within our small bathroom. And, no need for chemicals either. IMO, this should be minimum factory build.
These are just a few mods to my Jayco. - spike99Explorer.
My family has a 2006 Jayco 29ft. If I had to buy today, there's a few things to focus on. They are:
- Tire Age. Unknown to some, auto tires should be replaced every 5 years. And, RV/TT ST tires should be replaced every 7 years. For more details, surf You-Tube using "tire age" as search string. If tires are factory, then do lower the selling price with NEW tire (rubber) replacement costs.
- Window's outer seals. Back in mid 2006, Jayco (and other RV/TT Makers) used a soft rubber foam to seal their windows. This foam is behind the window's lip and can easily been seen on a removed window. Over time, the foam leaks. To easily fix (as a DIY project), simply remove 3 x windows each weekend, remove their factory rubber foam, replace with butyl bead, re-install the window, then apply clear ProflexRV adhesive (not silicone) around the outside of the window. For a good DIY video, surf: - click here -
Note: I did this DIY upgrade when my 2006 was 4 years old and discovered of its 11 windows, 3 of them were leaking (behind their factory foam). I recommend this DIY to all RV/Trailer builds.
- Roof Age. Within my area, EDPM Factory roofs last 10-20 years. At year 8-12 (in the shade), their EDPM sheeting starts to loose their elasticity and black patches start to appear. At year 8-12 (depending on winter storage conditions and summer exposure conditions), I'd recommend EDPM Liquid Rubber Roof coating. This adds another layer of rubber on the factory EDPM sheeting. And, makes the factory roof last many more years. If wondering, I'll be applying liquid EDPM to my 2006 Jayco's roof soon.
If the price for your 2007 Jayco is right (for your region) and above things are taken into account, I'd buy a 2006/2007 Jayco again. If wondering, we plan to keep our Jayco for many, many more years. Especially now - since it has the mods / fixings we need.
Hope this helps. - Mike_UpExplorer
rightyouareken wrote:
The roof on my 2012 JayFlight is a new TPO product called Alpha-ply made by Alpha Systems. I'd be surprised if yours isn't as well.
See this thread I started a few months ago.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26755319/
Finally got the time to check and no Alpha-Ply (TPO?) roof on the 2012 Jay Flights. The 2012s use Alpha system's 'rubber roof'. The new Alpha-Ply roof is used on the 2013s. Somewhat glad I bought my left over 2012 because I never have good luck with 1st year products. Not saying the new roof is bad, just unproven. - KopsKamper2ExplorerWe also have a 2007 Jayco. Love it - have not had any problems with it. Bought it used. Not sure what kind of roof it has.
- Mike_UpExplorer
rightyouareken wrote:
Mike Up wrote:
I thought late model 2007s switched to EPDM roof. I would never own a TPO roof. My 2008 Jay Flight 19BH had a EPDM roof.
The roof on my 2012 JayFlight is a new TPO product called Alpha-ply made by Alpha Systems. I'd be surprised if yours isn't as well.
See this thread I started a few months ago.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26755319/
I know my 2008 was EPDM, I'll double check this 2012. - rightyouarekenExplorer
Mike Up wrote:
I thought late model 2007s switched to EPDM roof. I would never own a TPO roof. My 2008 Jay Flight 19BH had a EPDM roof.
The roof on my 2012 JayFlight is a new TPO product called Alpha-ply made by Alpha Systems. I'd be surprised if yours isn't as well.
See this thread I started a few months ago.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26755319/ - Mike_UpExplorerI thought late model 2007s switched to EPDM roof. I would never own a TPO roof. My 2008 Jay Flight 19BH had a EPDM roof.
- sherpaxcExplorerCheck and double check that tpo roof.
- Vvvv1010ExplorerThe Jayco Jay Flight is a great camping trailer. We have enjoyed ours during the cold weather months in the New Mexico/ Colorado mountains to beach, lake, river camping in the Texas/ Florida heat.
We tow it just fine with a weight distribution hitch and anti sway bar. My wife has no trouble helping me for hours down Interstate 35 or 10.
You will be very happy w the Jayco brand. The pros definitely outweigh the cons.
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