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vicmitch's avatar
vicmitch
Explorer
Oct 21, 2013

Leaky Lance 1881 Travel Trailer

After only two seasons, roof leak turned up around the fantastic roof vent fan over our bed in the front of our Lance 1881 travel trailer. Started raining a few hours before bed time in Bismarck ND campground, last night out before getting home, think goodness, got ready for bed and here was a puddle in the middle of it. Poor job of sealing around the vent in roof by Lance, just an FYI, so much for Lance over all quality. Also, have noticed a sag in the roof in that area enough to leave a big puddle on top when the trailer sits level in a camp site. Thinking of bailing on this camper.

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  • thomasmnile's avatar
    thomasmnile
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2013
    WoodGlue wrote:
    The Lance 1881 hasn't been in production for a few years.

    Have you been performing regular roof inspections and maintenance?

    My suggestion is get up on the roof at least 3 times a year and inspect the caulking for wear and cracking. A good self leveling lap sealant should be applied if these things are found.

    WoodGlue


    X2. RV sealants are not forever and require vigilant maintenance. I had to reseal the roof ladder attachment points on our new Jayco WhiteHawk and we hadn't owned it 6 months. And, despite their 2 year warranty, Jayco considers sealants a maintenance item and will not cover water damage if the servicing dealer considers the cause of the leak a failure to maintain the sealants.
  • WoodGlue's avatar
    WoodGlue
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2013
    The Lance 1881 hasn't been in production for a few years.

    Have you been performing regular roof inspections and maintenance?

    My suggestion is get up on the roof at least 3 times a year and inspect the caulking for wear and cracking. A good self leveling lap sealant should be applied if these things are found.

    WoodGlue
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2013
    Fixing a low spot in that rig isn't going to be easy, it's aluminum framed with a single piece TPO roof. If the low spot is around the vent, you may be able to remove the vent and shim up the roof from inside the vent's rough opening.

    Good luck with your Lance.
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Oct 22, 2013
    Sorry to hear about your problem. I recently saw somewhere that Lance does not screw the vents to the roof and relies on clamps to hold the vents in place. I don't know if it is true but it may be worth investigating.

    Good luck!
  • gmw_photos's avatar
    gmw_photos
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2013
    vicmitch wrote:
    After only two seasons, roof leak turned up around the fantastic roof vent fan over our bed in the front of our Lance 1881 travel trailer. Started raining a few hours before bed time in Bismarck ND campground, last night out before getting home, think goodness, got ready for bed and here was a puddle in the middle of it. Poor job of sealing around the vent in roof by Lance, just an FYI, so much for Lance over all quality. Also, have noticed a sag in the roof in that area enough to leave a big puddle on top when the trailer sits level in a camp site. Thinking of bailing on this camper.


    That is a shame to hear that there is a low spot. That must be a flat roof as opposed to one with a crown in the center ? That issue there is more problematic I would fear than the poor caulking around the vent. Re-caulking seams is easy enough, but a low spot is a whole 'nuther problem. Is the trailer still in warranty ?

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