Forum Discussion

plessm's avatar
plessm
Explorer
Nov 14, 2013

Looking at 10 year old Komfort new to rubber roof

I sold my 1972 Timberline "Twenty-Two- Six" last year after having our third kid. It was an oldie but goodie, we just outgrew it. It was my Grandpas since 1985 and he gave it to me in 1996 when he decided to quit camping due to age.

Now I'm looking at a 2004 Komfort Trailblazer 25TBS local to me. This is a huge difference in size, performance, and cost for me compared to what I had. I basically rebuilt the Timberline from plumbing, toilet, fresh tank, roof vents, resealed all windows with butyl tape, welded on the frame, did woodwork inside, new propane tanks and gas lines, jack, stabilizers, lights, brakes, bearings, wiring, 6v batteries, etc etc etc. Nothing modified or hacked, all restored to look factory original.

I looked this Komfort over from tires to roof and every nook and cranny between. Everything looks good except some caulking above one small window which I can pull out and reseal no problem.

My question is the rubber roof. I took a ladder and checked it over from front to rear. I don't see any cracks. It's fairly clean no dark spots or anything. It has a crown on it from side to side so water won't stand. Any screw heads that are in view are caulked and look factory.

What kind of lifespan do you get out of these roofs? I'm coming from an aluminum roof that was 40 years old and didn't leak. We have harsh summers here where I live, lots of 100 degree days 3/4 of the year is full sun. With a 10 year old trailer that has been stored outdoors in this environment will I be looking at spending a significant amount of money on this roof to keep it leak free? I plan to keep this trailer 10 years minimum.

Also I don't know if it's EDPM or TPO or what. Komfort doesn't have a very good site with archives for older trailers so I can narrow it down and research better.

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Signed,
"afraid to pull the trigger" :/
  • plessm wrote:

    Is a seam reseal something a DIY guy can do or does this require the work of a RV shop?

    I most likely won't have any chance to store it out of the sun, but a cover is not out of the question if it will prolong the life. Thanks.


    One of the reasons I discovered I like RV'n is because there isn't one thing about it a reasonably competent DIY'er can't do for himself. Improvements and or repairs / maint. stuff is all very much like any house or auto project or somewhere in between.
  • The roof on my Komfort is EDPM. The warranty is transferable, but I don't remember how many years. With proper care and no rips, they seem to last. Good luck.
  • Lots of just bad info gets posted about any subject. Especially rubber roof material.
    I would contact your type roofing material mfg and ask them how to care for their product.

    My '97 32' 5er has a rubber roof and no issues. I personally do a twice a year check up there just like I did my aluminum roofs. I've found much less maintenance with the rubber roof.
    This is our 2nd unit with a rubber roof.

    Three TCs and one TT and our first '84 5er had aluminum roof material. I would never go back to a aluminum roof.

    Use the web for searching answers to any question. Many folks use Mark Polk for answers to different questions. http://www.fmca.com/motorhome/polks-top-7/3425-polks-top-7-steps-to-maintain-a-rubber-rv-roof?tmpl=component&print=1&page=
  • Bumpyroad wrote:
    I wouldn't want another rubber roofed RV. I would get, but not prefer, a TPO one.
    determine exactly which roof it has, the Dicor sealant website has a good video on how to determine it. and the advertised age limit of a rubber roof is 12 years so take that expense into the amount you are willing to pay for the RV.
    bumpy
    My EDPM had a 20 year warrenty. I never had a RV over 12 years old. I think the next new RV I'll try the Rino roof coating.
  • I wouldn't want another rubber roofed RV. I would get, but not prefer, a TPO one.
    determine exactly which roof it has, the Dicor sealant website has a good video on how to determine it. and the advertised age limit of a rubber roof is 12 years so take that expense into the amount you are willing to pay for the RV.
    bumpy
  • plessm wrote:
    colliehauler wrote:
    Most are good for 20 years as long as you re-seal the seems as they need it. Use to live in Modesto in 83. With a carport they can last a very long time.


    Is a seam reseal something a DIY guy can do or does this require the work of a RV shop?

    I most likely won't have any chance to store it out of the sun, but a cover is not out of the question if it will prolong the life. Thanks.
    Yes where the ruber roof meets the front or rear cap and any cut outs are sealed with dicor lap sealent. As the sealent gets old it dries out and cracks witch lets in water. They recomend you check it twice a year. Not a hard job but needs to be done. The sun will dry it out over time.
  • colliehauler wrote:
    Most are good for 20 years as long as you re-seal the seems as they need it. Use to live in Modesto in 83. With a carport they can last a very long time.


    Is a seam reseal something a DIY guy can do or does this require the work of a RV shop?

    I most likely won't have any chance to store it out of the sun, but a cover is not out of the question if it will prolong the life. Thanks.
  • Most are good for 20 years as long as you re-seal the seems as they need it. Use to live in Modesto in 83. With a carport they can last a very long time.