Ready to Buy New TT but have roof questions

Our Sun line TT had a few bubbles and they were never a problem in the 10 years we owned the trailer. The rubber roof is quite durable....maintaining the seams is the important issue.

First thing I would do is contact Forest River and ask what they are using one the roof, then research the product.

I doubt you will find a roof on any brand of trailer that doesn't have some bubbling one the roof.

Being as Forest River is a Berkshire Hathaway company, I would think that they are not going to put out a product that does not at least meet the industry standard.

I have a couple of friends that are proud Forest River Owners, I can't say that I'm a proud Thor Industries product owner.

If it's new, try looking at some other trailers from the same manufacturer on the lot to see if they look the same.

On my Jayco there were a few large bubbles on the roof. I'm talking a foot wide and 2 - 3 feet long. I asked about it and the salesman pointed out similar bubbles on the trailers all around the one we were standing on. I don't know how long it took as I wasn't concerned enough to pay attention, but they all disappeared over time. Now my roof is smooth with no bubbles and has been like that for years.

If new, did the other new units have the same type roof?

That doesn't look like any rubber roof I've ever seen. They should be smooth.

Is it, in fact, a rubber roof?

A one piece TPO roof is the way to go in my opinion.

Bumpyroad wrote:
are those multiple pieces of roofing "stuck" together? if so I'd buy a different brand myself. I'd find one with a one piece TPO roof instead.
bumpy

No, those are just the seams in the 1/8" luan paneling they put over the 3/8" plywood. They use the luan to make it smoother for the membrane to stick to.

Unfortunately I think the bubble are just a matter or poor workmanship. However, speaking as someone who has/had the same bubbles on my Forest River TT I can tell you they never presented a problem and mostly just went away on thier own.

are those multiple pieces of roofing "stuck" together? if so I'd buy a different brand myself. I'd find one with a one piece TPO roof instead.
bumpy

I did a little search on the web and found this from Forest River's Website Q&A section:

Q-I noticed some air bubbles in my rubber roof, will they cause any problem?
Not at all! During the manufacturing process, the glue used to secure the rubber to the plywood underpayment goes through a “curing” process. In some instances, the glue continues to “cure” after the rubber is in place and the gas causes an air pocket. Typically, they will never get any larger and do not pose any threat for leakage or structural problems. If your unit has an air bubble that is making you uncomfortable, have your local Forest River dealer check it for your piece of mind.

Q-What should I use to coat my rubber roof?
Nothing! The only maintenance to the rubber roof itself is washing it a few times a year. Most standard household detergents are appropriate (avoid petroleum based solvents, harsh abrasives or citrus based products) to clean with warm water. Keep debris cleared to help avoid stains.

Note: While the rubber itself is relatively maintenance free, any sealed openings in the roof do require periodic inspections & resealing. Please review the Owner’s Manual for more information on the Care & Maintenance of your RV.

I would worry about it. Looks like the adhesive may have given up in a couple of spots or leaks have caused it to loosen.