Roof bubbling
A friend has a brand new rv. The roof is bubbling and getting worse. The dealer (Poulsbo RV) says it isn't bad enough to put in a warranty claim. The friend has 3 months left on her warranty. What do you think?
Forum Discussion
- I would ask the dealer for a statement, in writing, that it isn't bad enough for a warranty claim.
And something in writing that explains what is bad enough for a warranty claim.
Then I would contact the manufacturer while the dealer is double talking. - That the dealer is hoping she won’t do anything for at least 3 months.
I’d do what gbopp said and/or contact a mobile rv tech. - I would also include the first date I brought in the camper and was told it wasn't bad enough along with the date you go back to get things signed so they can't stall and then say you waited until after the warranty expired. Take pictures of the bubbling, be very detailed in what you write up and I would also bring someone, preferably two people with you (people other than family members), so when the dealer says "I'm not signing anything" (which is likely going to be the case) you have witnesses you can depose and subpoena to testify what transpired in case you end up having to take the dealer to court. If you have no witnesses it ends up being a "he said she said" situation and you won't win. Do everything right the first time so no one can say you've made changes later on.
- For some related posts search this Forum for `bubbling' to see what others have experienced.
It may not be that difficult to fix depending on how bad it is. - Get it fixed. It will only get worse. The dealer is procrastinating hoping the Warranty will run out before it is fixed and then your friend is Screwed. A letter to the BBB won't hurt either.
- Definitely contact the mfg with pictures.
- Had a bubble problem on a fifth wheel, the repair is to remove the rain gutters and anything that goes through the roof in the area of the bubble . Then peal back the roofing material remove as much of the old adhesive as possible then reglue the roofing material and put everything back and seal the penetrations. ours was done under warranty and so should this one . The repair lasted over ten years until we sold the fifth wheel and never leaked.
- I have had two new units that had some bubbling.
Both got better on their own. It seems that the roofing material will shrink some as it ages, and the bubbles disapear then.... In fact I think some bubbles might be beneficial so that when the material shrinks, it doesn't pull away from where it is supposed to be.
Both of my TTs with the bubbles were bubble free in a year or so, and trouble free for at least 10 years.
Now I suppose the bubbles can be large enough to cause trouble... Some pics would help. - Having gone through a new roof with “Bubbles” I will offer a few tips.
1. Take very good photos of everyone of them...using a ruler or yardstick for reference.
2. Document every phone call, conversation, including date, time,and names, and what was discussed.
3. Have every inspection documented.
4. Call the manufacturer direct and relate your experience with your dealer.
5. If necessary get a second or third inspection and recommendations for repair.
Mine was replaced under warranty at a cost of $8000.00 , no cost to me.
Most will not get better with time and soon a small problem will just turn into a nightmare. I have seen many RV’s going down the road with the roof material ballooned up 2-3 feet above the roof due to the suction of the air passing over the roof.
