Rubber Roof Lifting

I've had the same thing happen when I put an AC back on too quick after replacing the rubber roofing as the adhesive hadn't had time to dry. Also puckered the rubber by sliding the AC.

I didn't see it as a problem. Lifted the AC and straightened the rubber and re-installed.

I also do not like the water to puddle under the edge of the AC, so when I remove the AC for maintenance on the last three that I've had, I put a 1/4" thick plywood shim, the shape of the AC seal, under the rubber. That makes the rubber slope away from the AC and prevents puddling.

On a couple that I've worked on I have found the AC hard to pry loose. On a neighbors rig, a previous owner had put a bead of Dicor between the seal and roof and AC. Had to scrape that one loose to keep from tearing the rubber around the AC opening.


As far as the mold where the water was puddling, it's outside, it gets dirty, wash it off.

I've only had one new camper, it was pretty well made but wasn't perfect. I think if someone claims they have a perfect camper then they made it that way or they have a severe case of Myopia.

joeshmoe wrote:

ScottG wrote:
That looks just like the mildew we get on everything here. It has a slimy oily feel too.

You know, that may be it. It does feel oily. There is absolutely no sign of leakage that I can see at this point.

Aaron, if the A/C is fine and no oil leak I don't think you should remove it. You might just make things worse.

ScottG wrote:
That looks just like the mildew we get on everything here. It has a slimy oily feel too.

You know, that may be it. It does feel oily. There is absolutely no sign of leakage from the AC that I can see at this point.

Going to state the obvious...but to remove the AC generally the inside shroud/control unit is removed (some not needed) to access the bolts going thru inside ceiling pan into Roof unit.

I wouldnt think so on a factory install but often the gasket is 'glued' on with adhesive/caulk, making removal a bit difficult.
I would think if compressor is leaking oil youd see with outside shroud removed? Not to say it isnt leaking but our roof gets pretty slimy if I havent washed in a while.

macdale4 wrote:
I have an AF 1140 and my roof started lifting by the time I got it home, (7 days), and it has gotten worse over the past year. They said it is normal. I'm skeptical.

Thats normal on a 40k+ camper! what a joke. For some reason I can justify it on the wolf creek but the AF...

joeshmoe wrote:

rjxj wrote:


You could have an over cut area or slice in the membrane. Is the plywood buckling and wavy under the membrane? If it is it's more than the membrane just coming loose.

Don't know. I was trying to get the pics just before it started raining. I'll have to get back up there and look closer.

Super_Dave wrote:
Also, I could be reading too much into it but it looks like you had enough standing water here to create mold.

That's actually oil, I presume from the A/C. You can see where I slid my fingers through it. I think you might correct about it leaking.

In any case, the warranty on the camper expired 5 months ago so I'm sure NW won't be any help. The A/C is warrantied for another 7 mos., so maybe at least I can it repaired.

Does that mean the entire roof needs to be replaced?

I have an AF 1140 and my roof started lifting by the time I got it home, (7 days), and it has gotten worse over the past year. They said it is normal. I'm skeptical.

joeshmoe wrote:

Jfet wrote:
Perhaps some recourse through the AC manufacturer? I do not think compressors leaking that much oil is common.

BTW, how the heck do you pry it off the roof? I tried and it is STUCK. Didn't want use my brute strength and possibly make it worse.

If Apache camping center installed your A/C then they used Dicor along with the rubber seal. It is very difficult to pry the A/C up as I had to to the same. You will need 2 people, 1 pushing up from the inside of the camper and another on the roof with a credit card or hand trying to free the dicor from the rubber roof while at the same time trying not to rip a hole in your roof. It took me about an hour to remove mine and many curse words. The bubbling could also be caused from the dicor they used. I installed a fantastic vent fan on my wolfy 1 and used dicor and the roof started to bubble just like in your pics. Never heard of an oil leak from an A/C unit...have you been using your a/c this winter? or noticed anything leaking from it?

Here's some pics for those that didn't want to click the link:





Inside actually looks okay. Doesn't appear to be any damage--yet.
I think the material raised up outside due to exposure to the oil.
Once I get the AC up, I'll be able to inspect further. I don't think it'll be anything major.



To be continued....

That looks just like the mildew we get on everything here. It has a slimy oily feel too.