Air Bubble While Driving

[RomperStomper]

I have a 2004 525 TBS Coachman. While hittin the interstate with the wife following she noticed a huge bubble in the roof. After our trip I climbed on top and noticed some wrinkles in the rubber. I am planning on fixing this issue by injecting some glue under the roof using a syringe, and using a bakers roller to roll out the glue, patch it, and put something heavy on it while it sets up. The only problem is I am limited on time (going to Unicoi St Park this Tuesday) and I do not have enough time to order anything online and complete the repair before we leave. Does anyone know what type of glue/sealant compatible with a EPMD roof that I can get from somewhere like Home Depot or Lowes. I went to Campers World and they do not carry any type of glue usable in a syringe. I picked up some Gorilla Glue from HD, but I am not sure it is compatible with the rubber roof. It states it's solvent free but not recommended for polyethylene or polypropylene plastics. I need to get started on this ASAP! Any help will really be appreciated! Thanks

[penguin747]

Just put my roof on. Used dior 901BA glue. Mean stuff

[penguin747]

Keep in mind the money saved and knowledge gained. These repair guys get around $100 a foot for most roof repairs. Not saying it's not worth it because there is work there but it's not that hard

[RomperStomper]

Well that job went a lot better than expected. I went to the local dealer and picked up some Dicor 901BA adhesive and a couple tubes of lap sealant. I ended up pulling the rubber back further than expected. I removed the TV and radio antennae's. I wasn't sure exactly how I was gonna put the roof back down without any help and get it nice and smooth without any wrinkles. So I ended up rolling the membrane up and after I put down the adhesive I just rolled the membrane back out. Worked like a champ and it rolled down nice and smooth. I also fixed the TV antennae that would no longer raise up by replacing the stripped out rod and worm gear. Everything is back together and sealed up. Can't wait for the trip down to Florida on Labor Day weekend!

[jnharley]

It is really pretty easy to undo part of the guttering, pull the loose portion of the roof back, apply the proper adhesive, put the roofing back in place and install the guttering back. It took only a couple of hours for the repair. We had a huge bubble and this was our remedy. The repair held the rest if the time we owned our previous 5th wheel. We were afraid that the roof would rip off without the repair.

[RomperStomper]

All right, I finally got time to get up on the roof. I took off all the trim, a vent, and pulled the rubber back about 4'. Luckily there is absolutely no signs of water intrusion and the rubber is still in great shape. So my plan is to buy some DAP WELDWOOD contact cement from Lowes and roll it on both the rubber and the wood, let it set, and roll the rubber back down. The only problem is the existing cement the factory used is still tacky. I am letting it air out in the hopes it will set up before tomorrow evening or Saturday morning. If not I guess I need to find something to clean it off with. Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with a certain type cleaner? Or should I not even worry about it and just go over it with the contact cement?

[RomperStomper]

Well, I am back from my trip. A little over 300 miles round trip at speeds up to 75 mph and no problems. I had family following with a radio so we were able to monitor it. Now I just need to find some time to pull it back and see what's really going on with it and fix it.

[penguin747]

I will check on that brand tomorrow when we start on the roof.

[B_O__Plenty]

Big Box stores sell rubber roofing membrane for buildings. Same product but it's black. They do carry the adhesive you need. I've bought it there and it works fine.

B.O.

[RomperStomper]

penguin747 wrote:
With the info you gave and what we have seen in past of a buddys, then that roof is one trip away from a disaster. Do soon self education if you haven't already because most roof repair guys get $100-125 per foot to replace. I am currently in project on one and there is nothing to it. You can do a better job than the manufacturer did I promise. Like previous post mentioned u probably got water problem

That's my fear, it letting go on this next trip. It's about a 3hr drive. I have had the camper for about 2 yrs and I'm sure it has had this problem the whole time. It's been on probably 6-7 trips but they are only 30 mins away. I just need to find some glue. By the time I get off work everything is closed besides the big box stores. I was looking at it again yesterday and it is in the fwd rt corner of the camper, about a 2'x6' section. If it is a water problem there are no signs. I think it's more like poor craftsmanship. I have done a lot of reading and people with brand new or couple year old campers have had the same issue. Fixin it is not the issue. I have plenty of skills. I remodeled homes for 10 yrs and I repair/customize Harleys and fix outboard engines. Working full time plus OT, 3 girls 5 and under and a wife. Finding time is the issue. What type of glue are you using?

[penguin747]

With the info you gave and what we have seen in past of a buddys, then that roof is one trip away from a disaster. Do soon self education if you haven't already because most roof repair guys get $100-125 per foot to replace. I am currently in project on one and there is nothing to it. You can do a better job than the manufacturer did I promise. Like previous post mentioned u probably got water problem

[kennethwooster]

It probably will need a new rubber roof. I hit a tree and had to replace the rubber roof. I was disappointed with the job. It's ok but such as the a/C being installed wrong, and not covering things inside. We had dirt every where. A good repairman will make sure the inside is covered.

[kennethwooster]

It probably will need a new rubber roof. I hit a tree and had to replace the rubber roof. I was disappointed with the job. It's ok but such as the a/C being installed wrong, and not covering things inside. We had dirt every where. A good repairman will make sure the inside is covered.

[93Cobra2771]

Since no one else has said it, I will. You likely have some water intrusion somewhere, which has caused the roof to release.

If enough of the roof is loose that you are getting your bubble, your time is limited. Make plans for it to come loose during your next trip.

I had a friend with the same thing, and found most of his rubber roof hanging off the back of the trailer at a gas station. It wasn't pretty.

At the very least, I'd sink some screws through a 1x1 across the width of the roof to hold it all in place until you can get it repaired properly.

It likely needs a new rubber roof due to age, so plan on replacing it.

[RomperStomper]

TXiceman wrote:
DO NOT use Gorilla Glue. It expands as it cures and dries.

Ken

Thanks for the info. I won't be using it. I was on the roof yesterday looking everything over. Other then the ripples the roof looks pretty good. Nothing separating or cracking. I'm gonna wait until I get back from my trip and order some stuff from Dicor and fix it the proper way instead of rushing it and causing more problems.