Forum Discussion

mike0825's avatar
mike0825
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014

new here! roof maintenance?

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times and i apologize but i am going to ask again. i bought a jayco 5th wheel last fall. when i bought it the guys at camping world told me all these things i needed to do to the roof and rubber gaskets. as far a cleaning them and conditioner. it was quite the fast paced crash course and i remember nothing. so I've been doing some research and some people/places say to do nothing but wash the roof with a mild soap and water, some say to use all the different chemicals?!?! my camper is not covered at this time i hope to have that done by summer. I'm lost so any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks
  • mileshuff's avatar
    mileshuff
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    What about those that live in the desert southwest? I see uncovered trailers only 5-10 years old badly beat up by the sun and hear about numerous roof problems.

    I've always stored mine under shaded cover and have only hosed off the dirt a few times each year and washed the sides. After 20 years I sold my trailer and roof and sides looked good as new. My guess is that shade is the best thing you can ever do to keep your trailer in good shape.
  • Dave_H_M's avatar
    Dave_H_M
    Explorer II
    Mar 21, 2014
    I never wash my roof. My thoughts are that one has to do what makes him comfortable.

    Next thing you may ask about wheel bearings and a bunch of folks will say to do it annually.

    Now if I sold roof cleaner, bearing grease and on and on, I would highly recommend it. :W

    It sounds like you are going to get it under cover so that will be good.
  • RAS43's avatar
    RAS43
    Explorer III
    Mar 21, 2014
    ChopperBill wrote:
    Wash it, forget the snake oil treatments. That's all the roof manufactures say.


    Dicor recommends washing 4 times a year and they have products to purchase to do the job. Snake oil? Probably not. As for the 4 times, that is 3 more times then mine gets washed. I'm a ounce a year guy for that big job.
  • Greene728's avatar
    Greene728
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2014
    waltbennett wrote:
    CW and anyone selling RV stuff will tell you that so they can sell you what they carry. Go to any EDPM roofing material manufacturer's web site and they'll say you don't have to do anything to them. The white chalk-like stuff coming off is normal oxidation. If you just have to spend your time washing your roof, Dawn and a soft nylon brush is the only way to go.


    Spot on post right here ^^^

    This is exactly what I do twice a year. Dawn, soft bristle brush, and lots of water. Keep the sides of the rig wet also so all the nasty stuff that's washed off will rinse off easily. Roof looks like new after 3.5 years.
  • waltbennett's avatar
    waltbennett
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2014
    CW and anyone selling RV stuff will tell you that so they can sell you what they carry. Go to any EDPM roofing material manufacturer's web site and they'll say you don't have to do anything to them. The white chalk-like stuff coming off is normal oxidation. If you just have to spend your time washing your roof, Dawn and a soft nylon brush is the only way to go.
  • Paul_Clancy's avatar
    Paul_Clancy
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2014
    Whatever you do don't pressure wash near seams or close to membrane as it can rip it.
  • FlatBroke's avatar
    FlatBroke
    Explorer II
    Mar 20, 2014
    Wash it, forget the snake oil treatments. That's all the roof manufactures say.
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2014
    My owners manual said to use Dawn dish detergent. I clean ours twice year as with all vent covers, A/C covers, antenna and top side of awning. Just be careful when washing the roof it gets very slippery up there.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 20, 2014
    Cleaning is not required for normal maint. and will last just as long or longer without it. Make sure you keep up with seem maint. though.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,006 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025