Rubber roof bubbles or blisters

Since we received our TT back after window warranty being completed we started thinking about what else could be wrong. So, we got a ladder out and checked the roof. We saw bubbles, some small and medium. So, I decided I would do a search here for any previous posts regarding roof bubbles. Looks like we need to take pictures of the bubbles and alert the dealer and have it documented and go from there. What a headache.

Seems like the RV/TT industry needs to go through the same crisis that the US auto industry went through with foreign competition. Eventually leading to the US deciding to get their quality act together...

First opportunity will be taking pictures, will post here too

Yes, it IS a problem that can worsen. There should not be any bubbles at all. I've owned three trailers, one used and two new. None had/has bubbles.

rode2nowhere wrote:
I have one about 2" x 5" in my 2011 keystone tt. Should I contact dealer where bought or keystone? I know they will say is normal.

While this is small bubble now- it is not normal- demand they fix it now - or they will replace the roof later.

Some say normal, some say leads to bigger problems. ??

Thanks to everyone, I send an e-mail to Trailer Life clinic but have not received a reply yet.

What is DOW hot shot 3/16 inch roof ?

I went through this when my TT was new. Sadly it is normal but only because they don't take care when installing it. As I said it is indeed normal to have some small bubbles and like the dealer said, they will come and go and that has been exactly what happened. Don't believe me? Do what I did and call around to other dealers, even call the competition and tell them you have another brand and see what they say. Every single one told me it was normal and nothing to worry about - and 10 years later I can tell you they were right.

I recently had a similar problem that started small (multiple areas 2-3 inches in diameter) and grew over the course of a year to long (3 to 5 FOOT) strips of loose material.

The problem was compounded by the fact that the wave of air that passes over the front of the fiver when towing creates a low pressure zone and pulls the roof material up off the decking.

Eventually I had a "bubble" forming every time I towed at freeway speeds. This led to the EPDM tearing from around the front attic vent and A/C unit.

I too asked around when the areas were small and spread out and was told it was "normal". Fortunately I took photos and notified the manufacturer right after I noticed the problem. When it became a "bubble" and tearing issue, the trailer was a few months out of warranty but since I had already documented the issue, Forest River replaced the entire roof (EPDM only) under warranty. 5 months later it's still adhering properly with no bubbles whatsoever.

I watched the process at the dealership and noticed that the original EPDM was laid down by apparently spraying glue onto the plywood decking. Unfortunately the spraying technique didn't completely or evenly cover all the decking, leading to sections that had no glue on them at all. I figure this is where the 2-3" sections started and they eventually migrated together to form the 3-5 foot sections.

When my dealer replaced the EPDM, they *ROLLED* the glue onto the plywood (similar to how you would lay down a laminate countertop). More work and personnel than simply waving a spray gun, but complete coverage for a job apparently well done.

In short, based on my experience I would say NO it's not normal and you should move to have it repaired. Whether it can be repaired in a section or the entire roof has to be replaced is a matter for your dealer and manufacturer to determine.

I have one about 2" x 5" in my 2011 keystone tt. Should I contact dealer where bought or keystone? I know they will say is normal.