School me on Roof Materials - Have they improved?

[rwhite692]

We have a 2003 (Pilgrim) Open Road fiver (in sig below) which has a "rubber roof". It has been a royal pain in the neck in terms of re-sealing leaks at all of the roof penetrations (skylights, vents,etc) with a new leak appearing somewhere, about every other year.

If I was planning to keep it, I would be getting a new roof installed on it, at this point.

We are now looking at new Toy Haulers and wondering if there is anything new and truly better "under the sun" in terms of RV roof construction/materials, and sealing methods.

It seems like, for all of the boasting they do about this or that feature, none of the manufacturers seem willing to talk much about having a reliable and long-lasting roof system.

We have found that a sure way to get a salesman at an RV show to start staring at his shoes, or to wander off never to return, is to ask questions about the roof.

We do also plan on putting an RV shelter over our parking area, for our next fiver/toy hauler.

[JIMNLIN]

My '97 32' 5th wheel trailer has a rubber roof. No leak issues.
I get up there twice a year and check for small hairline cracks in the sealant or spots where the sealant has lifted. I watch for cracks in the plastic roof jacks and fixtures.

I've used nothing but self leveling Dicor in a few places since '97.

Our older units had galvanized steel roofing and painted steel side skins.

Later aluminum roofing materials with crimped panels and even later seamless aluminum roofing.

Finally the industry gave us a rubber roof which put my small moon light mobilehome/RV repair business ..out of business.
What ever type of material up there never wait till a leak shows up. Preventative roof maintenance will eliminate leaky roofs.

[big_buford]

Have tpo on my 06. Holding up great, love the stuff so far.

[mdamerell]

One of the reasons I mentioned the Rhino System was I had read this Peterson Ind. Offering New Rhino Roof System Don't know if anyone else offers it as OEM or not.

[trail-explorer]

Being in California, where it's hot.... the roof probably should be inspected every year and resealed, rather than waiting for leak until it's re-sealed.

The roof sealant commonly used, called Dicor, works good, but it will dry out and get brittle in extreme heat / sun exposure, but usually that takes more than a year or two.

What kind of sealant are you using?

[Blackdiamond]

I have a Class A 2003 model with a TOP roof and it is holding up great....my previous 07' Diesel Pusher had a TPO and never had an issue, I owned it from 08-14.

[tragusa3]

That looks like what I have. I called Forest River, and they would only tell me that it is a "new" product they are using. The wouldn't tell me the manufacturer.

[rwhite692]

mdamerell, thanks for the link. If I were going to keep my existing fiver, I would certainly be looking into that solution to repair my existing roof.

As I am in the market for a new toy hauler, I see that "TPO" and EPDM rubber (which is what I have) are by far the most commonly used sheet materials for RV roofs.

I am really interested to hear from RVers who have experience with TPO roofs or other products.

I found this...which is apparently being used by some RV manufacturers.

Is this a "TPO" product?

http://www.all-rite.com/superflex-roofing-p-821.html

Benefits of Super Flex Roofing Membrane

8'6" widths in any lengths!
Does not chalk (will not turn the side of the unit gray)
Is .165 lbs/sq feet compared to EPDM at .29 lbs/sq foot
Has a better puncture resistance than EPDM
Has a non-skid surface for better traction
Easily repairable
Same color thru entire substrate
100% solids sealant (will not shrink or crack)
.028 Thick

[tragusa3]

I can't answer if they improved, but I do have a new trailer with a roof material that no one can identify. Interested in following what is said here.

[mdamerell]

When I get to that point I'm seriously interested in Rhino RV Roof System