We have a 3 week old 2014 Navion, and I just discovered a crack on the edge/crown of the roof on above the awning.The second picture shows what looks like previous work was done to that area, and I can even notice a difference in the white paint color.The damage was there when we purchased it, and I don't know how I missed it, and I'm very annoyed that we were sold a new RV with undisclosed damage.The main concern is hidden damage to roof and wall, as we have no idea how long the crack has been there.It's going back to the dealer Monday, and am wondering if any of you guys have had any experience in this area, and how I go about getting proper resolution.Thank you,.....marc

Ouch! Good luck. I'm sure the dealer is going to do everything they can to pin this on you.Bruce

Let us know how you make out at the dealer.

What's the "streak" that widens running right-to-left in the second picture? It widens as it passes through the colored graphic part of the photo. I hope that isn't a "drag mark" where it rubbed along a branch or such. Do you have the standard graphics or the full body paint? I looked at the Navion webpage and couldn't see where the color of that Swoosh would have white through it. Or is it a reflection? It isn't apparent in the first picture.The fiberglass roof is a very desirable feature, make no mistake about that. But we're familiar with how tough a FG boat hull is, and a FG RV roof is nothing like that. If something ran along the edge of the roof the FG would have yielded till it got to a cross rib or the like. Then it could have snagged there and started a hole or crack.

I have no idea why that area is dull; it looks like flat paint or the area was sanded; it does not look like anything dragged as there are marks.Where the white paint meets the brown paint on the crown, you can visibly notice where white paint was sprayed in the area.I don't have the full body paint option.m

j-d wrote:What's the "streak" that widens running right-to-left in the second picture? It widens as it passes through the colored graphic part of the photo. I hope that isn't a "drag mark" where it rubbed along a branch or such.That looks like reflection to me.Bruce

Roof damage on new RV | Good Sam Community

nomad297
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Ouch! Good luck. I'm sure the dealer is going to do everything they can to pin this on you.

Bruce
gbopp
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Let us know how you make out at the dealer.
j-d
Explorer II
Aug 18, 2014
What's the "streak" that widens running right-to-left in the second picture? It widens as it passes through the colored graphic part of the photo. I hope that isn't a "drag mark" where it rubbed along a branch or such. Do you have the standard graphics or the full body paint? I looked at the Navion webpage and couldn't see where the color of that Swoosh would have white through it. Or is it a reflection? It isn't apparent in the first picture.
The fiberglass roof is a very desirable feature, make no mistake about that. But we're familiar with how tough a FG boat hull is, and a FG RV roof is nothing like that. If something ran along the edge of the roof the FG would have yielded till it got to a cross rib or the like. Then it could have snagged there and started a hole or crack.
marc515
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
I have no idea why that area is dull; it looks like flat paint or the area was sanded; it does not look like anything dragged as there are marks.

Where the white paint meets the brown paint on the crown, you can visibly notice where white paint was sprayed in the area.

I don't have the full body paint option.

m
nomad297
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
j-d wrote:
What's the "streak" that widens running right-to-left in the second picture? It widens as it passes through the colored graphic part of the photo. I hope that isn't a "drag mark" where it rubbed along a branch or such.

That looks like reflection to me.

Bruce
marc515
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
nomad297 wrote:
j-d wrote:
What's the "streak" that widens running right-to-left in the second picture? It widens as it passes through the colored graphic part of the photo. I hope that isn't a "drag mark" where it rubbed along a branch or such.

That looks like reflection to me.

Bruce

Oh, it's not a reflection. That area is dull compared to the rest of the roof.
ksg5000
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Don't think I have ever seen a crack in the crown - would think that's a pretty good sign that there is a significant structural issue. I would contact dealer and mfg to discuss - if possible get a new unit as a cosmetic fix of the crown may not hold up.
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Aug 18, 2014
i do inspections and vi would have to say that there is a screw to tight in a weak area on the awning and with to much pressure it crack the cap and when u drove and flexed it the crack continued up
DaHose
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
How maddening! I hope you can exchange.

Jose
super_camper
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
ksg5000 wrote:
Don't think I have ever seen a crack in the crown - would think that's a pretty good sign that there is a significant structural issue. I would contact dealer and mfg to discuss - if possible get a new unit as a cosmetic fix of the crown may not hold up.
The exterior fiberglass sheeting is very thin and will crack anywhere if the underlying structure allows movement. I agree that the crack is the result of a structural issue but it doesn't have to be significant or catastrophic to crack the exterior sheeting.

Correcting this problem for the long term will most definitely require a thorough inspection and correction of the underlying problem and structure, this will result in replacing all or part of the roofing material.

When speaking with the dealer or manufacturer I would not accept a cosmetic fix as it will only crack again - I do have personal experience with this.