Roof damage on new RV

[marc515]

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

[marc515]

wbwood wrote:
I wouldn't be wasting my time posting about it on here right now. It would of been back to the dealer ASAP.

I don't know how you or the dealer could of missed that with your PDI.

It is back to the dealer.

I don't consider posting here a waste of time, especially if I get some useful insight

As I noted, I don't know how I missed it either.

[wbwood]

I wouldn't be wasting my time posting about it on here right now. It would of been back to the dealer ASAP.

I don't know how you or the dealer could of missed that with your PDI.

[bukhrn]

I don't know about NJ, but some states have something equivalent to the Lemon Law, you may have 30 days from purchase to return it & nullify the deal.

[marc515]

paullac wrote:
OP - Is that a new new unit or a new to you unit?

It's a new unit.

Replacing the roof is a most likely the right approach. However, my concern is there is no way of knowing how long the crack has been there, and how much water infiltration there has been. I'm sure it has caused some level of unseen damage to the roof and walls, etc.

[paullac]

OP - Is that a new new unit or a new to you unit? GOOD LUCK getting this resolved as I'd expect an uphill road. Although it should be less uphill if it's a new new unit with the Winnebago warranty and all. At a minimum, I would insist that Winnebago pick it up, transport it back to their factory, & replace the roof. Ideally, I'd target a replacement unit but I have yet to hear of anyone who got that on the RV forums. Keep us posted. Fingers crossed that this works out for you.

[Cousin_Eddie93]

First pic there appears to be an abrasion area that looks like something hit there with decent force. Is that area just dirt or is there small pitted gouges in the fiberglass there? Hard to tell. Either way, good luck.

[chinook440]

That looks like impact damage to me.

Those 2 small triangle shaped dull areas in the first picture look like scuff marks from whatever hit it,... or what ever IT hit .

[marc515]

j-d was talking about the horizontal line, from left to right, on the curvature -- not on the flat part of the roof where it looks dull.

Bruce

Sorry, my bad; that is a reflection

[nomad297]

marc515 wrote:

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.

j-d was talking about the horizontal line, from left to right, on the curvature -- not on the flat part of the roof where it looks dull.

Bruce

[super_camper]

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.

[DaHose]

How maddening! I hope you can exchange.

Jose

[newman_fulltime]

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

[ksg5000]

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.

[marc515]

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.

[nomad297]

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