Roof Question-What is "normal"

[fbn_ent]

We are looking at a 2003 Travelaire C Class 25'. I should have taken a pic to post but I will try to explain it...While checking the roof I noticed the rubber membrane has two "creases" about 1" high by six (?) feet long. These creases are vertical, have no sharp edges, and the membrane does not seem to be compromised. When I stepped off of the railed roof stowage area, the roof gave under my weight. I did not continue as I was not sure what is normal on these units. I could see no evidence of leakage anywhere and there is only one spot on the rear corner that has had a small 2" repair in the lap sealant. This unit has been stored under cover for the last six years when not in use. So, how soft are these roofs? Thanks for any help/insight you can give.

[fbn_ent]

I had a real good look at the ceilings and inside all cabinets with a good flashlight to make sure there is no staining. Still...my little voice is saying "be careful".

[garyhaupt]

I had a Travelaire and I never ever felt good about being on the roof. Having said that, I don't get up on my present one either...nor do I walk around on my house roof. Roofs don't like being walked on. If you watch many techs, they will lay a section of plywood or a wide board of some kind, to distribute weight, before wandering on an RV roof. They are not designed to be trampled on.

Even if it has been garage kept, as you have been told, it is entirely likely that at some point, moisture got under that rubber material. I had that, too. Sure, a shop can easily open that up, ensure it is dry and re-apply an adhesive and then a sealant over the cut line. You can do that too, if you can have it under a shelter while you are servicing it.

Now then....whether or not to purchase....are their stains on the ceiling? If the ceiling panels are bright and shiny new..that could be screaming leak. If you are going to continue looking at this unit, get eyes up on the actual ceiling, get some light up there. And price. If it is at a similar level as others of this caliber in your area, I'd be looking at others.

Travelaire made a quality product. One of Canada's top manufacturers. It has heated tanks and the plumbing is all protected. And..all RV's are subject to leaks. The important thing is dealing with them. One of the ways is an annual roof check by a technician. If a person does any unpaved camping, they are going to find a branch scraping across the roof. That, is a fact of camping life.


Gary Haupt

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[Bordercollie]

I would look further for a rig with no suspected or obvious roof/structural issues. There may be hidden water damage to internal roof/ceiling and other structure.

[fbn_ent]

Spent two days both looking at the unit and talking to many service people. Then went back and looked again. The front three feet of the roof is loose I suspect it has been billowing down the road. One real (to me) good service guy with 38 years experience sent me back to look for the root cause of this and someone has been pretty active with a caulking gun all around the nose. There is also a defect/crack in the side at the front of the left side window going on a 45 degree angle to the front. My "little voice" is telling me not to buy this as it may be an issue. The roof is 12 years old and the tech tells me a life span is around 13 years.

[fbn_ent]

I will drive the 200 miles to get another real good look and some pictures of the roofing issue. I have come to the conclusion that the roof was built from the 3/8" material and will "give" if I walk upright on it. The unit has been taken very good care of in it's life and I am hoping that the roof issue isn't a deal killer.

[maillemaker]

They make rubber roof paint that basically covers sins. It can be a one-way street, though. When I bought my RV the roof had already been painted completely with the stuff, covering all fasteners. It is basically impossible to remove and do work on the roof anymore.

Once you reach the point in life of an RV where roof replacement is not financially reasonable, about all you can do is keep slapping on roof paint if a leak shows up and keep going as long as you can. And then, stay off your roof, because it may not support you anymore.

[fbn_ent]

So, bear II, is there a way to slit the roofing, lay it flat and reseal if it does start to go? The repair shops I have talked to say somewhere around $4K Canadian to put on a new membrane. Pretty much makes this unit not feasible if there is that issue. Very nice otherwise...

[lfcjasp]

DH has walked (very carefully) around on our campers roof and says it felt like walking on the floor, IOW solid, if not flat (the roor is crowned). He inspects the roof pretty regularly.

[the_bear_II]

It depends on how the unit is manufactured.

Some have roofs constructed using a sandwich technique these are stronger and usually do not flex as you walk on them.

The manufacturers that use plywood rafters with 3/8 inch plywood sheathing do not intend for the roofs to be walked on except for inspection/ maintenance purposes. These roofs will flex if you don't step where the rafters are located. On these you can use pieces of plywood as stepping stones if you need to be on the roof.

The creases indicate the roofing membrane was not installed properly or has come loose from the adhesive. Only problem I imagine is water may collect along the crease and if you have a crack or hole will help to cause damage.
I would keep an eye on it too see if it gets worse or begins to crack.

[ed6713]

I've owned five RV's over the years and could walk all over the roof with no noticible flexing.