Ceiling Bowed, Snow? Slide Out?

[ducky_07]

We have just bought a 2012 Layton Joey 312, pending final inspection in the spring.

We noticed while inside it yesterday that 2 panels seem to be bowed. These panels are both in the center(approximately) of the slide outs (living room and bunk house)

The owner explained it as the ceiling being compacted because the slide outs are in, when the slide outs go out the ceiling will decompress and be flat again.

Its not delamination or sagging, the bow is quite solid. But there is also about 2' of snow/ice on top of the trailer right now.

Is the compression thing for real? Or is it ice/snow load?

*edited sorry, I just learned the difference between tip and slide out!

[ducky_07]

boosTT wrote:
Maybe that section of roof does not have supports? Seams odd, but that could explain a legit reason for the roof to bow in only one area. Was the AC unit in the middle of one of these areas?

There were trees all around it was in a campground.
The AC unit was not in this panel, it's in the one next to it.

As for lights, I think from my picture it is in the same panel

[boosTT]

Maybe that section of roof does not have supports? Seams odd, but that could explain a legit reason for the roof to bow in only one area. Was the AC unit in the middle of one of these areas?

[boosTT]

Did you see any tree stumps or large trees near the trailer?

[kennyd63]

I tell you what, I have to agree with Old-Biscuit bow roof/ceiling it's damage plain and simple. And as he suggested and others here walk away from it if you gave a deposit see if seller is willing to returned it to you and look for another unit. An honest person would understand your concerns I know I would, good luck.;)

[NYCgrrl]

mikakuja wrote:
I second the motion to have an independent RV inspection done before making any decisions. As the rest have already said, it doesn't sound right and my first instinct tells me "RUN AWAY".

Another vote for a fully independent inspection.
Sounds like practical thinking.

[mikakuja]

I second the motion to have an independent RV inspection done before making any decisions. As the rest have already said, it doesn't sound right and my first instinct tells me "RUN AWAY".

[myredracer]

ducky_07 wrote:
Its the main ceiling, not the slide out ceiling.
There is snow on the entire trailer, any reason why only 2 panels would be bowed?

Any light fixtures, speakers or anything else on those particular panels? Sometimes (always?) the ceiling panels are only attached at the edges of the sheets and it doesn't take much for them to bow downwards. Can you see evidence of staples between the seams of each sheet? Things like AC grilles, roof vents, AC unit, etc. will secure the ceiling panels up tight against the rafters. Could it be that the insulation has gotten damp over time and the weight of the insulation is causing the panels to sag? Interior moisture buildup and water ingress can be the kiss of death in RVs.

What is the history of use for the TT? Had a lot or little use in the winter? Improper venting of moisture in the winter can trap moisture in ceilings (and walls). I would pull down speakers, vent trims, etc. and look into the ceiling cavity and reach in and see what the insulation feels like. What happens if you push up on the panels? Resistance or is it lightly floppy? It could be nothing and resolved with stapling the panels a bit (with the correct type of staple).

The owner's explanation doesn't sound reassuring. For a small amount of $$ you could hire an independent RV tech to inspect the TT. Could potentially save you thousands of $$ in the long run. Maybe post a pic or two might help.

[SoundGuy]

ducky_07 wrote:
There are 0 signs of any water damage in the trailer anywhere.

How can you possibly know if there's any interior damage in the roof without opening it up? You can't, which presumably you haven't done, so then the question is - why would you even bother if there's even the slightest chance of damage and when there are so many other choices out there? :h

Your choice obviously but most here are recommending you get out of this deal ASAP.

[dodge_guy]

It's really hard to figure out without inspecting it in person. How long is the trailer? I never jump to conclusion without knowing firsthand what I'm dealing with. It very well could be damaged. Or it could just be he snow on the roof. Snow gets very heavy. Are you sure it not just an optical illusion with the slide in? Trailers will flex, no question. Some if setup at a campsite improperly will be hard to open a door.

[mayo30]

It doesn't matter the why or how much anything is.Why would you even consider buying this unit if you have structural questions already.Who has the deposit and do you have any recourse to cancellation other then you deciding after some inspection in the spring.What if the seller disagrees with your inspection(are you knowledgeable enough to do it?)Where is the money?Straight out the seller is either slippery or totally not truthful to come up with that line.Go find a stress free if possible unit.

[ducky_07]

What doesn't make sense to me is why any interior ceiling panels would be bowing down at all - what's that got to do with snow load unless the roof has indeed leaked and water is inside it, perhaps laying in a puddle on top of the ceiling panels? Scary. :E

Secondly, if this trailer has been sitting in an area known for heavy snow fall over the winter why in the world were the slides left deployed anyway?! :h

My "clarification" is - cancel this deal if you can and look for something else. 😉

The slides outs are in, its the main ceiling above the slide out. There are 0 signs of any water damage in the trailer anywhere.

[SoundGuy]

ducky_07 wrote:
We couldn't inspect the roof, no. There was about 2 feet across the whole roof, so we also couldn't see AC, vents etc. There was that much snow because the trailer has been left in the campground for the winter.

The panel is dipped maximum an inch. It's hard to tell in the photo I have.

What doesn't make sense to me is if it is snow load, why aren't all the panels/the whole roof bowing? Why only 2 panels? I'm not disagreeing with all of you who have given your opinion, I am just looking for more clarification.

What doesn't make sense to me is why any interior ceiling panels would be bowing down at all - what's that got to do with snow load unless the roof has indeed leaked and water is inside it, perhaps laying in a puddle on top of the ceiling panels? Scary. :E

Secondly, if this trailer has been sitting in an area known for heavy snow fall over the winter why in the world were the slides left deployed anyway?! :h

My "clarification" is - cancel this deal if you can and look for something else. 😉

[ducky_07]

We couldn't inspect the roof, no. There was about 2 feet across the whole roof, so we also couldn't see AC, vents etc. There was that much snow because the trailer has been left in the campground for the winter.

The panel is dipped maximum an inch. It's hard to tell in the photo I have.

What doesn't make sense to me is if it is snow load, why aren't all the panels/the whole roof bowing? Why only 2 panels? I'm not disagreeing with all of you who have given your opinion, I am just looking for more clarification.
Thanks

[boosTT]

That does not seam normal. The roof trusses on my trailer are aluminum. They will not flex. I would really question what caused the flexing? Did a tree limb fall on the roof and cause the truss to crack? I'm guessing you didn't inspect the roof due to snow...