Roof concern?

d3500ram wrote:
Has anyone else ever seen a TC going down the road where the roof material in the front is ballooning up as it travels?

On a TC no, in a giant 5th wheel, yes, at least every trip I take I see one.

It should not balloon or have enough loose membrane to lift of flap. It's just a matter of time until repair or replacement is needed.

FWIW, I am a commercial/industrial roofing contractor. We do mostly EPDM rubber and some TPO roofs, I build them to last 30+ years. If I did my roofs to the same low standards as the RV industry, I'd be in jail or bankruptcy court.

Our 2001 Jayco has had a few of those since new. It hasn't caused any issue and hasn't gotten any worse.

I have seen RVs traveling down the road blown up like others have mentioned. I would guess they had some type of water damage to have the adhesive let go completely.

I would check to see if it is looser than the wrinkles in the picture and check for cracks in the caulk.

If it isn't any looser than what the picture shows, I wouldn't worry but would keep a check on it until sure it isn't a water leak.

It's in a place that can be re-glued. Just a lot of caulk and putty to remove.

I have passed a few of these ballooning roofs traveling in opposite direction and glad I wasn't behind them going same way.

Yes keep a close eye on it and take occasional photos with your cell phone to see if it is getting worse. See no need for drastic action at this point but make sure no gaps or teares around the roof edges and double check the edge caulking that it is still good condition. I had a few of those on my roof for years with no adverse effects but I also recoated by roof with fresh EDPM once a year. It was fun in early morning cool hours. Cheers

deltabravo wrote:

d3500ram wrote:
Has anyone else ever seen a TC going down the road where the roof material in the front is ballooning up as it travels?

I've seen several 5th wheels with a big "roof membrane balloon"

I often wonder if the owners know (knew) of it.

d3500ram wrote:
Has anyone else ever seen a TC going down the road where the roof material in the front is ballooning up as it travels?

I've seen several 5th wheels with a big "roof membrane balloon"

Very seldom roofs do spontaneous ungluing, so I would suspect small leak somewhere.
Now if the leak is due to gap up front, that will suck the air at speeds and create balloon.
I would cut the wrinkles and glue them flat with urethane coulking.
That I would apply Henry $50/gallon roofing sealer on top of everything.

the roof on my 1997 31' 10" 5th wheel rv trailer has looked like that in spots since new.

I do a twice a year roof check for blisters or tears or holes in the membrane....sealant cracks...cracked or broken roof jacks and other fixtures. Just keep a eye on it but I sure wouldn't add any more holes the roof for more places for water intrusion.

Here is what happened to mine. Keep in mind the wind will cause havoc. Not a fun repair!!

Click link to my repair