Forum Discussion

Scaler_Marty's avatar
Scaler_Marty
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014

Roof Issues!

New to TC and this very helpful forum! Hate to start out by asking for advice on my first post but I couldn't find the same issues on rv forums.
We just purchased an 2000 Sun-Lite Eagle ll Popup ( Haven't picked it up yet due to 4' of snow in the yard ) and noticed that where the pipe supports fasten to the roof for raising the roof the wood is rotted out and stained the canvas fabric. I plan on replacing this wood when we take delivery of the camper. (dealer would not fix when I pointed it out )

Questions:

How does the wood fasten to the roof itself?

Should I replace the whole strip of wood or splice it to the remaining wood that is solid?

If it is glued to the molded roof frame what type of glue/adhesive is used?

Just wondering what I am getting into ? Thanks for the help and hope I can help someone down the road as well.
Truck Campers
  • whizbang's avatar
    whizbang
    Explorer II
    Mar 18, 2014
    Questions to ponder:
    Did you get a fabulous deal?
    Exactly what did the dealer say about the damage, and why won't they fix it?
    What is the estimated cost of the repair?
    What tools do you own?
    Are you VERY handy at fixing stuff?
    Can you get your money back?

    Water damage is a sobering affair not to be taken lightly.
  • RickW's avatar
    RickW
    Explorer III
    Mar 17, 2014
    1. the HECO lifting system has pretensioned torsion bars in it. Disconnecting the roof is NOT trivial. If the plywood is rotten, there is probably a leak on the edge of the roof.

    2. Another member documented the repair of a sunlite roof in this forum in 2010. Try this reference:

    Repair sunlite roof.

    Good Luck,
  • Joe417's avatar
    Joe417
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    Scaler Marty,

    Just wondering what I am getting into ?

    Nothing sacred about how campers are built. Any of them can be repaired, you just have to decide whether you want to put the effort and time into it. There will probably be someone here who has done a similar task. You have all levels of skill on the net, that will give you all levels of opinion. You'll have to decide what you can and cannot tackle.


    How does the wood fasten to the roof itself?
    Should I replace the whole strip of wood or splice it to the remaining wood that is solid?

    Once you get it home you will be able to figure this out. Without further investigation ( and pictures ) of the damage, everything would be a guess.


    If it is glued to the molded roof frame what type of glue/adhesive is used?

    One of the most popular adhesives when bonding something to smooth aluminum or fiberglass is polyurethane ( gorilla glue ). It is a moisture activated adhesive and doesn't need air to cure. It's also fast so you don't have to wait too long. Again, just a guess.

    Good luck with your project.
  • ISBRAM's avatar
    ISBRAM
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    There are many stories of someone finding minor water damage here and then the horror of the true extent of it when they tear into it.
    Expect to find more water damage when you tear into it and price the purchase to make up for it or walk away.

    Good luck
  • Scaler_Marty's avatar
    Scaler_Marty
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    Sorry I don't have any close up pics of the damage to show. If I can get some I will.
  • shellbackcva59's avatar
    shellbackcva59
    Explorer
    Mar 16, 2014
    If the dealer won't fix it, that should give you a clue that it might be a deal to walk away from. Unless it's dirt cheap.
  • whizbang's avatar
    whizbang
    Explorer II
    Mar 16, 2014
    Is there any chance you could post pictures of the problem?

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