Older family looking to join me in the TT experience. Looking at a used 2018 TT from local dealer. I did a walk-through with them after they found what they like, and all looks great; however, upon climbing on the roof, I noticed an 8 inch tear in the roof membrane wrapping slightly over edge, but not overly visible from ground level. The plywood is showing, but there is no visible sign of water damage. They had spent hours with the salesman, and he never acknowledged the tear before. When I brought it up, he seemed to want to avoid talking about it. He told them a little caulk will fix it and that it is not big deal. I think it is a big deal, because a friend had a similar tear, and it cost his insurance company $9,000 dollars for a new roof, because the same dealership told him that a patch was only a short term fix. They seem to like this salesman, and definitely like the unit and the price they had negotiated. I wanted them to run. I can't believe there is no law that they need to offer FULL DISCLOSURE, as we know that the people that traded it in took a big hit for that damage on their trade in, but the dealership did not disclose that on a potential sale. This a huge dealership in our area, and I don't like the games they are playing and the lack of interest or concern they bring to this damage on a unit they are willing to pay almost $30,000 for. So, do you stay and accept a patch job or do you RUN. I would run, but just wanted some thoughts!

I'd run. You have no idea how long it's been like that and if there is water damage under the sheathing. From one Eagle Scout to another..Don't buy it.

Used 2018 would scare me. But hey, you warned them. It's their money.

If it's truly not water damaged, eternbond and dicor but only after knocking $3,000 off

With an open wound in the membrane, only takes one good rainstorm and it's on it's way...Of course the drummer forgot about the tear. Was in his best interest not to 'disclose' it.You would think that if it was a reputable dealer (I haven't found one yet) that they would have patched it and sealed it when it came in... Guess not on all counts.

With no visible water damage, they're probably OK buying it. A 4" wide Eternabond patch will secure it from water for the life of the RV, properly installed. And they can ask for thousands off.But, really inspect it carefully for water leakage evidence inside. But even then, if the plywood up top is fine, any lower damage would likely be containable and repairable without much trouble.

Tear in Roof Membrane on Persepective TT | Good Sam Community

SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Jul 30, 2018
I'd run. You have no idea how long it's been like that and if there is water damage under the sheathing. From one Eagle Scout to another..Don't buy it.
Mfan
Explorer
Jul 30, 2018
Used 2018 would scare me. But hey, you warned them. It's their money.
azrving
Explorer
Jul 30, 2018
If it's truly not water damaged, eternbond and dicor but only after knocking $3,000 off
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Jul 30, 2018
With an open wound in the membrane, only takes one good rainstorm and it's on it's way...

Of course the drummer forgot about the tear. Was in his best interest not to 'disclose' it.

You would think that if it was a reputable dealer (I haven't found one yet) that they would have patched it and sealed it when it came in... Guess not on all counts.
Jim
Explorer
Jul 30, 2018
With no visible water damage, they're probably OK buying it. A 4" wide Eternabond patch will secure it from water for the life of the RV, properly installed. And they can ask for thousands off.

But, really inspect it carefully for water leakage evidence inside. But even then, if the plywood up top is fine, any lower damage would likely be containable and repairable without much trouble.
ScottG
Nomad
Jul 30, 2018
I would not use caulk, Eternabond tape would fix it permanently.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Jul 30, 2018
Jim@HiTek wrote:
With no visible water damage, they're probably OK buying it. A 4" wide Eternabond patch will secure it from water for the life of the RV, properly installed. And they can ask for thousands off.

But, really inspect it carefully for water leakage evidence inside. But even then, if the plywood up top is fine, any lower damage would likely be containable and repairable without much trouble.

Damage isn't always visible, in fact I'd suggest it's more often not visible and the only way to really know is to pull the membrane back for a look. Personally I'd pass, no matter how much the dealer may be willing to discount the price. Believe it, water damage is every trailer's worst enemy. :(
bob213
Explorer
Jul 30, 2018
I agree with SoundGuy. Plus..if the dealer did not disclose a blatant fault like a rip in the roof what else may he be hiding? Trading in a 2018 this soon would also make it suspicious. I would pass. There's enough to fix and repair on these things without starting out with who knows what to fix.
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Jul 31, 2018
bob213 wrote:
I agree with SoundGuy. Plus..if the dealer did not disclose a blatant fault like a rip in the roof what else may he be hiding? Trading in a 2018 this soon would also make it suspicious. I would pass. There's enough to fix and repair on these things without starting out with who knows what to fix.

X2 ^^
EagleScout-USA
Explorer
Jul 31, 2018
Thank you. This information will be very helpful in the conversation I will be having with them tomorrow. I appreciate the various perspectives.