TPO versus EPDM

[Yardvarkers]

Hello. I own a Jayco Eagle and I will be trading for a new 2018 Grand Design Imagine travel trailer in the next few months. My Jayco has an EPDM roof. The Grand Design has a TPO roof. Which type is better? I think the TPO is better than the EPDM but there's probably different opinions about that. Any opinion and suggestion will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, C. Miller

[LVJJJ]

black streaks come from good 'ol dirt on the roof.

[Atlee]

Mine is TPO but still gets black streaks.

TurnThePage wrote:
Rubber (EPDM) roofs shed material over time. This is the cause of those evil streaks on the the sides of trailers. I don't think TPO has that problem.

[TurnThePage]

Rubber (EPDM) roofs shed material over time. This is the cause of those evil streaks on the the sides of trailers. I don't think TPO has that problem.

[tinstartrvlr]

One small difference I noticed is the TPO, because its surface is a little like orange peel, it's not as slippery as the smooth rubber. Feel a lot safer on the roof with the TPO.

[SoundGuy]

Yardvarkers wrote:
No. I don't know what the TPO type is. I'm sure that it has a fabric backing though.

In simple terms TPO is vinyl, EPDM is rubber. About 10 yrs ago Jayco for a period of time was using felt backed TPO on some models until it was later discovered that the felt was wicking in and retaining moisture. I know of no TPO membrane used today that has felt backing and given the choice would prefer TPO over EPDM. Our current Coachmen has an EPDM roof and as is typical has the odd wrinkle, our previous K-Z Spree had a TPO roof which was perfectly flat & even throughout.

[Bumpyroad]

TPO vs rubber. no contest
TPO all the way, not fabric backed however.
bumpy

[rbpru]

If your roof leaks it usually not the materials, it is one of the numerous seals that has started to leak.

Every manufacturer will tell you why they use what they use and why it is superior to the other materials.

[Atlee]

The TPO roofs that Jayco currently uses do not have a felt/fabric backing. The TPO roofs used to have felt backing which caused water damage because the felt would get wet and stay damp.

Yardvarkers wrote:
No. I don't know what the TPO type is. I'm sure that it has a fabric backing though.

[Lwiddis]

“I'm sure that it has a fabric backing though.“

So what? You have already decided to buy the Grand Design. The horse is out of the barn. Closing the gate makes no difference.

[mbopp]

Grand Design uses an Alpha Systems TPO roof.
BTW - there are very active Facebook pages for Grand Design & Grand Design Imagine owners.

[Yardvarkers]

No. I don't know what the TPO type is. I'm sure that it has a fabric backing though.

[Lwiddis]

Haven’t you already decided to buy the new RV? So if one was better than the other...?

[JBarca]

From my experience, both the physical EPDM or TPO membrane are both good. There are some different types/vintages of TPO. Do you know which are coming on your new camper?

The problem with both is the sealants used at all the edges and roof penetrations.

Have fun with the new camper.

Thanks

John