I'm looking to buy a used travel trailer and I'm looking at one in particular. While inspecting the trailer, my wife and I noticed some damage on the roof where the front of the trailer meets the roof.I'm not sure what to make of it and was wondering if anyone has any advice or opinion about what may have caused the damage and how serious it might be. The sealant job at the seam looks methodical to me and like something that would come from the factory, but I'm not sure why the bar was lifted up and bent the way it was. A local RV dealer told us he thought it was definitely a repair and would stay away from it.I recently looked at another trailer and was checking out the roof at the front seam, and saw similar workmanship on the seal, so it makes me wonder about the other trailer with the issue.Thanks in advance for any good advice.

HEREhttps://www.dropbox.com/s/7y9dnc4w5bpi952/20151127_170220.jpg?dl=0

That rail has been pulled up somehow. Maybe hung on a limb or something.May or may not have leaked under it. Feel for softness around it and look at ceiling inside. If leaked, there will be a sign of leakage.It MUST be repaired in any case.PS: Get a Mobile Tech to look at it. A Dealer wants to sale you one of their units so they will discourage you from any other.

You are looking at a TT with a repaired roof damage. You have to decided if the price is right.No one can say for sure when or if any TT roof will leak. I doubt the dealer will guarantee the roof against leaks.Also if you are the handyman type vs. the all thumbs type, that makes a difference.

Used camper purchase, possible roof issue - please advise

352
Explorer
Dec 25, 2015
HEREhttps://www.dropbox.com/s/7y9dnc4w5bpi952/20151127_170220.jpg?dl=0
352
Explorer
Dec 25, 2015
HERE
352
Explorer
Dec 25, 2015
HERE
MWJones
Explorer
Dec 25, 2015
That rail has been pulled up somehow. Maybe hung on a limb or something.
May or may not have leaked under it. Feel for softness around it and look at ceiling inside. If leaked, there will be a sign of leakage.

It MUST be repaired in any case.

PS: Get a Mobile Tech to look at it. A Dealer wants to sale you one of their units so they will discourage you from any other.
rbpru
Explorer II
Dec 25, 2015
You are looking at a TT with a repaired roof damage. You have to decided if the price is right.

No one can say for sure when or if any TT roof will leak. I doubt the dealer will guarantee the roof against leaks.

Also if you are the handyman type vs. the all thumbs type, that makes a difference.
donn0128
Explorer II
Dec 26, 2015
RUN!
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 26, 2015
I'd be looking carefully, inside, for signs of water leakage. That is not fixable. Most everything else is.
AmericalVette
Explorer
Dec 26, 2015
blitzn wrote:
A local RV dealer told us he thought it was definitely a repair and would stay away from it.

Good advice.... maybe, or perhaps the local dealer would like to sell you one of their units.

That being said, if the floor plan and price fits your needs then yes it should be considered. Go into the unit and check all of the wall, ceiling, floor, and even inside the cabinets for any sign of water damage/intrusion. "Listen" to your nose, if there is a musty/moldy smell then it could mean water got in. However, in the end, it is you who will need to decide. Were it me, I think I'd pass and keep looking.
blitzn
Explorer
Dec 26, 2015
All, my apologies for the images not showing up properly. I was actually surprised this forum doesn't allow uploading images. I posted them somewhere and they should be visible now. Thanks again for any advice.

For the camper in question, there did not seem to be any water damage or issues anywhere in or on the camper... odd one.
ggardne2
Explorer
Dec 26, 2015
If it was me I would move on and look for a different camper. Something caused the metal trim to pull up, either an impact, or the wood underneath is water damaged and the screws that normally hold the trim down have pulled out. It also looks like there is a gap where the side wall trim meets the roof membrane ... I would be concerned that there is some level of water entry and existing water damage.