joeshmoe
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Joined Aug 17, 2012
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Re: PVC roof failure
PUCampin wrote: I purchased a kit from classAcustoms on Amazon, they seem to be a large supplier for rv parts. I don’t know who the actual manufacturer of the material is. Since it was a kit it was likely cut from a big roll. I noticed classAcustoms is not currently selling pvc, only tpo and epdm, so maybe I am not the only one though I have not been able to find any other examples of pvc failing like me, so it doesn’t seem the norm. Bits like the uv resistant material was left out of the batch. I posted because it is such an unusual failure and I wondered if anyone else in our community had experienced it. ClassAcustoms is replacing the material According to warranty but I still have additional damage to repair now. Thanks for the feedback, not trying to scare anyone away as it seems this is the exception, but I have read about other issues with other materials being manufactured incorrectly in the last couple years. Thanks. From the reviews, it seems you're not the only one to have issues. I'll stick with EpDM or TPO since it proven. Too bad. I like the idea of how puncture resistant PVC is1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: PVC roof failure
I was literally about to click on and buy a PVC roof kit off amazon then thought I better do some more research and came across this post. I've hesitated for the last 4 weeks because I know PVC alone is not UV stable, but I figured they injected stabilizers into this roof membrane. Sounds like I just dodged a bullet. I think I'll go with commercial grade TPO. Where did you buy it? Thank you for saying something.1.2KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Resealing Camper Jack Brackets
Because the sealant is all pushed out. I suspect from flexing due to loading/unloading the camper. I've been told when you no longer see butyl oozing from between the camper and bracket, it's time to reseal. Northwood claims the bolts go into the aluminum frame, but who knows. So you're saying let it go? I've had to re tighten them several times over the last 9 years. They all snuggled up fine. None spun or stripped. I'm just concerned about water intrusion528Views0likes0CommentsRe: Finally Common Sense in California (No Shows at Campgrounds)
adamis wrote: We've all experience rhe phenomena of trying to get reservations at an extremely busy campground. Trying multiple different dates and lengths in the reservation system only to be told the campground is full by the system. You keep checking back constantly and manage to find a site that opens up at the last minute and you rush to grab it and feel quite fortunate. When you roll into the campground you check in and feel quite good that your persistence paid off to get that one lucky spot. Then, you drive around the campground headed to your spot and notice several empty sites on the way. No worries you think, those people just haven't arrived yet, they will fill up. You keep an eye on those sites as you enjoy your trip and the day you pack up you note that many of those sites stayed open even though there where reservation tags on them. Yup... No shows... Now, most of us truck camper folks like going off grid anyway to avoid the crowds. Even with our preference to avoid the crowds, there are still times when we need to use regular campgrounds from time to time. I've had several times where plans changed and I am trying find a campground with space, only to be told there is no space available. Knowing full well that a good percentage of people are going to be no shows but I am being turned away anyway. Someone in the California legislature has noticed this as well and proposed a bill to penalize these no show folks. This is great news for the system! There is a commitment problem within society where people just don't keep their commitments any longer. This won't solve that problem but it will ar least penalize some of them who take advantage of a lenient system at the expense of others. Now if we would or could do the same to the govt for its failing of commitments. Not sure that this required legislative action, but whatever. Less govt is my approach.1.3KViews0likes0CommentsResealing Camper Jack Brackets
Appears to be butyl caulking between the camper and brackets. Any tips or tricks that might help? While I'm at it, I'd like to replace the bolts with better coated fasteners. Recommendations? I saw someone suggest GRK screws? They look like a good, grippy replacement.1.6KViews0likes6CommentsRe: Solar Install
Here's one. Narrowly escaped. There's another where 3 people were killed as a result of swerving to avoid flying panels. Any of the solar forums, you find at least a few people stories of avoiding flying panels. The point is...don't do it. https://www.solarquotes.com.au/blog/solar-panel-caravan-coroner-mb2475/ DOT or NHTSA will have the statistics you're looking for.823Views0likes0CommentsRe: Solar Install
So you're one those guys who slaps or should I say "sticks" with tape, panels on a roof and calls it good? Mine aren't going anywhere. Yes, use what you want to your own and others detriment. How's it gonna feel when unbeknownst to you, your "right" tape job begins to rightfully work itself loose and panels end up through the windshield of a minivan full of kids or worse, causing multiple vehicles to crash? It happens more often than you're willing to admit, obviously. There IS only one way to install panels--the safe and secure way. We're not talking about plastic moulding or fiberglass body trim.825Views0likes0CommentsRe: Solar Install
**Do Not** use ANY kind of tape as a primary fastening device on a rubber roof to secure rigid framed panels. As mentioned, find studs to drill into. Look at using aluminum Unistrut as a base or frame. Your panel dimensions will not land exactly where the cross members are. A little pricy, but its WAY lighter than the steel version. It's easier to cut and work with and wont look ugly in a few years. I suppose you could even hit it with a coat of white paint to cut down on the little, extra heat absorption. Your choice. I just added a three more panels to my array using the 2" tall version (only size available) Unistrut, self drilling (not self-tapping) stainless lag bolts, fender washers, 1.5" wide Eterna-Bond tape and Dicor lap sealant. We know Dicor is perfectly compatible with TPO and EPDM. Other sealants...mmm...maybe not. Plus, it's far more pliable to remove or to clean and reapply. Urethanes, like Sika are a little too good at adhering. I don't need that on the roof. Properly clean and prep all surfaces (denatured alcohol, mineral spirits or sparing use of acetone and Scotch Brite pads work well). Using a total of six 5/16" x 1.25" bolts, 1/4" pre-drilling all holes was necessary. Next, cut roughly a 3" long x 1" Eterna-Bond tape and apply over all pre-drilled holes, noting location of hole. Be sure to press down hard across the entire strip of EB. Its pressure activated. Repeat these steps at all penetration points. Next, Add a large dollop of Dicor onto EB tape. Center and align corresponding Unistrut slot opening over noted pre-drilled holes. Press down. Allow Dicor to evenly compress and ooze out from under Unistrut. Install fender washer on bolts. Preferably, using some kind of impact driver, locate hole with point of bolt and drive it in with moderate pressure. It'll just spin otherwise. Stop at about 3/4 way in and use a ratchet to finish by hand tightening. Note: Over tightening or using impact to fully drive bolt may result in stripping. Now, you have to start over. Don't do that. Once all bolts are installed, apply Dicor to fully cover bolt heads and washers. Done. Arrange and install panels using Unistrut cone-nut washers or whatever bracket fastening system you choose. The idea is to plan for expansion and only drill holes once. MUCH easier. Anyone can drill holes, destroy their roof and randomly throw up a bunch of panels. Somewhat related tip: You may already know it, but try not to walk on your roof with shoes. I'd rather ruin a few pair of socks than forget to check and track a tiny rock or two. Or in my case, a metal shaving that burrowed itself into my shoe bottom then transferred into the rubber roof. So much so that I felt it might become a water intrusion point, so I put a piece of EB tape over it. Good luck819Views0likes0Comments
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