scarecrow56
palm bay, fl
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Joined: 07/10/2006
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So call it stupidity or ignorance I failed to maintain my roof on my 2001 Terry 26H and I got a leak somewhere around my ac unit. I climbed up there and found that on the port side of the ac it was badly stained as if water had been laying there for some time. I felt around it and it was like pushing on a sponge. However, the rubber roof is unbroken and not torn or holed.The area is about 18" to 24" from front to back alongside the ac and the goes out towards the outside port side about 3' in an ice cream cone shape where it tapers down to about 6" and then dies out. As best I can tell without tearing it open. I have bought a trailer cover which should keep it dry till I can get to fixing it.(I am an OTR trucker and I'm headed out tommorrow and wont be back for a month) I'd like some opinions.
Can I just fix the leak and then coat the roof? I've seen some estimates as to replacing the whole roof and I have to cringe. $4k to$5k. We took it camping and thats when I noticed small bubbles in the vinyl ceiling inside. I poked them with a needle and there was water in them. Not to bad yet but------.
What would I use If I was to fix the leak and then coat it WITHOUT cutting it open? If I did cut it open and fix the press board underneath, is it possible to lay the rubber back over and patch the cut seams?
At this point it doesnt seem to be affecting the structure other than the press board that apparently has delaminated. So I would like to do what is safest with the least amount of disturbance/intrusion. I'm afraid if I start cutting it open instead of just patching it I will open up a whole can of worms and possibly end up with worse leaks because I didnt do it right!
Thanks
Chillin' in the sun, Palm Bay, Fl.
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fordsooperdootydieselsmoker
OrangeCountyCalifornia
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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It needs to dry out to put more damage on hold. A dehumidifier wull do that, so rent, borrow, steal ( ) or buy one and run it 24/7 while your away, make sure to get a model that has a drain hose. Then check out the search section above, there are some posts with pics of some RV.net folks that did the roof repair thing themselves. For less than you would think!
Best of luck, and make sure we all thank a trucker...everything you eat or buy was delivered by an American Trucker!
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itsalleasy
USA
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Joined: 07/20/2007
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I think if you don't fix it one of these days you will get to your destination and the air conditioner will be dangling by the wires. If it is spongy and as large as you say it doesn't matter how good the roofing material is a bunch of the support is shot. As the air conditioner slowly sinks into the interior water is going to pool on the roof and only make it worse.
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hypoxia
Arizona
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Joined: 04/29/2003
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If you pull the interior A/C cover off you should find 4 bolt heads that hold the rooftop unit on. Tighten those bolts and it will compress the A/C seal which is a square piece of foam type material. If I read your post correctly, that will probably fix the leak. It is a common problem.
When you return pull the A/C unit off and inspect for damage. If it dries out without rot it may be best to leave it alone.
Jim
My Trailer Rebuild Project
2008 F-350 6.4 Diesel
1990 Collins 24' 5th Wheel
2001 Jayco 311RLS 5th Wheel
ATV Trailer follows the 5er
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C Schomer
Buckeye, Az.
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Joined: 12/26/2000
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I'd take the AC off and move it over so the wet area inside can dry out faster and hopefully not mold while you're gone, if you're going to cover it anyway. Or at least loosen the 4 blots and block it up. Then when you have time, cut off the rubber in the bad area, fix the wood and patch it with the same or similar stuff and compatable caulk. You can get the stuff at a roofing supplier save $$$. That's what I've been doing with my old 5er - I had a small leak at a skylight and I fixed it before any real damage and coated the whole roof before it was too late. These rubber roofs are cake! Hey, it's a 2001 - you can't hurt the value much more! Craig
2003 Dodge HO CTD, NV5600, 4.10. Real 1Ton - pregnant with twin spare tires, 4WD - all on the rear. Aurora 2000 turbo, Diablo Predator, 4" muffler. 98 Sunnybrook 30RLFS 5th wh. WHOEVER INVENTED WORK DIDN'T HAVE AN RV!
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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Joined: 09/25/2007
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I'd cut the rubber membrane just beyond the soft area and replace the wood underneath then lay a piece of rubber membrane over the new wood then use eternabond tape on the seams. Can't do any better than that except for replacing entire rubber membrane which is cost prohibitive.
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"
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RAGster
Marietta, Georgia
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Joined: 08/01/2006
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You will need to open it up to replace the rotten wood and damaged insulation / materials. If you don't, you will have mold in that area which could be a problem in the long run with odor or allergies. You should be able to roll the rubber roof back after removing the edge trim and any fixtures on top. While a pain, you will know it is done right. Something you can do if you have the time.
Glenn
RAGster
1986 Wanderlodge PT-40
Marietta, GA
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Geozzz
South Jersey
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Joined: 10/14/2007
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Cut rubber open, repair rotten roof , reglue rubber and cover cuts with 4 in. Eternabond.
Kathy & George Zimm
Mickleton NJ
2006 Coachman Epic and 1 Sheltie
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RJsfishin
Winston Or.
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Joined: 10/16/2007
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I would not be afraid to cut the rubber roof where you need to. When you glue it back down, just tape the seams w/ this.http://store.mobilehomeparts4u.com/et1whmitax5e.html
It will be a permanent repair, and as good as new !
Rich
'98 Flair, 454, Onan Microlite 4k, Intel PD 9155 w/ wizard, Sta-power 1500 watt Inv, 2 6v batts, ammeters, KingDome/sat, Oly Catalytic Heat, hauling 2 Bent Bikes and sometimes towing a Tracker F&S boat.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Geozzz wrote:Cut rubber open, repair rotten roof , reglue rubber and cover cuts with 4 in. Eternabond.
Best 15 word complete write up I think I have ever seen. I found you need a sharp knife to cut the rubber.
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