Lew Landry
Mundelein. IL
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Joined: 01/11/2001
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Just snag a branch one time and note the damage or lack thereof. I came into a campsite after dark the first year I owned my Winnebago Chirftain DP and failed to see a jagged branch as I motored along. Next morning I surveyed the roof and found only a scratch in the fiberglass. If the roof material was rubber membrane I would have had a huge tear on my roof and a tear in my eye.
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bsinmich
Holland, MI
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Joined: 11/18/2000
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My MH must be different. I get white streaks. The color doesn't make much difference since they still don't look that attractive. I always thought the black streaks came from the oxidation on the aluminum that is scattered around on the roof. If you handle aluminum you will find the same on your hands.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
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Jeff Regan
Foster City, CA USA
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Joined: 03/05/2001
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Just a note about Newmar's roofs. They come standard with Brite Tek vinyl, which is supposed
to be thicker than rubber and less prone to streaks. They also offer fiberglass as an option.
The Brite Tek seems to be working well, according
to people who have that type of roof who post on
the Newmar Owners Group.
I have fiberglass on my Dutch Star, but would consider Brite Tek for my next Newmar.
Jeff Regan, Northern California
2000 Dutch Star DP
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akasurf
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Joined: 09/04/2002
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This is an age old question! My self I would go with Metal! Metal does not require any maintenance at all! You don't have to wash it or wax it! Monaco uses Aluminum on many of there coach, and yes they do you fiberglass on there up scale models. The key to a long lasting Rubber roof...Wash it! When I wash the rig, I wash the roof..at least once a month. To help reduce streaking get gutters from Camping World. I really think that all different roofs have there good and bad points.
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Bruce Brown
Northern NY
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Joined: 06/01/2001
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I agree with Jeff. We have the Brite Tek roof and its been great. Vitrually no maintenance and no streaks. I thought I wanted a fiberglass roof on the next one but I'd be hard pressed to spend the extra $$$ on something that has worked as well as the Brite Tek has. Full body paint though...gotta have it! 
There are 24 hours in every day - it all depends on how you choose to use them.
Bruce & Jill Brown
2008 Kountry Star Pusher 3910
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Cloud Dancer
San Antonio and Livingston TX USA
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Joined: 06/08/2001
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Modem,
I've had all 3 types, rubber(old kind), metal, and fiberglass. Here's the problem, the RV you select(best for you) might not come with the type of roof you want. For instance, my favorite roof design/material is one-piece fiberglass(I've had such good luck with this one in my Vectra), BUT the motorhome that we really like(next purchase) comes with Brite-Tec or multi-piece fiberglass. So, we'll have to compromise, and it looks like the Brite-Tec is winning.--Willie
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Robbie
Blue Springs, MO USA
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Joined: 03/26/2002
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It's a personal choice more than function. BOth roofs will streak if you don't keep the roofs clean. The rubber could puncture or tear from a low hanging branch and the fiberglass is suspect when it comes to hail. The rubber roofs are generally quieter then fiberglass in a heavy rain. The rubber roofs are easier to repair if torn than fiberglass. Fiberglass can crack as it dries out, so it's very important that you keep it clean, painted fiberglass is the best. Rubber as it dries out chaulk's, but can be cleaned and with today's rubber roof preservatives it's easy to care for and keep looking nice for many years.
I love my rubber roof, had metal on my other unit and it wasn't as eassy to keep up.
Robbie
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lemjim
lawton, michigan
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Joined: 01/14/2001
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I have a 2000 Damon Intruder with white rubber roof, have yet to clean it and no black streaks. I could care less what it looks like, cant see it from the ground anyway. So far no leaks.
Lemjim 2000 Intruder w/ 28,000 miles or close to it.
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BEARS1031
Ellijay, Georgia
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Joined: 07/28/2002
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The rubber roof on our 1998 Pace Arrow caused gray streaks down the side and on the windows. After a while, it looked like washing powder granules was coming down the side. I finally started using Rubber Roof Treatment and it stopped the streaking, if redone about every four months. Frankly, that is too much work and too much of a hazard for this retired person.
Our current coach has a fiber glass roof. Much less maintenance and no streaking. Will never go back to rubber.
Ted
*This Message was edited on 05-Sep-02 05:14 AM by BEARS514*
The Barretts - Ellijay, Georgia - FMCA #276268
2009 Allegro Bus 36 QSP - "Bears Den III"
Cummins ISL 425
2001 RAV4 Toad - "Bear Buggy"
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