I show you what I do to clean the roof, and seal or coat the roof. All using bleach, dawn, and sealant bought from Lowes, while staying well under $100 for most RV's.
I watched Dave's video on single axle issues and it was awesome. Good research and excellent explanation of what was going on but getting rid of the weight distributing hitch may be a bad idea unless he tows with a large truck. This video from what I understand may be less informed. TPO and LPDM roofs are designed to oxidize and shed instead of drying out and cracking. This should last for 20 years which is the life span of one of these RVs anyway. Now every screw hole and vent hole, etc. is a different matter. Same with seams which hopefully there are none on a RV this size. These use a special sealant from DICOR. This sealant never fully hardens and should be gooped on thick with every screw and flange and provides a reliable seal for years but not 20 like the LPDM membrane. The sealant must be checked once a year for cracks and blisters that could pop and leak. Why not coat the roof? It interferes with the shedding process that rejuvenates the roof automatically and it is not like to stick anyway. If you have a different roof than TPO/LPDM then maybe. Almost all modern RVs have TPO/LPDM roofs. Why not silicone? Im not sure how well it will work but DICOR costs no more if you buy it online and it is designed to adhere to the original sealant and TPO/LPDM. Its just the right stuff for the job.
hey dave, id suggest leaving an amazon link to the product at hand to help out people for future videos in the description so people know where to get it .
Thanks for the video, i was wondering i have a small 16feet rv, gulfstream conquest model, is it safe to step on the roof? How much weight can those roof handle?
I agree 100% with your statement that the RV Industry should be ashamed of what they are producing with paper thin roofs. If you ever have repairs to your RV due to a leaky roof you will be shocked to see just how cheap the materials are in your RV.
Of course they're made cheap, they have to build those sumbitches iny7 hours look up the Jayco Jay Flight junk RU-vid and you can buy those for $15,000? What do you expect to get for the $15,000 to get real
Thanks for the tip! My trailer is five years old now and still no problems on the original roof except for the scratches and gouges I caused. One gouge was pretty deep caused by a tree branch. I patched it with 3M 5200 sealant which is the same stuff I use on my boat. It is considered a permanent fix because it isn't coming off without a lot of hassles. I've been treating the roof with a dollar store equivalent of Mop and Shine. So far so good but I think I'll look for that sealant at Lowe's. It has to be better than the dollar store stuff!
I totally agree with your comments Dave on the inadequate thickness of RV roofs. You are so right to point it out. When travelling and in wet weather you need to have the peace of mind that the roof is strong enough and waterproof.
Buy a Nash or Outdoor RV made by Northwood manufacturer out of La Grande, Oregon. Thick rubber roofs and the roofs like the rest of the RV is built to last. I have a 1998 Nash that I bought 14 years ago and only had to do my roof in 2018. Hope this helps. It does make a difference what Manufacturer you buy from.
OH yes! you have a valid and strong argument. That two layered roof black on bottom and paper thin white top is worthless and could have been totally avoided at the factory from the start. I liked for the rant because you are absolutely right 100%. Great video all RV/Camper owners should see!
Dave I so appreciate your thoughtfulness and dedication to letting us newbies know the problems upfront. Man you have already made a huge difference for me. Keep on truckin' brother! I really look forward to your future videos. You are GREAT!!!
thank you so much for the positive feedback and encouragement! Please check out our other channel Dave's RV Channel I only do RV stuff on it, this channel has both RV and personal life stuff.
Glad I watched this. Im getting over stage 3 lung cancer, ( I won the fight, the cancer is complety gone, praise God!), but the chemo and radiation beat me up pertty bad. Getting better but slow. We decided we're going to get an rv of sorts and see some of this beautiful country. I was planning on doing a scool bus conversion, even looked at some but just too much involvement at this time. I bought a 31 ft Dutchmen yesterday from a close friend. There are some issues but much less than building a schoolie from the beginning. Im going to tow it home saturday and start investigating the damages but no matter I definatly want to pay close attention to roof and seams. Ive done repair, remodel on travel trailers before and cant wait to get started. Your video is spot on Dave, thanks...
James, happy to hear ya won the battle. Now its time to travel. I have built buildings, and done lots of construction over the years, but I will say that re-roofing a 24' RV made me realize its better to maintain than to re-roof down the road. I hope you don't have to encounter that. God bless you in your healing, purchase and travels!
Dave & Muppy Yeah, I'm like you in that Ive done eyerything there is over the years. Last year I did the body work and sanded&primed my 98 dodge. It gets sprayed this year. Good therapy. Ive repaired trailers in the past, not my favorite thing but when I finish the factory can't take it apart. LOL.......... On another note I went to the Doctor today and my recent bloodwork is great. I found out there is a cancer marker in blood, it number to high, they start looking fohr the evil C. M C.E.A. count is good, no cancer. I never heard of this stuff till it hit home, LOL......
Dave & Muppy Dave, Ive been watching your videos for some time now and ive enjoyed every one. Your straight up way of doing things is perfect. We come, We saw, we conquered......LOL....
You are right about the roofs. My parents had multiple RVs when I was growing up and I've had a few myself. The roof has always been the worst thing on them. No matter who makes it. Maintenance is the key to not having leaks but the older we get we don't want to have to climb up on a roof. And like you I would definitely pay more for a better roof. Good video Dave.
I agree totally with you about the rubber roof quality. It is such a shame they don't think about John Q public when they build these things....good job with the instruction. I have an RV that is 36 ft long. I can totally do this. Thanks so much for sharing.
They would rather sell you a several thousand dollar “protection package “ than increase the price of the RV by a hundred dollars using a better roofing material. If my roof ever needs replacing I will do it myself with better materials. I really enjoy your videos!
Locally we have ABC materials, I got some commercial grade rubber roof material. Very thick and hard to bend. But I used on my last RV. That roof will never need any service. Thanks for watching!
@@davesrvchannel4717 where could we get that roofing material in Hartwell,Ga? I just had to cancel my reservation for this week because of a leaky roof! Makes me so mad!!!
Faye Morris is check to see if you have ABC supply nearby. If not find a roofing supply company. You are looking for EPDM roofing material. Google and you can order online. Commercial grade is thickness of 1/4” or more vs common RV roof material which is much thinner.
Dave, this is Al here. I did just subscribe to your channel if that helps you out. You are an interesting guy. After the fire up here many people were stuck living in an RV with their one deep cycle Walmart battery and it did not work out well for them. They did not realize that the bulbs that come in an RV (1156 bulbs) use 2.2 Amps and they alone can drain a battery in one night. I hope that you have changed yours to LED bulbs because they only use 0.2 Amps and will not drain the battery so fast. Keep in touch if you can. I am an electrician and I know a lot and I have the same refrigerator that you have and I think that it uses about 62 watts of power. Al
I agree with you 100%! The RV manufactures should spend the extra money on the roof quality. Most people would agree with you that we would agree to that additional cost and I’ll bet a lot of their customers are 50 years plus. Physically that’s not an option for them to do it themselves. Furthermore a lot of retirees are on a fixed income. That’s just an added expense they don’t need. Anyway, thanks for your rant. I hope they hear you. .
Great gob Dave. I bought a 1989 Terry new and had it until i bought a new Pioneer 3 years ago and it has the same crappy thin rubber material on top.On my Terry i would put that same white cool seal around all the AC AND SKYLIGHTS, ever where i seen there was sealer, about every 8 years and i never had any leaks. I like u wish the manufactures give the buyer a choice weather to pay the extra money for a roof that never needs replacing like my old TERRY had. i would have paid $300 extra for them to go old school and put a metal roof on my Pioneer. Maybe its because there hoping that no one keeps up there roofs and that way there camper will root out quickly and they will have to buy a new one every 10 years are so. Kevin from N.C.
I've heard once you use silicone that it's hard to get anything to ever stick to it again if you want to do another coat. I used liquid EPDM on mine but I put down a primer beforehand to make sure it adhered. I've heard that the silicone works pretty good if you continue to use silicone in the future. One thing I did with my slide out is I found some fiberglass reinforced pond liner,cut to size then put it in place with paving blocks in eternabond tape around the edge and it's withstand 60 mph winds.that stuff is about as thick as two quarters. You can find bulk scraps on eBay for a pretty good price. There's another way to do your roof too where you buy the EPDM rubber and you can encapsulate the roof instead of pull off the old roof That's how a lot of mobile homes are done,it saves time and money but if you do it that way you can't drive it down the road because might catch it and rip it off but it's another option if you're going to keep it stationary.
Replacing the inner bathroom ceiling now due to a water leak because of the thin rubber roof... Gonna be out of pocket about 500 to 600 buck with total repairs... Great video
there is a commercial grade rubber roof material available that can be bought at any roofing supplier, locally we have company called ABC , you may want to check to see if you have an ABC. The thickness is about 8-10x thicker than what comes on an RV. You'll never have to maintain or replace in your lifetime.
I agree on the roof. I live in an RV and will be having to do this soon. I may have a leak so I will be using a tarp until weather allows proper sealing and repair. But the material for the roof is a frat point. Especially considering how many people use the for actual every day living. I asked one dealer about it and he said you are suppose to buy a garage type cover to put over it.
I did an update video a few weeks ago highlighting how this roof held up over past 3 years. Click my channel name, then videos, it should be easy to find from there. Has a man on roof in picture of video.
Dave, I enjoyed watching you work...just kidding. I’m in total agreement about the RV industry. I have a feeling things won’t improve. Thanks for the tips.
I have a trailer the same length with a rubber roof. I agree with you 100%. In early spring I will watch this video again and get the motivation to do my roof as it is in dire need of it. Thanks for posting.
Nice job on the roof. Noticed the soot above the water heater. Simple to remove the curved gas/air tube and clean the bugs and or cacoons out. They are restricting the air flow. Buy some Awesome from Dollar General and that soot will come right off.
AGREED! Give us better roofs, and superior frame supports! After we get done with our interior renovations we want RVS that last a WHILE, and not RVS that have to be replaced every 7-10 years because of poor roof and frames! Bring back the metal frames!
That's exactly correct. Especially with elderly customers. There should be no need to put people in harms way just so they can make more money. Wouldn't it be better to keep customers safe and happy so they keep and look forward to using there campers in the future. I'm dealing with the same issue currently. And for me personally I was quoted $7000 to make a roof repair on my 29 foot keystone cougar. That is more than what it cost to have my whole garage torn off and repaired for. Thanks for having the nerve to make the statement on your video about this issue.
hello from the stormy ozarks dave!! great tip to have a wasp spray handy and tv anttenna up! i agree 100% about rv industry tactics! thanks for the update 6-20 -2020 video the results of your roof resealing outcome! great news! tight lines and fun cheers!
Thanks for this video. You are right about the quality of RVs. I keep waiting for a manufacturer to be the one that shakes up the industry with better quality at a good price much like Honda/Toyota did for U.S autos in the 1980s. Is that Tennessee Saturn plant empty...C'mon lets do this.
That was great info i have a 31 ft motorhome that leaked water from roof into inside back area of rv i called they said it wasnt covered i had to seal the roof my self thank goodness my son in law did it for me.For the price i paid for motorhome the roof should be better constructed and there shouldn't be leaks my motorhome is only 3 yrs old .When you buy they never mention your maintenance part unbelievable .
leave a Google review for said dealership to warn others. I regret hearing what you have went through. Its unfortunate, especially that this story is way too common
It's good how you were trying to keep up with the RV just wanted to let you know the entire rubber roof was perfectly fine it did not need an entire new coat all it needed was probably some touch-up dicor around the seams and roof vents however better to be proactive than not at all 🙂
I was afraid it might be years before I got up there again and dedicated the time to do it, so yes better safe than sorry, do it while the ladder is leaning on it
Dave you are 100% right about the R/V industry, and I think it will be getting worst as demand increases. As they say, "throwing them together". I have been looking at building out a Cargo Trailer. Needless to say, stronger, better built, and put in what you really need. For a suggestion, why not do some reviews on cargo trailers and options one could get, ie. doors, windows, fans, and all those comforts. I like what you are saying and doing. I'm waiting to make my mind up??? Cargo tlr.? Note: with you being in the Business of Buy/Selling you could pick up great deals to put in the trailer. ie. bed, dresser, cabinets, and other "Cool things"......get my drift? LOL
Cool idea on getting cargo trailer and decorate with vintage, cool idea!!!! Sometime this winter I will get to do some cargo videos, the nearest place that I am aware of is where we got our axle, which is about an hour away. There are local dealers all around me, but the other place builds them, which I think would be best place to get opinions, ideas, etc. Thanks for the idea!
"We're all sick of ....the roofs!!!" YES WE ARE! I don't want up on top of a camper anymore than anyone else wants to be up there....definitely getting ripped off by the mass/cheap manufacturing. Anyways, thanks for a good, honest, simple and helpful video!
This is absolutely the truth! They should be ashamed for the roof! I bought mine 3 years ago and did not know it has a leak somewhere. we did the roof similar to yours. it’s still leaking from somewhere. Think it’s that edge you were talking about! What is the tape you put on it?
You got it right when you said the RV industry should be ashamed for the way is covers roofs. But there are many other areas of RVs that are equally shoddy.
Please do not use an Elastomeric roof coating on a flat RV surface. Please check to find out, what the surface of your roof is made of. Elastomeric is not formulated to be used with rubber. First step would be to clean the surface. Second step would be to make all the repairs, allow the repairs to cure. Then you would use Black Jack Eterna-Kote Silicone roof coating.
Just watched your video today after looking at my Camp trailer roof. I need to get going on coating my roof before the rains come. Thanks for showing us the ropes and your roof looks great. I agree with your rv industry rant. They don't have to make crap rv's to still make money.
Don't recall if I mentioned in video or not, but the warmer temps help the coating dry better of course. Best of luck in your roofing, hope you find no issues
Do as Dave has done. Forget Manufacturing warranty on sealants. On your roof reseal everything. New or used redo all caulking roof lights bays Windows doors.for some reason the manufactures thinks less is best. Had a leak around a running light. have to pull the hole in cap to replace the paper paneling. Then takes three or more months to get it in to get it fixed.You do not want to let it go dry rot is bad as getting wet. As Dave stated it is not that hard once you get started. It is a twofold reward. Prevention and satisfaction. Please do not delay. It will be worth the time money and effort you put into it. Maintenance your air conditioner at least twice a year. You will save thousands of dollars.
I definitely agree especially being a first Time RV owner I'm finding out how hard and unnecessary work I put into maintaining it because of how cheaply they're made.
Joseph Ambris I'm putting video out in next couple hours to show you another roofing tip I wished I'd done back when I made the video you just watched.
Dave - Thanks - I am evaluating RV’s and learning everything I can before I buy. I have come to the conclusion that the ones a normal man can afford are all junk. You just have to find one that is in the best shape you can and then start working on getting it in good working order. In evaluating construction and roofs I have almost decided that a wood frame RV with an aluminum roof is almost the best way to go. EPDM and TPO roofs seem like a big pain and doomed to fail. Fiberglass Aluminum construction almost always has rubber roofs, so you are back to wood and aluminum if you want something that has a chance of lasting. I am going to live in mine so I am not worried about a bunch of miles and flexing. At least with aluminum all you have to worry about is keeping the seams sealed. Am I wrong with this line of thinking?
Pretty well spot on!!! I say its mostly about layout if you will be stationary and living full time in it. If you are handy in most forms. I have seen people put metal roofing on RV's. We have a few places around here that are like trailer parks. Never fails that you'll see a FEMA trailer with a metal roof. You'll have to raise the A/C unit up to get the metal roofing under it. I had a 24' trailer that I put an EPDM roof on, with very thick rubber. That has a 25 year warranty and you never have to perform one minute of maintenance to it. I wished I would have kept that one. I love wood in most cases and I work with wood almost daily building swings and or tables to sell for an income. But, when it comes to an RV I do not like wood. Here is why, trailers are bad about condensation, which can cause mold, also rot. Bugs like moist wood as well. Moist wood can also cause failure with nails rusting. I like some of the tings about an airstream, but I cannot help but picture it a nightmare to heat and cool with all aluminum exterior. Another thought, I like what Campervan Kevin did by building a carport type thing to park under. A little more expensive than repairing a roof, but will likely save lots on utilities, roof maintenance, etc
Great video, I need to get up and seal my roof as well. You nailed it on the rev industry as well. A different issue is the wheel bearings that need to be repacked every year, really?
I'm glad you made this video because it showed me what not to use on my rv roof. You said you would've paid more to have the rv maker put on a thicker roofing material but you went out and bought the cheapest material you could find to recoat your roof. You said it yourself about who is being stupid, why not buy the better material and have it last 5 yrs or more instead of being a cheapskate and having to get on your roof every two years?
because I spent about $50-65 on material on a roof that is not leaking. In a year I plan on removing everything on the roof to install a thicker rubber roofing material that is commercial grade. At that time I will add solar panels, and possibly change the A/C unit to a much smaller unit that will run on a smaller generator. I sell at flea markets for a living and cannot always afford to replace roofs that do not leak. I can however spend $50-65 to maintain what I have. Furthermore I still have half of the gallon left which is enough to recoat again, which I will be doing. The commercial grade rubber roof will cost about $400, solar kits about $500, A/C unit is $650. I want to do it all at same time to make it seamless as possible, and do it all at once. Commercial grade will last 20 years and never need touching again in my lifetime. I like how you click on a video to watch about resealing at low cost, then you complain about me being a cheapskate, what is wrong with just trying to be nice and leave a nice comment. I shared my experience with you and the RV community trying to help my fellow man. I don't understand where I went wrong
The RV people want the campers to leak , so you can buy another 1 in 8 to 10 years ! Good turn around for them . I have a 1969 Shasta with a metal roof that i still use 49 years on it ! By the way Dave Good job on your roof !! & every thing you said is True ! Thanks for your video .
You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! For the price we pay for these campers new, I would have GLADLY paid another $100 dollars for a better sealed roof!! I don’t mind saying that I bought this GREY WOLF and had a leak BEFORE it was two years old!!! 😤😤😡😡
Hi Dave, thx for this video. U r right about the RV Manufacturers! We need to demand better quality for our money. Just wanted to say that I totally agree with the other commenter about the Dakes of Hazzard Narrator Voice! You should be doing radio work!
Rubber roofs are nothing but an inner tube with a white coat. They are easy to install and cheap. Biggest problem is the latex based glue that separates at any moisture, you seem them going down the road with a bubble on the roof. My roof choices would be Fiberglass, TPO, metal and then rubber. TPO doesn't leave black streaks but is tough to put down because of the glue, once in place there is no adjustment. Metal roofs were fine as long as you resealed the Pittsburg lock seams annually'. As a side note I saw the black streaks from your water heater. I would suggest you clean the orifice and burner tube. Spiders and other insects are attracted to the ethel mercaton that is used in propane so you can smell it :)
I found a wasp nest in my trailer. They go through the refrigerator vent panel. Looks to be 3+inches in diameter and active with maybe 30+ wasp. Just wait till I swing by home depot, it'll be good by wasp. Also got one, little smaller, on my carport. Gonna go to war against wasp next few days........ Haven't found any ground nests yet but keeping my eyes open.
I have a 2019 passport 28 feet . I took it in for it's yearly maintenance they told me it needs some sealant on the roof and the side it would cost me $650. I had the trailer for 2 years i could not believe what i was hearing i would have pay more to have a better quality trailer.
Imagine having ladder or scaffolding on each side of the trailer with a sturdy plank between. You sit on the plank while a friend SLOWLY moves the trailer every couple of minutes to bring the work to you. Then you never have to set foot on the roof, and you can work while seated!!
THE PROBLEM IS THAT YOU ARE NOT SEEING THE BIGGER PICTURE...The RV industry wants us suckers..Sorry meant customers to HAVE to buy a new one every few years so they make it so that if they rot we will HAVE to! Great info by the way!
The RV industry is built around 'luxury camping.' Taking your home with you on the road with all that wall to wall carpet, running water, electric....etc. They sell it as a vacation that you pay big bucks just to 'get away' for a couple of weeks per year. They do not inform the customer how to use and maintain the vehicle. and that's where they sucker you in with maintenance. Once they sell one to you, they have you on the hook until you sell it.
I agree with you Dave but I’m sorry to say as it’s always about the profit margins. They just figure the regular rv owner will not notice how cheaply the roof material is. Thanks and I really enjoy your videos.
how is this holding up since you applied it? I think it gives a look of " newness" to your roof, and I am thinking of doing this on our pop up trailer roof... But I want to make sure it holds up well.
I agree Dave,those RV companies out there should put something up there that will last the life of a rv,the 200,000 dollar ones have fiberglass,and it will be there until the cows come home.Im a country boy here in KY and i feel your pain,thanks.
thanks Gary! They have been using junk on the RV roofs for decades now, I guess their theory is why change now. Let their 5 year old RV leak and fill with mildew, then they will buy a new one.
I still own and live in our 1985 kuntry lite 5wheel.its now leaking for only the second time .my husband kept things up and running , but he passed away 3 years ago .I've had two different repair men put sealer on it , but it keeps leaking. .here's my question..I purchased a heavy duty tarp thinking if it could put over the roof to stop the leaks . how would I go about putting it around the upper air conditioner ..it will need to be cut or whatever..any advice is most welcome
I would only use Elastomeric roof coating on a cheap old RV roof. If you have a newer RV that you want to maintain the value on use an EDPM liquid rubber. Elastomeric will work but, it's not the same material and once you use it you're stuck with that.
You are having much better weather than us folk up here. Once it turned cold it stayed cold. We've had a lot of cloud cover too, so it's been dark as well. Even though you had to get up on the roof at least you had some warm sunshine. How in the world does the person who put that label on that can expect you to not have too much dew? Anyone east of the Mississippi has dew at night unless it turns to frost.
you are correct, we have dew here practically year around, it just evaporates in the summer a little before landfall.. Hate to hear its rough up there.
Thanks for the video brother. My ceiling is all kinds of cracked up. This is the first video I saw and I'm feelin good about doin it. Hate to be up there all day but I guess it'll get me over my fear of heights huh? lol
don't use silicone on an rv rubber roof. It won't stick/adhere and therefore won't seal. The best product to stop any leak or potential leak is eternabond tape, especially on front and rear seams and around vents.
What a pain,they say to check your roof quartly,fact is r/v roofs are all the same,even our class a. But maintenance on the roof is cheaper than having rot from water damage,make sure you remove a.c. covers and get underneath,also check all edges and obsticals on roof!💜💕😛
your water heater needs attention. notice the burn marks from the burn tube up the wall. suggest adjusting aerator tube and cleaning everything. nice video
I agree totally! I was just commenting somewhere else that the manufacturers appear to construct these things so that they are in constant need of repair or of buying a new one. It's a dirty shame! BTW can you see any downsides to using this product yet??
I am rebuilding an 86 class c, from what I have seen, all manufacturers of rvs should be ashamed of how they build them. From the roof to the chassis, only screws in it, was holding the cabinets to the roof bc no interior structure, and what was in the wall was stapled together! No other manufacturers could put out auch shotty products and still make a profit
