When Should a RV Rubber Roof Be Repaired or Replaced? 

We bought our travel trailer 6 years ago. It is our first ever camper. Last year we towed it 350 miles to a private resort in the middle of Nebraska, stayed for 3 months and then towed it back home. But… Before we did that I had to make sure it was road worthy and safe. Being a 35 year career journeyman diesel mechanic gave me an edge in some respects. I replaced the brakes, bearings and wheel seals, and added bearing buddies so I could grease the bearings on the road. During repairs I also found the old brakes wires weren’t even connected. Now the brakes work perfectly. I added 3 Fantastic vent fans or whatever they’re called, and modified 1 so we can reverse direction of the fan. An EASY modification that involves 1 switch, a little bit of wire and some hot glue.Additionally to that, I replaced ALL tires with new including the spare tire. I installed gas struts to the under bed storage to assist in lifting the brand new queen sized memory foam mattress, hung a new flat screen tv and connected a blue ray dvd player. And to top it all off, I inspected, cleaned, and resealed the roof rubber membrane. This tt is a 2006 Keystone Outback Sydney Edition. Our trip last year went flawlessly. The brakes performed superbly, and towing was a breeze with new tires and a new used Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax L5P crew cab, 2019. The work I did to this camper, to make it road worthy and safe, not just for us, but for everyone else on the road, was worth every penny. It was expensive, but worth it. And I fully enjoy that kind of work, not to mention it makes her HAPPY. So this year, we had a HUGE hailstorm in June. Plus ANOTHER storm just a couple of weeks later that had 95+ mph straight line winds. The hail in the first storm was 3”-3.5” in diameter. It took out our AC unit, which is an old Carrier AirV, no longer produced and finding parts for is now impossible. I turned the “hail damage” in to the insurance company thinking they might help with the AC unit. NOPE 👎🏻 Not only did they total the camper because there is now delamination, broken AC unit, broken lights and roof damage, but, I don’t think we can afford to buy it back from them after the loan and claims are paid off. I was hoping to use some of the money from the hail damage on my pickup to buy the camper back, but can’t because the claim check for the hail damage to the pickup is written to me AND the bank. So not only are we NOT getting a new AC unit for the camper, but we are also out a CAMPER ! I feel like I should not have turned in the storm damages and just started over and fixed everything myself. Live and learn I guess. The insurance company will own aour camper, the bank will be happy the loan is paid in full, but it’s starting to look like my “investment” is going down the drain. Hoping the bank will help us finance a 5th wheel. 🙃😢

Love the attention to detail. Much easier to convince the customer to do the right thing when they can see how much work goes into your inspections.

I’ve been binge watching your videos lately and I’m learning a ton about rvs! Thanks for uploading and keep it up, rv doctor!

I do not own an RV, but I find your videos interesting. Good to find people who know what they are doing and actually do repairs the correct way.

I don't know any RV repair centers that are not busy. After you see your videos you know why. You will be employed for life. I've had plenty of repairs in my 30 plus years of camping and continue with my current bus. Thanks so much for your content. I really appreciate it. Thankfully we have some good shops here in NC local.

I was just about to use that popular self leveling seam sealer on my Winnebago! Now I can do it right with silicone. Why doesn't any of my Winnebago brochures say anything about this...?? Maybe I just glossed over this CRUCIAL fact. I learned a lot! Thanks!

As usual, AWESOME and accurate information! Just sishing for EXACT specification, sources, s and brands on replacement materials!

Interestingly, this Gulf Stream 5245, is the RV I wish to get. I'm a retired architect and reasonably clever ...I plan of taking the dinette OUT, replacing with a sofa and most likely cut back this protruding floor. After seeing this video of yours ...I would most likely put full length rollers under that floor slide out to distribute the weight. I also plan on reconfigure the full ht closet as behind it, there's lots of wasted uninstalled space. Sadly ..these manufactures could easily design & built these RVs to be less problematic at no additional cost. I've watched several of your videos ...you're extremely patient, clever and resourceful. Thanks for the info you provide. Pls stay safe, Blessings

Thank you very much again . I'm learning so much , and in the same time I'm removes fear .

Thank you. My 1996 Coachmen Catalina Sport motorhome has had so many dicor roof sealant coverings, that it all bubbled & started to peel after our last hurricane. (Nicholas) The rubber roof membrane under that is black. I plan on scraping down all the built up coatings & starting fresh as the actual membrane still looks good. I did learn a few things from this video, so thanks again! 👍

You are really a master at what you do, especially in the desert heat, underneath a metal roof to keep you out of the direct sunlight!

Those Desert Fox rigs are generally pretty nice. Glad to see the owner decided to replace the roof.

Thanks for the information and best practices for repairs. I am finding a lot of “oem defects” and where oem cut corners on my RV resurrection project. I appreciate when you point those out.

Man I really appreciate your videos. I don’t even own an RV any more but I’m thinking of selling my house and moving into one instead. These are great videos for learning about the care.

His new name is Dr. RV Expert A thru Z. I am with Towellie! I have learned a lot DIY!

James you are the man for sure I've gotten so much smarter just from your videos thank you sir

Accidentally did a rubber roof. ha ha I am just glad we got another roof video. YAY !!!!!! All kidding aside. Great job !!!! Looks Great !!!!!!

Nice video. I’m a fan of automotive type covers for campers in the off season. The mid-Atlantic has 100 degree summers. Below zero winters. Humidity. Snow. Everything. My cover really keeps my TT clean.

Just in time for a good call ☎️ timing is everything. 😊

Nice work again James! Thanks for the video Regards, Myk

I feel ya about the defective screws! I recently rebuilt a deck on my son’s house using the hidden screw system. When building the enclosed stairs I used angle brackets behind the step facias. And used Hillman wood screws to secure the brackets and facia and leading edge of the outside tread boards. It was so frustrating. They were of such soft metal that out of every 100 screws, 25 were bad or stripped the Phillips head when tightened. I used 3, 100 quantity packs of the wood screws. I also used about 700 of the Kregg deck screws for the deck and stair planks with similar results. All were “Made in China”!

YEP... Binge watchin'... Lots to learn, Thanks for all the great info !

Found your channel a few weeks ago and went back and started from the beginning. Your content is so good I can't believe you didn't get more subscribers earlier, but I am glad to see you are at 76k now, but that is still way too low for the value you provide. As a side note be very careful with just doing what the customer wants if you are not 100% comfortable with the repair, they can and will sue you and win in court. To long of story but decades ago a judge told me "you are the expert, if the customer wants something you don't think is correct don't do the job". Shame on me for not putting in writing and getting customer to sign that I did not recommend the said repair. Needless to say that scenario has never happened again in 40 years.

Truly I want function over looks. Color would not deter me.

I just spotted this one James and what a fine job you did. I’m not going to buy any RV without a full inspection. There’s just too many cheats out there waiting for someone to take advantage of and they certainly do. I’d be interested to know how much a replacement roof would cost 💲 if it’s possible for you to guesstimate? I will be seeing you in the not too distant future and no worries as I will call you first after I have looked around especially if you make any suggestions. Stay safe please 🙏🏻 Lorrie 🥰✊⭐️💫

These videos are so USEFUL!!! Thanks

Nice work on the roof. When pushing the unit into the garage I noticed what appears to be a fairly large delamination bubble on the front cap passenger side 2'07" so I would love to see a video of how you might go about addressing that.

well done, great rv repair content

Great video and knowledge , that's exactly what I w need to get done on my rv , thanks for the video . Toronto Ontario , Canada

Great video showing roof replacement..... what I would like to know is what would the cost be to have this done.... lets say reusing everything that was there already, no upgrades. I would be curious to know what to expect if I had to have this done on my 2018 Open Range Ultra Lite Model 2804 RK... Thanks

Thank you! This very helpful video!🖒

Informative once again. Great example for new owners like me ... definitely was thinking "he's got to go back to the owner on this"

Hmmmm......I wonder if it would be a good idea to come up with a way to install a thin aluminum "shield" over the edges of RV roofs to protect them from tree branch scrapes/punctures/tears etc? Go inward maybe 6" and down the side far enough to just shield the gutter?

Looks fantastic. Hope the rest of the RV was in good enough shape to justify the cost of the repair. What sealant was used on all those roof appliances?

Well done, great choice!

Wont the water when driving down the highway find its way up and behind the gutter rail? We need more roofing videos :)

Always a good day when I get to spend a half hour with you James. As you video the previous owners bad roof repair I just shake my head constantly. You mentioned you’re at the new shop. Is this your new shop or the dealers new shop? Thanks for this. Enjoyed it.

Note to everyone, walk roof before buying a used RV.

A Chad sighting! Lol, the things you notice when you binge watch!!!

Very nice video, man that looks like a lot of work.

Thanks for all your videos. I am an inexperienced DIYer, bravely tackling an RV roof replacement. Your videos have given me some confidence. I have all the components removed, and have torn all the wood off. When I tore the wood off, in the places where the wood was still in good shape, bits and pieces of the styrofoam came off with it. Will this be a problem when I come to re-glue new wood to it? Secondly, I want to put some additional support pieces in the front part of the RV. What is the best way to attach wood 2x2s to the existing metal frame pieces?

Thank you.

Nice video, However it would have been nice to show & tell a bit more in respect to how you sprayed or roller brushed the adhesive, brand you used. Rubber roofing although appearing to be a thin material is very heavy for a single lay down for one person to heave up on the roof. I would have liked to see if two guys huffed it up there or you simply used a forklift. Wished you put that in the video. Maybe next time you do a roof you can show that & a ballpark price of what that job billed out as.

Thanks man

Love your videos. Would really like to know things like how much they paid for the toy hauler used. Would love to at least ballpark about what a new roof cost. Curious b/c we just bought a used class A and are learning. Thanks so much for the great examples of work!

I have watched you . What a great job you do . I have a question about Gulf Stream class a country coach . The seam ends on the top before it goes over the side and water stand on both sides and end caps have the raised screw down where the roof membrane ends on both sides and ends are about 3/4 inch higher

You do. Good. Work

James - can't get enough of your RV videos. I was curious to know if you could have replaced this roof with something other than rubber? Could you have used PVC or TPO? What are pro's con's? Cost/Benefits?

Thank you

The new roof looks really good. Do they make different quality rubber roofs different types of rubber or whatever ? In other words they make some a little thicker than others if you pay more ? Keith

replacing that roof was the smart move. A leaky roof can do so much damage. Coating was only a short term fix that might have been acceptable if the new roof membrane was unavailable for months.

very nice work!!

Wow, that was a fun ride! ......... Do you do videos of delam repair? As usual, your are great at what you do.

You are the most informative rv guy I have watched on RU-vid! I have a issue I can't find anyone to figure it out or find. Do you have a number or email so I can show you I don't want to wait and let my 5th wheel get damaged

I hate the fact the skylights that are used have no curbs (even a few inches would make a difference). Built in counterflashing is critical. The water will pool and it is a matter of time until the butyl tape fails. I would also suggest using pitch pockets for other penetrations. Poor design. I agree, it looks like they stretched the EPDM too much. If the typical RV bubble skylights are to be used, I would suggest inserting silicone caulk at each hole above the butyl tape as additional leak protection. It amazes me that the design does not use more flashing and counterflashing as part of the intitial design elements.

Wow, you got game!

How much better is TPO vs EPDM? Is it more expensive or just a newer type of covering? Thanks, Another Excellent Project...........

I hope you have a cub working with you. Best way to learn is from a great tradesmen. Thanks for taking time to share your experience.

Hey James. I have been watching your videos for quite a while and I think you are awesome to share your knowledge with those of us who are DIYers. I’m a woman with some pretty mad handyman skills and I do everything (just about) myself - mostly because I really enjoy learning new things. I’m considering coating my motorhome’s roof. It’s a TPO roof and I’m really struggling with what the best product would be. It’s a 2004 Fleetwood Tioga class C. The roof is in decent shape for being 18 years old, but the black is starting to show through just a bit in a few areas. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. I’ve heard everything from Dicor 2 part system to liquid rubber. Thanks for any advice you have. Twyla

This is a super video. In 2017, I encountered two problems when replacing the roofing membrane of my 2001Georgie Boy Landau. Some of the roof wood (1/4in luan, from memory) beneath the membrane had rotted so I replaced it. Applying the EPDM material began well and ended well but in the middle of the roof span a bubble formed, about 5ft x 3ft and also several wrinkles arranged themselves across the roof like small waves. I was so dispirited I parked the motorhome in its car port, where it has remained for four years. A few weeks ago, I climbed onto the roof to inspect it: the bubble was there but the wrinkles had miraculously disappeared. Can you explain what caused them to vanish?

Nice work!

What would be different about this if this was not a Fiberglass RV. What if it had been the Tin type stuff? I'm new to the channell. We bought a new Cherokee 23MK. I just want tips on keeping the roof in good shape before it gets bad. Love your videos. Thank you.

Thank you for your videos, your explanations and honesty are what makes them so great. But, can you tell me why Eternabond tape will sometimes get ripples after being installed. I have a hard wall and roof A frame. The tape remains smooth and flat on the metal frame but over a short period of time it will ripple on the roofing surface. I have applied the tape for a second time on this one problem area.This time the rippling is worse. I’m at a loss for a reason why this happens. The tape has been used on the entire roof area, and I only have this problem on the rear width section. Any thoughts on why this happens?

Crazy question: Why not just coat them right away? Extra layer of -- possibly even disposable -- protection? ...rather than waiting to bandaid a roof that's getting past its prime.

Hi James, Quick question. I am replacing the membrane on my 2010 5th wheel Denali by Dutchmen and once I got the old one off, there remains a very sticky glue on the chipper board. Not my preferred materiel but I suspect it's for cost reasons. Is there something that can be used to remove the glue or is laying down a thin plywood over it the way to go? Great videos BTW, very informative.

You can really hear the disappointment in his voice when he keeps finding more issues lmao

Awesome... very good info...thank you

Could print those roof gutter parts with a 3D printer? Just a thought to eliminate any future supply chain issues.

Bought mine on Craigslist and the guy never said there was any damage. Roof looked almost new, but I found out the wood underneath was rotten.

Great video, would love links to some of the items you used like the antenna and the replacement skylight with metal frame. I don't plan to do this myself but I know what to ask for when dealing with a repair company. Thank you.

Approximate cost for something like that roof to be replaced?

Nice job. My roof on my RV was replaced when it was new. My roof started to come up getting getting air along the side first. then at transition. This year I caulked under gutter rail and it stopped and started to lay down again.

james I have 1997 winnebago minnie winnie class c. over cab all water damage. has cabinets the over bed. I want to remove it all. I haven't done tis before. Have I opened a can of worms? Thanks James from sc.

Guy should have checked the roof prior to buying.

Do you work with any senior programs for assistance? My 2008 is falling down around my head.... 😮

I have this exact camper with a small leak on a seam. To seal and coat would i be better to put the eternabond over the edge molding or remove it?

I just had a new EPDM roof put on my 41 foot "Sabre" 5th wheel. After a couple of weeks I am noticing quite a few angled wrinkles where the front cap meets the roof. Is there anything I can do with it or does it need to be redone? I really don't want to cut and patch a new roof.

I have a question... I have a 2003 Bounder 39Z and the AC drain water is running down the front of the windshield and front corners, I have not inspected the roof as of yet but is this normal in any way? where should condensation drain run?

Four 5 in ones and a pack of camels...put me to work!

Dicor question as ive never used it before. specifically the non-leveling type. is it thick in its consistency? i mean more than normal? i went to use some today and it seemed like it was thicker than it should be and was a struggle to apply and smooth out. not impossible, just a PITA and very messy when trying to make it look good. thanks!!

Would it be a good idea to use some bleach or mold inhibitor before washing the roof?

Somewhat related question: I'm preparing to rebuild my 35 ft class A roof. It looks like the decking is just luan, assumed 1/4 or 3/8", I'd like to go with thicker plywood (and not that OSB garbage). How do-able would using 1/2" be? Thank you in advance.

How much did this cost? Need to replace my roof and looking for some general concept of price.

Your EPDM and TPO must be way different and thinner than what we use on home and commerical roofs.

Whats the average cost to replace a 26ft rubber roof?

Great Video as always. When the driver pulled away I saw the front of trailer look like it was separating under the skin. isn't that a big problem down the road?

Great video, very educational. Just curious to know if you used butyl tape under the metal rail that holds the rubber roof to the wall of the camper.?

An EDPM or TPO roof on a commercial building would often have the membrane under the termination strip then fold over the strip and weld to the body of the roof. The result is zero holes in the roof membrane and reduces the sealants needed. Wouldn't that work on an RV or travel trailer?

Thanks god bless

What would the ball park cost be for a 34 foot roof rubber replacement be?

The elephant in the room... uh if ya wanna fix this, i got a book of matches. 😅

so, can you water seal that roof before the new cover install?

TY for the video! Has anyone ever told you that you resemble Billy Bob Thornton?

I've seen a "bulletproof" roof using enternabond rather than Dicor around the edges and around the fixtures. What are your thoughts on that?

U do nice work 👍😎

Do you ever do PVC roofs and heat weld the vents and AC?

What is your opinion on pvc roof coverings? MI camping.

QUESTION: What's the story about PVC roofing material?

What is the best roof coating for a fiberglass roof

Hey! I enjoy watching your channel from Kingman AZ. Keep up the vids! Side note: What would be the ball park cost for roof membrane replacement? Thank you