Help with ceiling repair 2003 Dutch Star

[Cloud Dancer]

I got nowhere using search. Anyone know of a thread on this subject? Thanks

["007"]

Not to many repair their ceilings, what exactly is wrong with the ceiling, not much in this search either.

[Cloud Dancer]

Thanksgiving morning, and it takes me a long time to compose the details that explain the what/why of my DS ceiling problem. I started this thread, so I feel I owe the explanation. I'll find the time, but not right away, too busy right now. Thanks

[Sidewinder4]

I will predicate this discussion that: Newmar sells the the 4 feet by 8 feet ceiling panels. Do not remember the price. ($275.00 is best guess) Newmar uses Silkaflex to adhere ceiling panels to aluminium cross bars in ceiling.
I tried to do a whole panel at first, but in the end, cut the panel in half to complete repair due to lack of skill and tools. (Yes, have an extra seem now) As luck would have it, it was the toughest panel to cut and replace in coach. Newmar wanted close to a $1000.00 for panel and repair.
Lots of secondary task besides panel, like possibly repairing insulation, cutting holes in panel for lights and ducts for heat pumps etc.
Used two by fours cut in inside coach height with plywood caps to hold ceiling tile in place while Silkaflex on back of panel dried overnight
I do not know if I would ever tackle this repair again, regardless of savings by doing it myself.
Hope this help as a start!

[Cloud Dancer]

Thank you for the valuable information. I have not not finished my long explanation of my exact situation, regarding the ceiling and the roof problems with my Dutch Star. I'm doing it on Microsoft Word.
One thing that I found out, is that holding the ceiling panels up with adhesive is problematic whenever there is rainwater intrusion, because the first material in the ceiling panel laminate is PAPER. This means that the effectiveness of the factory adhesive FAILS if this paper gets WET. After everything dries, if you "jack up" the sagging ceiling, and try to fix it by applying new adhesive, you find that the paper is partly dissolved and separated from the foam insulation of the ceiling panel/laminate. This means you need to find adhesive/caulk that will not "melt" styrofoam. There's a lot more to say about all this.
At this point, I have learned from you that the whole thing is not designed to be repairable by DIY people like myself. Suspicions confirmed.
It could even be that the cabinets and a couple of short interior walls will neeed to be removed, in order to install a few of these ceiling panels. A trip to the factory might be the only way.
Thanks again, I really appreciate the information.

["007"]

No need to explain, your signature would help us and hope you had a good turkey day with family that is what counts.
Looks like the roof needs to be corrected for the leaks or new ceiling is for not.
This link has the roof information you will need if its repairable, if not than you need this one or this one. All found in QT's 1 & 2.
And for everything else in your coach you need this one.

[Bucky573]

Originally Posted by Cloud Dancer

Thank you for the valuable information. I have not not finished my long explanation of my exact situation, regarding the ceiling and the roof problems with my Dutch Star. I'm doing it on Microsoft Word.
One thing that I found out, is that holding the ceiling panels up with adhesive is problematic whenever there is rainwater intrusion, because the first material in the ceiling panel laminate is PAPER. This means that the effectiveness of the factory adhesive FAILS if this paper gets WET. After everything dries, if you "jack up" the sagging ceiling, and try to fix it by applying new adhesive, you find that the paper is partly dissolved and separated from the foam insulation of the ceiling panel/laminate. This means you need to find adhesive/caulk that will not "melt" styrofoam. There's a lot more to say about all this.
At this point, I have learned from you that the whole thing is not designed to be repairable by DIY people like myself. Suspicions confirmed.
It could even be that the cabinets and a couple of short interior walls will neeed to be removed, in order to install a few of these ceiling panels. A trip to the factory might be the only way.
Thanks again, I really appreciate the information.

Not sure where you’re located, but you might call Superior RV Roofing in Marionville, Missouri. I had them do a full roof replacement on my 2010 Ventana 4333 this past June. They did a great job. While there he showed me other work he had done on refurbishing interiors of older coaches. They looked great.

[Cloud Dancer]

Yes, by all means, the roof and the mounting/sealing of the air conditioning units, shall be modified and repaired to my satisfaction PRIOR to starting on fixing the ceiling. Thanks