fiberglass roof

[rfhtlh]

we toured another what we consider quality fifth wheel manufacturer today and the question of fiberglass roofs came up. they tried fiberglass a few years back but quit offering it. the explanation given was over time with the rocking and twisting of towing the fiberglass would develop spider cracks allowing in moisture. has anyone heard of or experienced this problem? does the gel coating eliminate this problem?

[rfhtlh]

we toured another what we consider quality fifth wheel manufacturer today and the question of fiberglass roofs came up. they tried fiberglass a few years back but quit offering it. the explanation given was over time with the rocking and twisting of towing the fiberglass would develop spider cracks allowing in moisture. has anyone heard of or experienced this problem? does the gel coating eliminate this problem?

[ChiefJohn]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">the rocking and twisting of towing the fiberglass would develop spider cracks allowing in moisture </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Assuming that this is a "problem" associated with fiberglass RV roofs, then the same problem should be evident in the fiberglass sides and end caps. I had a rubber roof on two previous RVs and prefer the fiberglass. Sounds like SOB's spin on why they don't offer fiberglass.

[LindaH]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rfhtlh:
over time with the rocking and twisting of towing the fiberglass would develop spider cracks allowing in moisture. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Perhaps they were using an inferior product, or they didn't install it correctly.

While we don't have a fiberglass roof on our Classic, we did on the 1998 New Horizons we owned, and never had a problem with it. And, as far as I know, the couple who bought it from us haven't had any problems either.

[D and J]

Just a thought, I don't have data to support this, but, I would guess that if you had a fibreglass roof on a rig that is made from Aluminum you could have cracks. I believe that the wood construction of the Excel's works well together with the fibreglass.

but that is just my opinion

[wrongway]

One thing with Excels Fiberglass Roof is that is it a Cap Fiberglass. Excel is the only company in the industry, (that I know about) that has ever used a Fiberglass Caped Roof. Other companies have had fiberglass roofs, but they are a roll out style roof, otherwords it goes on just like the rubber roof does. It is a thin sheet of fiberglass and yes they would develop problems with the roof, especially if you were to get on top and walk on them. With Excels Honey Comb construction they are far more superior than anything else that has been attempted in the industry.

[Money Bags]

I sure love mine! I wish the two other SOBs I had, would have had it too. I know longer worry about cleaning or having something cut the roof. The extra money is worth the “peace of mind”!

[EngineerMike]

The only caveat w/a fiberglass roof is that a few to ten years down the road, the sun will erode the surface and it will need to be painted, cheaper fiberglass sooner. Next best, and pretty good IMHO, is TPO roofing; very durable and quite flexible.

[Money Bags]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike The only caveat w/a fiberglass roof is that a few to ten years down the road, the sun will erode the surface and it will need to be painted, cheaper fiberglass sooner. Next best, and pretty good IMHO, is TPO roofing; very durable and quite flexible.

Are you referring to the Fiberglass Capped Roof of the Excel or to the roll on style other companies use?

[EngineerMike]

The material only. I have a sheet fiberglass roof on my rig, that the mfgr places on flat, then rolls down & fastens over the long sides of the coach. The front & back are lapped under a molded fiberglass cap with a seam molding & screws & sealant. That isn't as good as one that is fiberglassed in place to the end caps, not as neat looking either, but fairly usual in motorhomes. I don't know of a fully capped roof as in chopper-gun-shot in a mold made for that rig's roof, but I'd venture a guess that such a method would be more stout than the sheet variety I have, tho it would weigh more also.

[Rsteabag]

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We have had 2 Excels with fiberglas roofs and love them. They still require the same care as the sides and end caps but a lot less work than rubber and don't have to worry when walking on it. Yes they are heavier but well worth it.