Community Forums

Hudsoner · 12-14-2010, 12:46 PM

My travel trailer had an aluminum roof. I had the thing for 10 years and had zero problems with it!

Redcatcher1 · 12-15-2010, 12:04 AM

fiberglass, easy to care for easy to repair if need be.

steelheadbluesman · 12-15-2010, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate

Neither. I will replace mine (TPO) with a single piece of rolled aluminum when the time comes. The price is almost identical. This has been verified with 2 different reputable repair places.

Serious? An aluminum roof for the price of fiberglass? I wonder what they attach it to? Also, it seems to me that aluminum roofs are connected in several pieces, with seams, to allow for expansion.... I don't know, I'm just asking.

rough road · 12-16-2010, 05:12 AM

Why hasn't someone started to spray a truck bed liner product on the tops, add the color of your choice with a uv stabilizer and it would seem that all the worries are over; little noise, no chance of putting a hole in the stuff and you could have a polka party on the roof it you felt the urge.

Lakeman1 · 12-16-2010, 05:41 AM

rough I'm not sure that stuff is flexible enough. Like walking on the roof.

jackrobinryan · 12-16-2010, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rough road

Why hasn't someone started to spray a truck bed liner product on the tops, add the color of your choice with a uv stabilizer and it would seem that all the worries are over; little noise, no chance of putting a hole in the stuff and you could have a polka party on the roof it you felt the urge.

Saw a guy driving down I-95 a few weeks ago. Sprayed his entire Toyota Landcruiser w/ Rhino Lining. Cool. No off road scratching or parking lot dings.

Hudsoner · 12-16-2010, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelheadbluesman

Serious? An aluminum roof for the price of fiberglass? I wonder what they attach it to? Also, it seems to me that aluminum roofs are connected in several pieces, with seams, to allow for expansion.... I don't know, I'm just asking.

My trailer was a 24' unit. The aluminum roof was a single sheet all the way. It was attached to the sides an front and rear end, and around the holes for vents, etc.

Vegasdan · 12-16-2010, 09:04 AM

Aluminum would be a good idea, the only problem I've heard about is eventually it can get pin holes from corrosion.

bobfnbw · 12-16-2010, 03:10 PM

Airstreams are of course aluminum. Riveted together with the seams sealed. But leaks do happen. Hail damage occurs as well. But it looks good.
Fiberglass is also subject to damage and water can leak thru it via osmosis. Also if water stands on it for a long time might it not develop blistering like on boats ? No sure. But if the wrong epoxy was used in the layup it can happen. But it looks great, and paints look good on it as well.
Rubberized coating that can be renewed or something like it seems like a good less expensive alternative, but the material would have to be strong, flexible, durable, and not cost a lot for installing and maintainable.
Aluminum is not cheap but seems like the best solution. Sure it can pit, but only when exposed to constant fluids. Otherwise it will oxidize which actually improves its weather capability.

This is from a guy that knows boats but not much on rv's. So take it for what is is, my opinion only.
Bob

Vegasdan · 12-16-2010, 03:24 PM

Monaco used aluminum roofs at one time and the pin holes have been discussed as a problem.

FormerBoater · 12-16-2010, 05:06 PM

Our 98 American Eagle has a one piece fiberglass roof with a non-skid surface on the areas where you need to walk to service A/C's etc.

No leaks, withstands the S. Florida UV from the sun. Easy to clean and maintain.

Dave
1998 American Eagle 40VS

beaverjim · 12-16-2010, 05:33 PM

our 9 yr old aluminum roof is great! had it painted and sealed 2 yrs ago looks like new. i think the roof will far outlast the mh. almost zero maint. except a wash job! jim

Olive · 12-16-2010, 06:09 PM

We had a travel trailer with a one piece aluminum roof for 21 years and it held up great. Never had a problem with the roof or that trailer. Sold it after those 21 years when I bought my first motorhome for half of what we paid for it. I've full timed now in 2 MHs, 7 years in the first one (owned it for 8) and 3 years in this one. They both have a fiberglass roof which I have been very happy with. Like some others have said, they are easy to clean and maintain.

Midniteoyl · 12-16-2010, 11:37 PM

I would wonder about the type of/quality of an aluminum roof that pitted in short order... Planes have been made with this stuff for what? 70 years? Alot of those are still flying...