Community Forums

ezdavie · 10-10-2016, 10:49 PM

2003 Winnebago Adventurer 35U - All safe and sound here in Myrtle Beach SC. However, MH didn't go unscathed - Hit by Tornado on Saturday as Matthew went by. No electricity but nothing but Blue skies no a cloud in the sky on Sunday morning. Inspecting her on Sunday and was pleased - no leaks, nothing broken and I felt relieved -- then I looked up and OOPS . . . top seam on the drivers side was fully exposed!! As my heart sank I climbed the ladder to see up top. Fiberglass had been torn away in the left rear corner at the cap. About a 2' x 2' section has been ripped off!! I was able to reinsert the edge of the top all along the side and put a temporary cover over the hole. Weather forecast says no rain next 7 days. Worse things could have happened I know, but I am kind of new to this - is this repairable? By who? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

**JohnRR** · 10-10-2016, 11:42 PM

I'm sorry to read of the situation but I'm very pleased it seems like everybody is doing well.

krivanj · 10-11-2016, 07:05 AM

Winnebago has had problems with their roofs coming apart in the manner you described. Do a search for Winnebago roof problems on IRV2 and you will see many ideas.

Hit_the_Rhod · 10-11-2016, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezdavie

2003 Winnebago Adventurer 35U - All safe and sound here in Myrtle Beach SC. However, MH didn't go unscathed - Hit by Tornado on Saturday as Matthew went by. No electricity but nothing but Blue skies no a cloud in the sky on Sunday morning. Inspecting her on Sunday and was pleased - no leaks, nothing broken and I felt relieved -- then I looked up and OOPS . . . top seam on the drivers side was fully exposed!! As my heart sank I climbed the ladder to see up top. Fiberglass had been torn away in the left rear corner at the cap. About a 2' x 2' section has been ripped off!! I was able to reinsert the edge of the top all along the side and put a temporary cover over the hole. Weather forecast says no rain next 7 days. Worse things could have happened I know, but I am kind of new to this - is this repairable? By who? Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Assuming you can get the roof material, (not sure what type of roof you have) it is repairable, but being a 2003, with I assume the original roof, you may want to consider running it through your insurance. Odds are pretty good they will replace the entire roof for the cost of your comprehensive deductible. That's probably what I would do, and I know how to repair them! Consider going back to the factory, or at least do some serious research into the repair facility you choose. Personally I would stay away from Camping World based on past experience, but that's just me. Ask the insurance company for suggestions on repair facilities. Are you full timing it?

Gormleys · 10-11-2016, 07:21 AM

We are glad to hear that you survived the storm.

Yes, your damage can be repaired by a reputable camper repair shop. The question will be finding one that has time as you are probably not the only one with issues. Hopefully, someone will pipe up with recommendations of a shop in the Myrtle Beach area.

Keep it covered while you wait and good luck!

imob · 10-11-2016, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit_the_Rhod

Assuming you can get the roof material, (not sure what type of roof you have) it is repairable, but being a 2003, with I assume the original roof, you may want to consider running it through your insurance. Odds are pretty good they will replace the entire roof for the cost of your comprehensive deductible. That's probably what I would do, and I know how to repair them! Consider going back to the factory, or at least do some serious research into the repair facility you choose. Personally I would stay away from Camping World based on past experience, but that's just me. Ask the insurance company for suggestions on repair facilities. Are you full timing it?

Call your insurance company and initiate a claim. If you do not have a shop or mobile tech that you trust, they will refer someone. I doubt they will give you a whole new roof but they will repair it. This is just like have a car accident or storm damage to you home. All the same rules apply and everything is negotiable.

wil01 · 10-11-2016, 08:42 AM

Go to Camping Connection. They are the very best. They will fix your roof just fine!

Good Luck!
Wil

TDI-Minnie · 10-11-2016, 08:46 AM

I can imaging a massive backlog at all these shops.
If it's driveable, you might consider a trip inland to an area away from storm damage to get the repairs done so it's not sitting for months.
Also, call the insurance company right away to start the claim.

**CLIFFTALL** · 10-11-2016, 08:54 AM

I used them in the past and was very pleased.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wil01

Go to Camping Connection. They are the very best. They will fix your roof just fine!

Good Luck!

Wil

ezdavie · 10-12-2016, 07:55 AM

Thanks for all who replied and your suggestions. Insurance Adjuster to be on site Friday. Hopefully all will go well and without any hitches. Looking forward to getting this taken care of. THX again

AFChap · 10-13-2016, 08:58 AM

The correct repair is a new fiberglass roof as it is a single sheet of fiberglass. Your insurance should cover for complete replacement.

This emphasizes the need for proper yearly maintenance of the sealant on the roof side seams just above the gutter. Neglect of those seams WILL lead to roof separation sooner or later either while driving or in a wind storm. Of course, even when properly maintained, all bets are off in hurricane or tornado winds.

AFChap · 10-13-2016, 09:45 AM

See the discussion here http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/winn...ss-310168.html for lots of good info, pictures, and a video of a factory Winnebago build including installation of the single piece fiberglass roof.

nothermark · 10-13-2016, 10:02 AM

Assuming you have a 1 piece fiberglass roof I hope you get a replacement. IF the insurance company does not bite the damage sounds like any shop who repairs fiberglass boats should be able to handle it. Probably better than a body shop.

Patti Brown · 10-13-2016, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFChap

This emphasizes the need for proper yearly maintenance of the sealant on the roof side seams just above the gutter.

We attended an RV maintenance seminar at a resort we visited and were told the #1 best thing we could do each year was have a Sealtech test performed to identify and seal tiny leaks before they caused a problem. When I called a place near us to make an appointment, I was asked where I thought my coach was leaking. When I said it wasn't and told the service rep what we had been told, he said, "You are being so smart. This one bit of annual maintenance can save you many headaches."

NOTE: Because Sealtech changed ownership in 2012 their website only shows testing locations that have identified themselves on the website since 2012. There are many more out there, just call around. We found our closest one through an independent RV dealer about 2 hrs away.