Rubber roof replacement question

[outback12]

I have purchased a 2012 Outback 250RS. 2 days before taking possession the dealer calls to say they damaged the rubber roof and will need to replace it. Can anyone comment on whether I should take ownership once replaced or if I should request a new trailer?

[DRosedale]

My second TT had a limb fall out of a tree that went right through the roof into the bathroom, (thank goodness no one was in there, but thats another story). Insurance covered the cost of repairs, which was replacement of the entire rubber roof and I never did have any problems.

But in your case this is a brand new rig, I wouldn't accept it. Either the dealer would get me another one or I would find another rig.

Just my 2 cents worth, but it's your money and your paying for a new rig, so you should expect a new rig.

[Kurmudgeon]

I'll second that answer. If I spend the money for a new trailer, I want a NEW trailer, not a damaged trailer that has been repaired. If you were looking at a new trailer on the dealer's lot and they disclosed that it was new, but had been damaged and repaired, would you pay full, new trailer price for it? Not me.

Now, if they want to lop a significant chunk off the price, I would consider taking it. And when I say significant, to me that means 20% or more. I realize this puts both you and them in an uncomfortable spot, but THEY are the ones who damaged it, and it will always be a damaged trailer. If they are a reputable dealer they won't hesitate to order you a new replacement trailer.

JP

[justimagination]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRosedale My second TT had a limb fall out of a tree that went right through the roof into the bathroom, (thank goodness no one was in there, but thats another story). Insurance covered the cost of repairs, which was replacement of the entire rubber roof and I never did have any problems. But in your case this is a brand new rig, I wouldn't accept it. Either the dealer would get me another one or I would find another rig. Just my 2 cents worth, but it's your money and your paying for a new rig, so you should expect a new rig.

...........I second this suggestion, could not have been better said. Good luck, it's your $$$$$$$, it will spend anywhere.
David G.

[outback12]

Thanks for the replies. If I decide to take ownership (at a good discount), should I keep an eye out for any issues with this replaced roof or would it be 'like new'? We have never owned a trailer before and are not sure if this replaced roof would last as long as one from the factory.

[GPW]

Rubber roofs !!! Dicor sealant ... NEVER AGAIN for me .... I want a Good roof that doesn't have to be constantly checked and maintained by an RV dealer ( my RV dealer wanted 1200USD annually to "inspect" the roof and squirt new dicor over the old ... grrrrr!!!!) .. I also had small limbs go through a "rubber" roof ... Scary and it was a $5K fix at the dealers (ridiculous) ... If it was penetrated that easy , I don't want one ...
The RV industry only went to the rubber roofs because it was cheaper and quicker for them to turn out a product ... MORE PROFIT ... and the dealers profit from the yearly REQUIRED maintenance ...
I've had trailers for many years ... with Metal roofs ... Never any problems , save coating/painting every 20 years or so ... ...

The other problem with rubber roofs , is they put them over the THINNEST plywood they can find... My roof is 1/8" plywood ... barely more than a good tent ... I certainly wouldn't live in a house with a roof like that ...
It's Your hard earned money , do what you want ...

These new Trailers are NOT like your Grandpa's RV... Just Huge Money pits , where the Industry profits and you pay and pay and pay ...

[edj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by outback12 Thanks for the replies. If I decide to take ownership (at a good discount), should I keep an eye out for any issues with this replaced roof or would it be 'like new'? We have never owned a trailer before and are not sure if this replaced roof would last as long as one from the factory.

The repaired/replaced rubber roof should be just as good as from the factory if it is installed correctly. I would press the dealer to offer a 2-3 year warranty on the roof installation. Get it in writing. Things to look for are the rubber membrane bubbling up and the caulk joints failing. Small bubbles are not a problem, it is the bubbles larger than a few inches in diameter to look for.