Community Forums

Traps90 · 06-20-2011, 10:51 AM

Just curious what everyone's thoughts are on upgrading to the fiberglass roof on a DutchStar.

I'm thinking I would prefer the Fiberglass roof, but was curious to hear your thoughts comparing them or why you prefer the Fiberglass.

Which one would be easier to maintain.

Thanks
Trap

DandS · 06-20-2011, 11:23 AM

Had a fibreglass roof on previous MH and have the Newmar Brite TEK system on present coach. IMO both are similar in cleaning and maintenance. Only real difference I see so far is the fibreglass roof was noiser when it rained. I sure wouldn't pay extra for the fibreglass version.

two2go · 06-20-2011, 11:36 AM

Good point on the noise. My experience is that the rubber/whatever roof seemed to sluff off material and hold dirt more such that it was harder to clean and made dark streaks down the side of the RV when it rains. I thought the best roof might have been a flat aluminum sheet over plywood on a class C we once owned. I suppose aluminum is more expensive.
We met a couple whose RV had been in a hail storm. I don't remember what roof they originally had, but the repair company filled in the dents and then sprayed the roof with the material used in pickup bed liners. It's pretty tough as I know from my previous pickup. They were happy with the result.

jfran304 · 06-20-2011, 01:46 PM

One time we were going down the road and we met a 5th wheel. The rubber roof on it had separated/torn at the front and was trapping air under it. The whole roof covering was raised 3 to 4' above the 5th wheel. I kept wondering how long it lasted going down the road before coming off completely.

Jon

Norm4015 · 06-20-2011, 06:46 PM

I have had Dutch Stars with both roofs and I prefer the molded one piece fiberglass roof that goes from sidewall to sidewall.

Route 66 · 06-20-2011, 07:04 PM

Newmar has for some time used Brite Tek, which is superior to the old rubber roof and is very good, however, I paid extra for the fiberglass roof on my DSDP.

Mr_D · 06-20-2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandS

Had a fibreglass roof on previous MH and have the Newmar Brite TEK system on present coach. IMO both are similar in cleaning and maintenance. Only real difference I see so far is the fibreglass roof was noiser when it rained. I sure wouldn't pay extra for the fibreglass version.

Same exact conclusion that we made. Had BriteTek on our first DSDP and got it on the second. BUT, I've been RV'ing since 1957 and have yet to poke a hole in a roof so I must be more careful than some.

GaryKD · 06-20-2011, 09:36 PM

Hi Traps90,
My 05 coach has a Brite Tech roof. It is in the sun year around. It has been through hail that destroyed the shrouds for two heat pumps and a tornado. The roof looks like the day I took delivery. I clean it 2 times a year with 303. If a coach came with a fiberglass roof, I'd take it. I would not pay extra for a fiberglass roof.

Mr_D · 06-20-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two2go

Good point on the noise. My experience is that the rubber/whatever roof seemed to sluff off material and hold dirt more such that it was harder to clean and made dark streaks down the side of the RV when it rains. I thought the best roof might have been a flat aluminum sheet over plywood on a class C we once owned. I suppose aluminum is more expensive.

But, have you ever had a BriteTek roof? It's a TPO product and totoally different than BriteTek, it doesn't chalk like the rubber ones do. So no black streaks.

bdaball · 06-21-2011, 04:36 AM

We have had both. I seem to think the Brite-Tek is a little easier to clean but that is personal opinion only. Both are good. Do not pay extra for fiberglass. If you do, ask for an extended warranty if they say it is better.

If it is a roll down over rhe edge design, check the arch for stress cracks and the seam where it is attached.

Best of luck, they both need to be cleaned regularly!

Traps90 · 06-21-2011, 08:39 AM

"Wow" thanks for all the replies, kind of surprised at the amount of replies that don;t think it;s worth the 2k extra to have it, guess I got some more thinking to do on this option

Trap

Mr_D · 06-22-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdaball

We have had both. I seem to think the Brite-Tek is a little easier to clean but that is personal opinion only. Both are good. Do not pay extra for fiberglass. If you do, ask for an extended warranty if they say it is better.

If it is a roll down over rhe edge design, check the arch for stress cracks and the seam where it is attached.

Best of luck, they both need to be cleaned regularly!

The BriteTek roofing has a 12 year warranty on the material, the fiberglass is dependent on the warranty Newmar offers on the whole rig.

buck454 · 07-14-2011, 12:24 PM

Glad to see this thread as a newbie here, I was about to post asking pros and cons to fiberglass. I have been contemplating a purchase of MH that has fiberglass roof. I have had no problems with the rubber roofs of previous HR units but feel fiberglass could have some good points.
b

BZam · 07-14-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buck454

Glad to see this thread as a newbie here, I was about to post asking pros and cons to fiberglass. I have been contemplating a purchase of MH that has fiberglass roof. I have had no problems with the rubber roofs of previous HR units but feel fiberglass could have some good points.
b

I have had fiberglass for last 12 years and before old rubber roof on previous RV.

Fiberglass is fine but as it gets older you still have the same issues of keeping it sealed where it joins the body of the RV, around vents, around roof ladder connections, etc.

So I don't see any advantage over the newer stuff so warranty would be the determining factor if I were getting another RV.