Community Forums

sadrand · 03-23-2012, 08:12 AM

Ok, all of you Newmar owners. I am getting close to purchasing my first RV and I really like the older (90's) Newmars. An RV ratings guide rates them high, with good quality construction and cabinetry, but states that there have been too many issues with roof leaks over the years. I am looking to hear from real owners - have you found roof leaks to be a problem with your Newmar?

Qwert66 · 03-23-2012, 08:41 AM

No issues at all - on a 1999 with fiberglass roof.

"007" · 03-23-2012, 11:26 AM

I have owned three Newmars and never had a roof leak present coach 10 years.
Its not something I over look because when roof is cleaned every spring I check all seams for possible cracking and take care of it then and there.
Around 99 or 2000 they started using the Brit-tex roofs which were an improvement over the older rubber roofs.
If a older rubber roof is maintained properly it will give good years of service.
If it is not there can be some bad damage inside the motor home.
We have some links that will help you maintain your roof or repair if need be.

RV ROOF REPAIR

NEWMAR CONSTRUCTION

Newmars have been built the same for the years I have had them they stand up pretty well.
Welcome to the forum and enjoy your hunt for a Newmar, there are some good buys out there just check them over well, which ever you buy.

Jeff Regan · 03-23-2012, 07:08 PM

I am not a fan of Newmar's non-one-piece fiberglass roof construction, meaning any coach pre-2004. The two full length seams that meet the top wrap are problematic if not looked after diligently.

In my experience, this means more than once per year and at some yearly intervals, all the sealant must be removed and reapplied vs. just patching. Also, the fiberglass sheet does not have a wooden sheet underneath, unlike the Brite Tek or rubber roofs, so flexes and can have low points that pool water.

All in all a bad design that took too long to rectify, but if taken care of, is a non-issue.

RVhauler · 03-23-2012, 11:08 PM

Have a 1997 Newmar Kountryaire 5er with aluminum roof which has been pulled over 80K miles with out any leakage. This is the first have heard of fiberglass problems but Newmar roofs are made to walk on. Improperly cared for rubber roofs on any brand will leak sooner or later

Route 66 · 03-24-2012, 06:12 AM

Many Newmar's have had water leaks around the front clearance lights. Checking them annually is essential.

ralphie · 03-24-2012, 08:10 AM

I've been reading any post that includes the word "Newmar" in it, for years. I really can't recall any significant number of posts about roof leaks.

Ramets · 03-24-2012, 08:43 AM

I agree with Rt. 66. I had a small leak around one of our front clearance lights. Only leaked in a hard downpour. I replaced all the lenses and applied clear caulk. No problem since. I will say one of the old lenses was cracked, but it was very hard to see. Probably cracked by me smacking into a tree branch somewhere. I did find that after a few years they get brittle. We have a 2000 DSDP.

B2900 · 07-16-2012, 05:34 AM

We own a 2003 Dutchstar and this coach has always been stored inside when not in use properly maintained and this coach has cost me thousands in roof leaks and pokey thousands more in depreciation when We go to sell it as a result of the apparent leaks The Dometic direct vent air conditioner is a leak waiting to happen itself

"007" · 07-16-2012, 06:38 AM

Welcome to the forum & irv2.
Maybe the seals are incorrectly installed on the bottom of your AC's.
Call Newmar for the correct kit.
Your AC's maybe icing up and need to be cleaned.

GaryKD · 07-16-2012, 04:47 PM

Is there a roof leak that EternaBond can not stop (like forever)? I don't think so. Floor plan sells the coach. If the coach is dry when you buy it, consider installing EternaBond on all the seams. I put EternaBond on all my roof seams before any problems showed up. The coach remain dry.

Mr_D · 07-16-2012, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Regan

I am not a fan of Newmar's non-one-piece fiberglass roof construction, meaning any coach pre-2004. The two full length seams that meet the top wrap are problematic if not looked after diligently.

In my experience, this means more than once per year and at some yearly intervals, all the sealant must be removed and reapplied vs. just patching. Also, the fiberglass sheet does not have a wooden sheet underneath, unlike the Brite Tek or rubber roofs, so flexes and can have low points that pool water.

All in all a bad design that took too long to rectify, but if taken care of, is a non-issue.

Newmar states that the roofs should be inspected twice a year, do that and patch any spots and they're no trouble.

Mr_D · 07-16-2012, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B2900

We own a 2003 Dutchstar and this coach has always been stored inside when not in use properly maintained and this coach has cost me thousands in roof leaks and pokey thousands more in depreciation when We go to sell it as a result of the apparent leaks The Dometic direct vent air conditioner is a leak waiting to happen itself

We are on our second DSDP, a 2000 and now 2002. I also run a Newmar specific forum on Yahoo. Roof leaks are a non issue if you follow the written instructions in the owners manual.

Have never had a leak around the heat pumps on either rig. But then I do follow the owners manual on roof maintenance too. I do the work myself so I know it's done right rather than paing someone to do it as thye may not know what they're doing.

Renden · 07-25-2012, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Is there a roof leak that EternaBond can not stop (like forever)? I don't think so. Floor plan sells the coach. If the coach is dry when you buy it, consider installing EternaBond on all the seams. I put EternaBond on all my roof seams before any problems showed up. The coach remain dry.

Do agree.GaryKD.....Ethernabond on my roof !