About to buy our first rig!

[vchris619]

Hello,
We found what looks like a great CC (2004 Intrigue Ovation 505). I am having Caterpillar look at the engine and we are still trying to decide if I need in an interior inspection.
But my question is about the roof. When I walked up on top I could feel the fiberglass flex as I stepped down, it almost felt like there was a space between the top glass and whatever is underneath. It seems to have been sealed properly, but I am just curious about the actual structure of the roof.
I did look inside and I pushed on several spots and nothing seemed to be soft or water damaged, but any advice would be awesome.
Actually, any advice would be awesome.
Thanks,
VChris

[iluvuk]

Originally Posted by vchris619

Hello,
We found what looks like a great CC (2004 Intrigue Ovation 505). I am having Caterpillar look at the engine and we are still trying to decide if I need in an interior inspection.
But my question is about the roof. When I walked up on top I could feel the fiberglass flex as I stepped down, it almost felt like there was a space between the top glass and whatever is underneath. It seems to have been sealed properly, but I am just curious about the actual structure of the roof.
I did look inside and I pushed on several spots and nothing seemed to be soft or water damaged, but any advice would be awesome.
Actually, any advice would be awesome.
Thanks,
VChris

I don't know how heavy you are, but I have had 3 different brand RVs and never had the roof "flex" or give under my feet. Mine are firm and solid. But I am not real heavy. I certainly don't mean to imply you are over weight. I am just informing you that on 3 brands of motorhome, I have never had any significant flex or give away on the roof. I don't know a lot about CC however. Good luck.

[dons2346]

When I walk on my roof, I can feel the fiberglass flex as you say. Having seen the construction of Country Coaches, I can say this is normal. The roof is built and then the fiberglass covering is laid on top and it is not glued down, it kinda floats on top.



But what do I know, mine has been that way for 18 years and it isn't cracked, broken, nor does it leak

[vchris619]

Don,

Thank you, I was worried that the roof had delaminated, as it didn't feel like it was attached. If it is "floating" over the structural part, how much gap do think there would be? I should have looked at my feet when I was walking to see if I could get a better feel for how much the glass seemed to depress before it hit the structure.
Anyway, thank you.
VChris

[2 Stroker]

Like Don said the roof is a floating roof, nothing to worry about. Just check seams on front and rear caps, sky light and anything else that has a seam on the roof. Hope it all works out for you and down the road if you have any questions, this is the place to come.
Should fill in your sig so everyone knows what you have and your location.
2 stroker

[IASM]

You might look closely at where the roof rolls over the edge on the sides. Somewhere in that vintage country coach was using a filon roof on some of the rigs. I know the inspires had them. The normal country coach roof was cast one piece in a mold like a boat hull then set on top. The filon was laid on top and rolled down the edge. I have seen some filon roofs that didnt like the radius of the curve and developed small cracks . I would not be to concerned with the main roof just the end cap and the sides. Report back if its filon and some folks with it will chim in.

[Racing4Fun]

I would recommend have someone who knows these coaches inspect the exterior and interior of Coach. Ensure all seals well maintained and jo delamination or water damage. It may not be obvious.

[Smitty77]

Originally Posted by dons2346

When I walk on my roof, I can feel the fiberglass flex as you say. Having seen the construction of Country Coaches, I can say this is normal. The roof is built and then the fiberglass covering is laid on top and it is not glued down, it kinda floats on top.



But what do I know, mine has been that way for 18 years and it isn't cracked, broken, nor does it leak

X's 2! And the C12 (Assume C12.) - is fine engine! Hope the rest of the coach checks out...

Smitty

[deandec]

Originally Posted by dons2346

When I walk on my roof, I can feel the fiberglass flex as you say. Having seen the construction of Country Coaches, I can say this is normal. The roof is built and then the fiberglass covering is laid on top and it is not glued down, it kinda floats on top.



But what do I know, mine has been that way for 18 years and it isn't cracked, broken, nor does it leak

Agree. The roof is almost like a Cap over the structure. No issues in our 24 year old roof.

[vchris619]

Thank you all for the input...I will keep you posted on the progress! I'm sitting at a Cat service center about to get a dyno and the oil/coolant analysis done (also checking all of the previous codes etc).

VChris619

[Jean n Steve]

How'd the Cat look, VChris? Are you still chasing the same Ovation?

Steve

[theoldwizard]

Originally Posted by vchris619

But my question is about the roof. When I walked up on top I could feel the fiberglass flex as I stepped down, it almost felt like there was a space between the top glass and whatever is underneath. It seems to have been sealed properly, but I am just curious about the actual structure of the roof.

I am not an expert, but based on this video you have or will have a serous problem !

[deandec]

Originally Posted by theoldwizard

I am not an expert, but based on this video you have or will have a serous problem !

If you check out pictures of Country Coach rigs, you will see that the roof is essentially a cap. One unit that is flush and continues over the roof edge and down to the side wall moulding about 3 inches below the roof edge.

That super C in the video had a roof that emulated a bath tub with no drain.

No wonder it had to be replaced.

[dons2346]

Originally Posted by theoldwizard

I am not an expert, but based on this video you have or will have a serous problem !

Country Coach roofs are not built this way.