Solitude rubber roof peeled back!

[rkerber]

In December we purchased a used 41 foot 2020 Grand Design Solitude, just outside of the one year warranty, but very nice condition.

On our first long trip (Lake Havasu AZ to Galveston TX), and about 200 miles short of Galveston, our rubber roof started peeling back, from the front, and would have continued if not for the AC unit and TV antenna mounted in the way. Our friends, in the motorhome behind us saw something flapping in the wind on the roof.

The first 6 feet was peeled back and damaged beyond repair. I did my best to lay it back down and gorilla taped it down. Once in Galveston, I had to cut off most of the first six feet and throw it away. I got some white "rubberized roof paint" from home depot and put 4 coats on. I also screwed down outdoor plastic trim strips along all of the new edges of the old rubber roof, and topped that with the self-leveling cocking. I left a small opening on the corners, so rain/water can drain.

I called Grand Design about another matter and mentioned what happened. Even though I was out of warranty, Grand Design sent me a new rubber roof to be installed by me, or at my expense. I was told by a dealer these rubber roofs run about $3,000, so in my opinion, Grand Design stepped up and did right.

I did such a great job on my repair, I will probably save the new roof for the future when it is needed, rather that be after my next long trip, or in several years if my repair holds up.

[bertschb]

Sorry this happened. That would freak me out! But, your repair looks fantastic. Good job!

[kdauto]

It's quite sad that new and almost new RVs break down so fast and due to really basic poor building practices.

Your repair looks quite good. I understand that you applied the roof coating directly on the plywood? I imagine that the rest of the roof will eventually suffer the same fate and will require frequent monitoring.

[rkerber]

I found it interesting that the rubber roof glue was not dry, just sticky. I applied the rubber paint directly to the sticky plywood. I also noticed some air bubbles further back, under the remaining original rubber roof, probably from when the front of the roof was flapping in the wind.