Community Forums

tiger63 · 09-01-2009, 06:54 PM

Do any of know why roofs are rubber on 5th wheelers? I owned 2 Hi-Lo's one was 28 foot long and the other was 22 foot. Both had metal roofs and required little maintance.

Is this because our fifth wheels are not build as well as the Hi-Lo and flex so much?

This rubber crap makes no sense to me.

Ray,IN · 09-01-2009, 09:49 PM

EPDM roof was the same price as an aluminum roof 10 years ago, aluminum costs more than a membrane these days. It is easier to install, easier to seal, virtually maintenance-free_ mfgrs suggest washing 4x/yr. Unless torn or punctured, is warranted for 12 years. RV manufacturers like lower production costs.

diandtom · 09-02-2009, 09:17 AM

Northwood replaced my roof a couple years ago and the cost for the material was around $150. So this is a big reason for using rubber. I just find them hard to clean.

Tom

450Donn · 09-02-2009, 02:55 PM

Not only that, but the rubber (EPDM) roof is much quieter. Had both and in a rain or God forbid hail storm an aluminum roof will be so loud it is nearly impossible to stand it. A fiberglass roof is nice, but will deteriorate over time and be very expensive to replace/repair.

FiverBob · 09-05-2009, 11:17 AM

Another plus for the EPDM or vinyl roof is sealing it. Metal roofs tend to expand/contract in the sun much more than EPDM or vinyl. This flexes the sealer at all joints causing them to leak sooner. My experience has had the sealer hold better on the flexible membrane better than on metal.
Bob

Londoner · 09-05-2009, 05:54 PM

Has anyone used the 890 rubber roof sealant yet? I am planning on coating my rubber roof as it has occasional leaks at repairs. If you have any advice I would be grateful.
Londoner