Community Forums

Just Whisper · 10-01-2014, 02:54 PM

We bought a 23 foot travel trailer a few weeks ago. Everything looked/smelled good until I got it home. I was doing some cleaning and discovered a rotten wall. Then discovered some very minor evidence of mold. Then the big surprise. Upon further inspection it seems the entire rear side and floor of the trailer needs replaced as it is all rotted. While looking for the leak I discovered the roof has some dry rot along the edges and is starting to lose it's finish.

My question is this...If I refinish the roof in latex will it repair the dry rot? What is the best latex that can be painted on, not sprayed. I also read in another thread something about getting a new vinyl roof that can be self-installed and is very inexpensive. I cannot find that thread now.

A friend is willing to do the camper repairs free, minus material cost, but will not be worth it if it will cost a fortune for roof repair. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Gordon Dewald · 10-01-2014, 02:59 PM

I purchased a 50' roll of EPDM, glue, tape, etc for $800. To resheet the entire roof on a 40' 5er was $300 for sheeting and screws.

I did all of the work myself and figure all in the cost is about 1200.00.

Check out the thread Total Rebuild. Fellow is totally rebuilding a 32' 5er and figures he will do it for about 6,000.

The work is not bad but you have to be patient and think things through. It took me about 2 weeks to get the roof repaired.

SKP Kirk · 10-02-2014, 04:22 PM

Quote:

.If I refinish the roof in latex will it repair the dry rot?

The answer to this is no. Dry rot is so called because while it gets started as a result of water entry it will continue with no more water unless you remove all effected wood and replace with new. Stopping the leak is second to stopping the rot so first get to the roof under the present material and replace all damage wood or the damage will continue to get worse.

It sounds like your RV has a rubber (EDPM) roof and that material can be either replaced or coated with an appropriate product approved for use on EDPM.

Harley1994 · 10-02-2014, 04:50 PM

Gordon is correct in saying be patient, take the trailer apart slowly, and assess as you go, most of the time it will look worse then it is, especially if this is your first time. If you aren't in a hurry and shop around you can get some good deals, I was ready to buy my EPDM roofing and then found roof membrane on CL for 400.00 for a 10X40ft piece.The person decided not to do it and could not return. You do have to stop the leak long term so best way is a new roof.

mike.t · 10-02-2014, 06:05 PM

Did you talk to the party you bought it from?

Just Whisper · 10-03-2014, 08:15 AM

Thank you for the input and suggestions everyone. Based on that I am taking it to the local camper store next week who will do a free inspection for me. They are very nice and seem fair in pricing. First I will see what they want for replacement. I am sure it is probably more than the trailer is worth. LOL. My friend is repairing the wood work for me but I am not sure if he would fix the roof. I am sure he will try.

Mike, the people from whom I bought the trailer are a couple of con artists. Private sales, not a company. I really should learn to listen to myself as I am never wrong. I have a great sense of sizing people up and I had red flags going off in my head left and right. But it seemed really good under the cloudy not so bright conditions. Live and learn.....sometimes.

Thanks again.

bap · 10-03-2014, 08:44 PM

sorry to hear about your trouble,,,,my first buy was a used 30ftr fleetwood southwind,
it was used but in great condition and smelled as gooid as new,,,but aafter getting it home and the dw and i actually moved into it and lived in it for a year,,,but when we bought it was mid winter weather was below freezing and after it warmed up the walls started getting soft in the bedroom and it started leaking down the walls,,,yup roof leak,, the dw and i pulled the walls off and replaced the wet wood and resealed the roof,,,we caught it in the nick of time...
but i agree with above if you have rot it has to be removed and the roof has to be repaired,,,it maybe a simple recaulking or a total new roof,,,but its really not that hard,,,just taks time in doing it,,,,you can save alot of cash doing it yourself and you then know it was done rite...and be proud of your work..
the dw and i are always looking for smaller tt,s that need work and enjoy fixing them up..,,a new found hobby of ours,,,
best of luck to you....

RVcircus · 10-08-2014, 01:27 PM

I'm just finishing up with a very similar project. The more I took apart the more damage I found. I ended up replacing the entire roof, several rafters, a 3' section of floor, sistered floor joists, entire rear wall, and about 4' of both side walls. I would anticipate more damage beneath what you can see now.

We've documented our progress on our blog if you'd like to take a look. It's taken us about 2 months to get where we're at now.

triden121 · 10-15-2014, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

I purchased a 50' roll of EPDM, glue, tape, etc for $800. To resheet the entire roof on a 40' 5er was $300 for sheeting and screws.

I did all of the work myself and figure all in the cost is about 1200.00.

Check out the thread Total Rebuild. Fellow is totally rebuilding a 32' 5er and figures he will do it for about 6,000.

The work is not bad but you have to be patient and think things through. It took me about 2 weeks to get the roof repaired.

How long did it take you? That is not an easy job and you have to have your trailer in a shop or carport.

Gordon Dewald · 10-16-2014, 07:30 PM

It took me about a month. I had it in a shop so weather was not a problem. No problem so I ended up doing other tasks as well around the house. That made the time longer.

If I would have worked at it steadily I think I could have done it in a week.