Newbie question, purchasing used Class A

[Tom13]

Newbie here again with another question about purchasing our first RV. I have been doing tons of research, and perused thousands of pictures from sellers all over the country. I have seen some good ones, some scary ones (de-lamination bubbles and cracks proudly displayed) and some downright ugly ones (gold and brown shag carpet with velour seat upholstery... aaaaah!)

Anyway, my question is that I have seen a few units from the 90's that showed an interior view of the ceiling with an east-west line/wrinkle, or ripple in the otherwise smooth cloth of the headliner. It looks like the ceiling panel cracked underneath the cloth, or its the seam of the plywood panels underneath or something. Has anyone else experienced something like that? It looks something like this:



Is this a common problem, that happens just with the "working" of the materials over time with normal use and I shouldn't be overly concerned about seeing it or it's relatively easy to repair...or is this a marker of a worse problem where hidden roof damage has caused the ceiling panels to shift/drop/crack causing that pucker in the fabric and I should walk away from that unit?

As always, any help you can give is appreciated, and thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge.
-Tom

[Moonrover]

Good catch. Signs like this should be investigated. Is there a corresponding seam on the roof? Are there any water spot discolorations in the ceiling material? You probably have not actually visited this unit in person, but if you do, press upward on the ceiling to see if there is differential "giving" on either side of the seam.

Some weak roof structures bow down with the weight of roof air conditioners. Over time the dip in the roof becomes a lake when rain pools there. Water has a nasty habit of seeping in around "sinking" roof air conditioners.

Many RVs are poorly constructed under a facade of eye appealing coverings. Personally, I'd lose sleep knowing my RV shell was struck together with pine 2x2s and air driven staples. Not to discourage you from locating the best RV for your needs, but at this point you have the best opportunity to avoid problem rigs. Be picky! I think you are on the right track.

[Mr_D]

To me it looks like a few water spots on the right side of the picture, about 3" from the door track plus some bunching of the fabric. Both could be signs of water intrusion.

[sstehman]

I'm not an expert on RV's, but I have had 2 older cars where the roof liner (material) parted from the roof. Age and heat are what cause it over time. We just noticed it happening to a car we passed onto our daughter that is a 2000 model. Only way to keep it up when it starts falling is to staple it or take it to someone that can do auto upholstery to have it replaced.

[Tom13]

Can you see the line right by the A/C vent? Here's another view of it



Do you think its just the weight of the A/C unit flexing the roof and opening the seam?

[ZOOKER]

If you are new I would higher a pro for an inspection. Could be minor or very serious even with hidden mold. As above poster be picky and patient and you will find the perfect one. Keep looking and make sure the floor plan works for your needs. Good luck.