Community Forums

dslate · 05-15-2013, 08:32 AM

hello eveybodyO:-) Glad to be on board with all. Found site last night while trying to search my camper issue. You see, I am 52 years old, married with 3 grown kids, (2 have boyfriends) and 2 grandkids. We love going camping and I have a 24ft terry lite (never any issues) but we have outgrown it so I purchased a 2005 Dutchmen about 5 wks ago. We were able to go out for the weekend 2 weekends ago and it rained like crazy. Got home and found the fiberglass was waivy on top of front where it curves up to the rubber roof and also at the very front down the front side to the storage compartment and I dont know what to do. Im afraid I have made a major mistake in my purchase of 8,000 dollars and have only made 1 payment. This camper looked perfect for our needs cause it has a 14 ft slide and so much more room. Please help anybody. No leaking visible anywhere so I really dont think there is anything rotting issues just wavy fiberglass.

MSHappyCampers · 05-15-2013, 08:37 AM

Hi folks! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you found us!

Sorry about your problems with the new rig! That's a bummer for sure! I can't help with your questions, but I would suggest you post them over in the appropriate areas of the forum for best results. Not many folks hang out here in the Welcome area.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

tomwalt · 05-15-2013, 08:43 AM

Welcome to the site. Really need more info, but to start I'm assuming this is a Class C. Class Cs are prone to water leaks in the over the cab area - but you can fix them.
The leak is likely around the marker lights. Whatever you do, don't use silicone.
Quick fix/test, use some gorilla tape to make a temp cover over the marker lights and screws (water will follow screws to the inside). Then search this site for water leaks in Class C.
Once the leak is identified and fixed (via method you learn from your search), let it dry out and see what the fiberglass does. It probably delaminated a little, but may dry out enough to be OK for your use.
Big thing = stop the leak and dry it out ASAP.
P.S. Eternabond tape is great stuff for roof seam repairs.

dslate · 05-15-2013, 08:54 AM

Sorry, should have put that info in. It is a 26ft travel trailer, tag along. Also thanks for your feedback. It does have running lights in that area, I will look at them closer. I did put a tarp over the whole front end for a temp fix till I figure out what to do between work days. Thought about buying some DICOR SEALANT from camping world on internet, its on sale til middle of next month, and redo-ing all the caulking up the sides on the front end and across the top where the rubber roof and the fiberglass join. What do you think?

dslate · 05-15-2013, 08:59 AM

Thanks, I will have to figure out my way around a little better. Thanks again for your quick response and the advice, need all the help I can get. God bless your travels.

Medico · 05-15-2013, 01:02 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

topdownman · 05-15-2013, 01:08 PM

Are you sure the fiberglass wasn't wavy when you bought it? I doubt that one heavy rain would cause that sort of damage. Usually, that indicates delamination which is the luan backing breaking away from the fiberglass. Dicor sealant is good stuff and you can also look at Eternabond tape for roof seams.

I'd check closely for signs of water leaks.

**JohnRR** · 05-15-2013, 01:15 PM

Bama Fan · 05-15-2013, 07:57 PM

Welcome to the forum. Sorry you are having a problem. Pictures of your problem would be a great help and you could probably get more help if forum members could see it. Glad you joined us and hope you get your problem fixed.

dslate · 05-15-2013, 09:40 PM

First of all, ROLL TIDE, I graduated high school in Falkville, AL in 1979. Been a BAMA fan since around 1974. Good idea, I will try and get some pics on board here. Looking forward to enjoying this site anf meeting new people, Thanks again, David

dslate · 05-15-2013, 10:21 PM

My cousin went with me to look at the camper before I bought it and he said that he thought it had some wavy right at the top from left to right in the curved area but he didnt think it was enough to mention at the time but obviously we should have looked at it closer. When I say rain I mean rain and alot of it while we were at the lake and flooded on the way home(about an hour and ten min drive). I currently have a tarp over it at the front in case it rains till I figure out what to do. Do you think I should use the dicor or eternabond tape? Of course it has a seam all the way across on the top flat area where the fiberglass meets the rubber roof, 2 running lights on the front face and of course a seam from top to bottom on both sides at corners. I really appreciate all the help and advice. By the way, where do I find eternabond tape? Thanks again, David

Bruce C · 05-16-2013, 02:20 AM

from NH.

Bama Fan · 05-16-2013, 07:28 AM

Best place I found to buy it was on ebay. Had better prices!

topdownman · 05-16-2013, 07:39 AM

I sent you a PM.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dslate

My cousin went with me to look at the camper before I bought it and he said that he thought it had some wavy right at the top from left to right in the curved area but he didnt think it was enough to mention at the time but obviously we should have looked at it closer. When I say rain I mean rain and alot of it while we were at the lake and flooded on the way home(about an hour and ten min drive). I currently have a tarp over it at the front in case it rains till I figure out what to do. Do you think I should use the dicor or eternabond tape? Of course it has a seam all the way across on the top flat area where the fiberglass meets the rubber roof, 2 running lights on the front face and of course a seam from top to bottom on both sides at corners. I really appreciate all the help and advice. By the way, where do I find eternabond tape? Thanks again, David