We are currently looking at different motorhomes and I have a question. I have been told by several people to stay away from any motorhome that has a rubber roof. Being an Aggie from Texas A&M, I have several questions. What is a rubber roof? How do I know if the model we are looking at has one? Why are they so bad? What are some of your experiences good and bad with them?
I just figured that by posting this question on the few blogs I read I moght get some useful answers. Thank you in advance.
Ron & Carla Fulltime July 2010
53 Merc said
07:20 AM Apr 23, 2010
Good luck finding a motorhome without an EPDM roof membrane. There may be some that have fiberglass roofs, but I am not aware of the specs on MHs.
I am not a "motorhomer", we drag a 5th wheel, it has an EPDM membrane roof and we have no issues. However, we dodge low hanging branches and inspect the roof for damage. Just maintain the caulk around penetrations and along edge seals, and it will serve you for many years.
A lot of folks clean (wash) frequently with soap and water. NEVER, NEVER use any cleaner with a hydrocarbon element in it. EPDM and solvents do not play well together. Also, use of silicone caulk or any caulk with a hydrocarbon solvent is a no no.
The Bear II said
03:32 PM Apr 23, 2010
I'm guessing if you plan on using your roof to watch sporting events, you would stay away from rubber roofs. Otherwise, the rubber membrane works great.
Ours is 15 years old and I just recently had to do some maintenance work to stop leaks at a side seam and the front cap seam.
I've only washed it a few times....for most of it's life it has sat in the southern California sun 365 days out of the year.
Roz said
03:40 PM Apr 23, 2010
Quite a few years ago when we were searching for our first motorhome, we were dutifully warned about buying anything that had a rubber roof. We purchased a Winnebago diesel motor home.
We purchased an Itasca (made by Winnebago) as our second motor home. Both have fiberglass roofs that have served us well.
Bottomline-
A salesman selling fiberglass roofs will warn you about rubber roofs. A salesman selling EPDM rubber roofs will warn you about the seals on fiberglass roofs. If each is installed properly and cared for as prescribed, they will last wonderfully.
Wisdom-
Too many RV salesmen will say most anything to get the deal and preclude you from going elsewhere.
awshots said
11:09 PM Apr 23, 2010
Roz,
I have never heard truer words spoken. I am so tired of dealing with salesmen.
but
The quest goes on, soon I know we will have the home both my wife and I desire and then it will ALL be good.
DagoRanch said
01:26 AM Apr 24, 2010
Hey, let's not put the fault entirely on "salesman". These are the kind of things I hear from RV owners as well. As with anything, take everything with a grain of salt and do your own research and come to your own conclusions.
Roz said
04:30 AM Apr 24, 2010
Tony/Madonna,
Please note I said "Too many RV salesmen". Not all, but far too many do not care about customers. That is life, and it is not relegated to just RVs.
I was not lumping ALL salesmen together.
Charles
DagoRanch said
12:10 AM Apr 27, 2010
No offense taken, I've got the same beefs with salespeople too.. believe me!
The Bear II said
02:07 PM Apr 27, 2010
Our salesman told us our RV would float if we were ever in a flood... haven't had to test that feature yet. His name was Noah and he mentioned something about animals two by two...
I didn't pay much attention because I was too intrigued by his beard and robes.
I just figured that by posting this question on the few blogs I read I moght get some useful answers. Thank you in advance.
Ron & Carla
Fulltime July 2010
I am not a "motorhomer", we drag a 5th wheel, it has an EPDM membrane roof and we have no issues. However, we dodge low hanging branches and inspect the roof for damage. Just maintain the caulk around penetrations and along edge seals, and it will serve you for many years.
A lot of folks clean (wash) frequently with soap and water. NEVER, NEVER use any cleaner with a hydrocarbon element in it. EPDM and solvents do not play well together. Also, use of silicone caulk or any caulk with a hydrocarbon solvent is a no no.
We purchased an Itasca (made by Winnebago) as our second motor home. Both have fiberglass roofs that have served us well.
Bottomline-
A salesman selling fiberglass roofs will warn you about rubber roofs. A salesman selling EPDM rubber roofs will warn you about the seals on fiberglass roofs. If each is installed properly and cared for as prescribed, they will last wonderfully.
Wisdom-
Too many RV salesmen will say most anything to get the deal and preclude you from going elsewhere.
I have never heard truer words spoken. I am so tired of dealing with salesmen.
but
The quest goes on, soon I know we will have the home both my wife and I desire and then it will ALL be good.
Please note I said "Too many RV salesmen". Not all, but far too many do not care about customers. That is life, and it is not relegated to just RVs.
I was not lumping ALL salesmen together.
Charles
I believe that brand of RV is Genisis.
Charles