Pacific Bonker Loc: Portland, Oregon

Next week will be three years ago that I took delivery of a new 2019 Lance 855s truck camper. I used the camper a few times in the first couple of months and then Covid came along so the use was zero until May of 2021. There’s been a total of about 30 days where we’ve actually used the camper. Now that I’m retired we plan to use it a lot more. Here’s my issue, we just got back from a road trip that was about 5400 miles round trip. While at our destination we experienced a huge rain storm that lasted about 3 hours. During this time our roof leaked over our bed and it ruined a light which I replaced along with the mattress. Upon investigation I discovered a large bubble in my roof that covers about a third of the area above the cabover section. Because of the time difference I was unable to reach the dealer here in Portland so I contacted camping world near where I was. They helped me get what I needed to make a temporary repair. During our drive home the bubble reappeared and bigger, once again a leak in Wyoming which we were able to control and prevent further damage. I get home, attempted to make an appointment to get it looked at and repaired and was told it was a minimum of 2 months before it could be looked at. Since then I’ve spoke with several folks and have been told that it’s somewhat normal to have failed roofs on a Lance’s campers and rv’s due to using inferior materials in order to save money. Then rarely if ever is it covered by warranty (which is max 2 years) because they almost alway blame it on the owner due to lack of maintenance which is not the case here. I believe it’s due to poor workmanship along with cheap materials. I think this because I removed the skylight to repair the leak I did fine and discovered the roofing material was cut about .75” short around the skylight opening. I also seen no evidence of adhesive to hold the membrane down on the exposed edges by the skylight. I find it really crappy that I’m potentially facing a complete roof replacement considering both .125” thick sealing and roof decking have been wet. I could go on and on but I’d rather hear your thoughts and suggestions.
What’s your thoughts? Experiences? Suggestions?

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

I’m a general contractor residential and commercial. I’ve worked on a few camper roofs over the years. These units didn’t move but are capable of being towed. The roofs are all garbage and made from supper cheap materials. See if you can find a commercial roofer (who should be slow in the winter by you) and convince him to put a new roof on using a thick EPDM material. Pay him well it’s well worth it. Should last a long time if done correctly.

Tight lines
J

Pacific Bonker Loc: Portland, Oregon

J, thank you for the response. When you say pay him well what does that mean? What should an 18’ camper roof cost in your opinion?

Passingbye Loc: Reidsville NC

My brother and I bought a badly damaged 30ft pull behind camper that had sit unused for three to four years. We have extensive mobile home manufacturing experience. The worst thing people can do to damage them is to let them sit long periods of time. We rebuilt both ends bedroom and bathroom then replaced the studs throughout, siding and metal roofing. We've been offered $26k but we have plans for it. The best thing I can tell you, is keep it garaged and tarps over the roof anytime you let them sit unused for a long period of time. You have to know what you're doing crawling on top. They build them light and easy to fall through. These RV manufacturers have their butt's so covered with owner warranty busters, it's hard to get them to make repairs.the building and roofing materials, sealant, drip channel, insulation and self tapping screws is expensive, our labor doing it ourselves saved us $3 to $4k..we did a total remodel including floors, electric, interior paneling the whole nine yards new windows everything for $6k our man cave on wheels.

Doug Lemmon Loc: Rochester Mills, PA

I agree. The EPDM material will outlast the truck camper. If you arrange to take it to their shop, I'm sure it'll be cheaper than if they come to you.

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

You’re a long way from me and I know things are more expensive by you. Here it would cost around $2500. Give or take a little.

Pacific Bonker Loc: Portland, Oregon

Thanks for your reply. I agree with the lightweight roofing as I found that the back half of the roof seems to be fairly sturdy, more structure I’d assume. On the front where the problem is it flexes when walked on by about an inch once you get away from the edges.
I also found that the dealer and manufacturer assumes it’s always someone else’s fault that anything goes wrong even when the unit was only three months old.
I’m your opinion, is there any manufacturer that is better than the other or is it an industry wide issue that cost is number one and quality is second or third to everything?
Lastly, sounds like you and your brother made a great investment and I hope you have several years of enjoyment out of it.

Pacific Bonker Loc: Portland, Oregon

J, thanks for the cost info that will help. Btw, I was in your back yard when the issue reared it’s head. The rain storm I was in was in Akron while attending my mother in laws funeral. Coming back to a rain soaked bed was a horrible ending to an already bad day.

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

If you had sent out a post at the time on the stage I would have helped. If you’re ever back this week send me a PM and we’ll hook up. Pun intended!

Tight lines
J

Mongoose Loc: Modesto,Ca

Try calling some roofing contractors see if they use the IB System Membrane its a PVC sheet.I had my patio done seems like it would work for a camper roof it is heated on ,worth a try best of luck.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Excellent advice !!👍👍