About Bill Gibbs Expertise Any questions about R.V.'s not including the automotive end, such as engines and drive trains.
Experience I have been repairing R.V.'s for about 17 years, Service Manager for 5 years, Lead Tech for 4 1/2 years at the largest dealer in area, Troubleshooter clinics in Ore. Dometic, Norcold certified
Education/Credentials High School Graduate, R.V. Troubleshooter Clinics, Springfield Ore.
Past/Present Clients Marathon Motor Coach (Warranty Provider in this area)
Expert: Bill Gibbs Date: 3/22/2008 Subject: replacing rubber roof with metal or fiberglass
Question I am fed up with the delicacy of my camper's rubber roof. I'm surprised I haven't found any discussion about tearing off the membrane, and replacing with either a fiberglass coating on the plywood, or gluing down one to several thin galvanized steel sheets. I anticipate difficulties around the vents, skylights, and whether a drip edge is necessary.
Answer Bill, Just why are you fed up with the rubber roof on your coach? They are really a pretty good product if put on correctly. If it is because you seem to be damaging it and putting holes in it then it would be nice to know exactly why that happens. But you can pull it off if you want to. You will need to remove the moulding around the side as well as all vents, antenna, and whatever else you may have up there. When you remove the rubber though remember that there is going to be a thick layer of glue on the wood that they used to put it on in the first place. You will want to overlay that before putting anything else up there. If I might suggest to you that you go to a R.V. Store and buy a product called "Liquid Roof". It is made by "Pro Guard" and has a 5 year warranty. This product is rubber as well but you paint it on. It is self leveling so you won't need to try and make it perfect but you do need to make sure that you get it to stick good. That means clean the rubber you have with T.S.P. and rinse it good and then I Spray vinegar on as well and wipe it off. This etches the rubber and helps the liquid rubber stick better. It will patch holes and can go right over the rubber you have already. I have used this product for over 14 years and it is the ONLY product that I have used that I have never had any complaint from. As far as putting a metal roof on think about this and if you still want to go your way let me know and I will try to tell you just how to do it, but that way is much harder than the way I just told you about. Thanks, Bill
