Tracer roof seal failing

[Agewon]

After winterizing and prepping my tracer 3150 for winter, I climbed on the roof to apply our new ADCO cover and noticed the caulking seal at the front of the trailer was cracking, as if it wasn't properly adhered. I called my dealer and was told that even though I was still under warranty, the issue fell under "customer maintenance".
I'm a little puzzled since the unit isn't even a year old, and never thought that the caulking was a "maintenance" item that had to be addressed every year. Yes, it should be checked and fixed if needed, but after a year???
After two trips back to the dealer with simple warranty issues, their demeanor on this issue was, well less than rather to help.
Please take a look at the pictures and tell me if this is something I should Pursue with the dealer, or Prime Time.


I have no issues with maintaining my toys or equipment, but it just worries me that the factory job doesn't even last a year.


2014- 25

[keepaeyeonit]

I hope you took care of that before you parked it for the winter, that should not happen so soon but from the pics they did a crap job at the factory you can see parts of the strip, I think that should be all covered with sealant. I have not had a good time dealing with the my dealer or PrimeTime so I just take care of things myself to make sure they get done correctly because they don't care(they already have your $$$) its a shame its that way but most of the people I talk with are having the same problem with dealers and the manufactures!! I just started to reseal my roof this fall using Sikaflex 715 but the factory sealant is still in good shape after almost 2 years but I don't want to take any chances with water, it always will find a way in!!!!. good luck and as I always say keep a eye on it. Keepaeyeonit

[Agewon]

Unfortunately, I just saw it today when putting the cover on. I had been on the roof about a month ago and didn't notice anything, but then again my eye hadn't been trained on looking for issues.
I just put on a new all climate ADCO cover that I hope will keep it dry until I can address the issue, hopefully soon.


2014- 25

[keepaeyeonit]

If I were you I would pull the cover ASAP and get some sealer on that roof, don't let that go though the winter like that or your asking for trouble. Cracks on the roof is a bad thing!!! Keepaeyeonit

[Campin Cajun]

Take this with a grain of salt, but a dealership tech told me that caulking is only warranted for 6 months. And no, dealerships do not mention this fact about customer maintenance. It is nowhere in the service manuals either.

[Platokidd]

I caulk a few areas on my 2014 lacross before covering. Normal maintenance. But that does look bad. Need to inspect your roof a few times a year.

[Witch Doctor]

That factory seal job looks like crap, a two year old could have done better. I never heard of that it is not a warranty item before.

[rracer5]

That looks like it was a bad batch of sealant. That stuff is not supposed to "shrink" (that's what it looks like it did) as soon as it did. All sealants/caulking will deteriorate due to exposure to the elements eventually but, this appears to be too soon.

X2, on getting something up there quick. Once water gets in between something it can never dry before mold starts.

[Agewon]

I just spoke with Prime Time warranty tech and explained that my roof sealant had a major failure. He told me that they don't use roof sealant. He then went on to tell me that the roof has a 12 year warranty and its covered. So i had to elaborate and ask him what was used around the antenna and vents etc, and he said "sealant". Its as if the guy wasn't even listening to me when i spoke. I asked him if i could send pictures so he could see how bad the failure is and he told me not to, and to submit a claim through the dealer. Crazy!
I then called Dicor and asked if they would review the pictures and tell me their thoughts, and Kathy was VERY pleasant and helpful.
I must have done at least 8 check this year on the roof. the last check was after our last trip in October and everything was fine. How can something this bad happen in 1 months time? After looking closer, i thing its either due to improper preparation or it was applied in cold environment and wasn't allowed to "flow" properly creating an air pocket below.
I have 3 tubes of Dicor coming today, and i can only pray that there hasn't been any damage inside.
Honestly, this is the most frustrating thing in the world. its like buying tires with a 50K mike warranty and the treads are only guaranteed for 90 days.

[Platokidd]

Agewon,
who did you talk to at prime time ?

[Campin Cajun]

12 year roof warranty????? Can you get that in writing?

[Agewon]

"Thank you for sharing the pictures. It appears as though the sealant will need to be removed and replaced. This is not covered under the manufacture warranty, unless presented within the first 90 days."
This was the response I received yesterday. I never in a million years thought the sealant would last forever, but the need to "remove and replace" in the first year?
Looks like I'll be doing a section tomorrow, and come spring the whole roof sealant will be replaced.


2014- 25

[Tiggerdad]

Originally Posted by Campin Cajun

12 year roof warranty????? Can you get that in writing?

Only covers material and that will be prorated so good luck with getting anything after 2-3 years. OP. sealant failure is unrelated to the roof material. The roof material manufacturer will not cover sealant, sealant failure or lack of maintenance. My previous rig looked like that after 6 years. I used a plastic putty knife and hot air dryer to soften enough to scrape off. The sealant had not cracked all the way through and I think you will find the same thing.

As others said-take no chances and repair soon. Good luck