Roof Puncture

[kraftengr]

I opened our Flagstaff 228 this morning and found a very small amount of water on the rear floor and on the rear skin. Didn’t think much of it since we had 4” of rain last night. We got things ready for our next trip, but when I was closing, I noticed water running down the rear corner of the trailer near the license plate- traced it back to the corner of the roof. Upon further inspection, I noticed a puncture thru the outside of the roof sandwich near the same corner. The hole is about the size of a quarter-presumably from a stick falling from a tree. I have no idea when it happened. Whenever this has happened in the past, I’ve sealed the hole with car body putty and had no problem.

Since I don’t know when this happened but it’s clear that water is in the sandwich, I’m at a loss as to what I can do other than seal the hole and let it dry out on its own. Any suggestions?

[kraftengr]

Just a follow up to my original post...when we opened up our camper to set up camp this weekend, there was a 10% glow from the ceiling light near the roof hole. Turns out that the water in the roof migrated ~a foot to the light. The lens was filled with water and the glow was because the light switch was wet. OK now after drying it out, but thank the Lord that it is low voltage!!

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Have you resealed the hole with etrnabound tape or lap sealant? I do not know what body putty is or its durability to the elements. Is it waterproof? Trying to learn something.

[kraftengr]

I’m referring to the compound used to fill a hole in a vehicle fender.

[Flybob]

Eternabond Body putty may not remain waterproof.

[Scrapper]

Use Eternabond tape, the body putty may be incomparable with the roof material and cause chemical damage down the road.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Originally Posted by kraftengr

I’m referring to the compound used to fill a hole in a vehicle fender.

If you are referring to bondo, your asking for a rotted camper.

[Scrapper]

The OP doesn't say what year his RV is. Either he bought it used from a private party and didn't get the manuals for care and use, or he bought it new and didn't read the manuals. Either way, the information is on the internet.

I have noticed several owners have come to the forum with questions and after many questions by other forum members it is learned the poster has never bothered to look at the manuals they got at time of purchase. JMO.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Originally Posted by Scrapper

The OP doesn't say what year his RV is. Either he bought it used from a private party and didn't get the manuals for care and use, or he bought it new and didn't read the manuals. Either way, the information is on the internet.

I have noticed several owners have come to the forum with questions and after many questions by other forum members it is learned the poster has never bothered to look at the manuals they got at time of purchase. JMO.

What does looking in the manual have to do with a hole in the roof and camper leaking?

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by Ida Ratherbe Camping

What does looking in the manual have to do with a hole in the roof and camper leaking?

It would have told him what to use for repairs. The manual for my roof does. Of course it wouldn't tell him it is best to use Eternabond. But it would tell him the proper way to fix it using the manufacturers recommended products.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Ha! You had a better dealer than I had! I didn't get no stinking manual for the roof.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by Ida Ratherbe Camping

Ha! You had a better dealer than I had! I didn't get no stinking manual for the roof.

It wasn't an actual manual, more like a 4 page pamphlet. If you bought new you should have gotten a folder containing the booklets, manuals or pamphlets. My TT has a velcroed pouch with Forest River printed on it. Some motorhomes have the info on a DVD. If you didn't get anything, ask your dealer why.

There are not that many types of roof materials. Fiberglass, EPDM (rubber - smooth surface), or TPO (thermoplastic with orange peel texture). It's easy to find the care, use, maintenance and repair information online.

[Ida Ratherbe Camping]

Oh I got several manual's , keep them in a three ring binder plus the upgrades I have done through the years. Just not one for the roof. I carry a roll of etrnabond just for emergencies.

I hope we haven't lost the op.

[Scrapper]

I think he abandoned us when he was told he should not have used bondo to repair the roof.