Advice needed for someone in little old New Zealand

[Alm3118]

Hello folks. I am new to all of this so I hope I am posting in the right place. I have finally convinced my reluctant husband to look at pop top campers. We went to look at a Coleman 2001 Redwood Camper today that the owner has had from new and imported into NZ from Canada. For its age it was in very good condition and the owner has really looked after it.

The roof was in ok condition. It had had two puncture wounds from when it was shipped in the container. These had been repaired with some sort of fibreglass substance at the time and they had had no leaks. Additional sealant had been added to all external seams and joins.

The whole unit looked very tidy but I was a bit concerned to see wrinkles in the internal ceiling - in all four corners. I touched them and they felt hard, almost brittle. They first appeared prior to 2008 and have got worse over time. There was one small finger sized spot near one of the corners which I thought felt spongey. My husband and the owner couldn't feel the difference, but I'm not convinced. There was no other evidence of water damage and the chap seemed entirely genuine. What could be causing the wrinkles and should we stay well clear?

Any help would be appreciated. Not many NZers have pop tops and people who know much about them are few and far between in our neck of the woods. Thanks. Andrea

[rattleNsmoke]

Welcome to the Forum, Andrea! Personally, I would walk away from a pop-up camper with evidence of roof damage especially if there are signs of internal roof problems. You may be seeing only the 'surface' of what may be lurking between the inner and outer shell of the roof. Roof liner wrinkles, stains, unusual looking or feeling areas are all signs of water infiltration and damage. Without pulling the headliner down and checking yourself, there's only your gut feeling to go on. Continue to shop and good luck.

[Alm3118]

Thanks so much for your advice. I had decided after sleeping on it that we were best to stay clear. Will keep searching.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by Alm3118

Thanks so much for your advice. I had decided after sleeping on it that we were best to stay clear. Will keep searching.

I installed a roof A/C in a Coleman popup camper in the mid-90's. I had to cut a 14 inch square hole right in the middle of the roof. It was composed of heavy plywood, fibreglass exterior and insulation and liner on the inside. The roof held me and the A/C together. Besides its alway repairable. Think of this to your next inspection, you'll have an idea of how its made. Welcome to campin! (soon). BTW, its was very heavy to crank up after that install!