Roof replacement

[60356jai]

Well…maybe after three years this is too much for us. We were told by the GD authorized dealer for us locally that we needed a full roof replacement. Hard to swallow with this being only 3 years old. They say we hit a branch and there are small holes in the left front cap area. We are so careful and don’t believe we hit anything so we are perplexed. A new roof is $11k to &13k and may be covered by my insurance.

The service rep went up on the roof and came down and said the roof looked good. A week later I get the call of this and she is sorry she missed it. Blue Compass is always been challenging with service and timelines. Always states they are “under new management”. Turnover is always.

Two questions - has anyone had this happen and not even know it happened? Maybe these things happen and the noise impact isn’t noticeable. Or wind blows an object into the rig. Second does a new roof really need to be put on? The dealership says they won’t stand behind any other fix

I really appreciate any advise.-

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Must be my eyes, I don't see anything amiss.

 

[goducks14]

That dealer is trying to gouge you. All you need is an Eternabond patch.
I don't see anything but a few roughed up spots near the corner. If that's all you have then just throw an Eternabond patch on it. That should last as long as your roof lasts.

 

[Mr. Goodwrench]

We just had our 3 year old roof replaced due to a faulty skylite intallation by the factory. While up on our roof, I noticed a soft spot in the roof between the skylite and the edge of the roof. The spot was about 3ft by 3ft. Grand Design would not own up to their faulty installation even after I showed them pictures showing they used the wrong screws to install the skylite which did not cover the edge of the screw holes, rather the screw heads were actually inside of the mounting holes and caused cracking of the skylite at these mounting points.

The shop that did the work talked to my insurance company and the work was covered by the insurance. In the end, it was a little over $12,000! This included new roof sheathing to replace the damaged ones in the area and all other material and labor. Needless to say, I am very disappointed that Grand Design refused to claim responsibility for not using the proper hardware but it was time to move on and get camping.

My advice to you is to carefully check the area around where you or your dealer thinks the roof is bad and make an informed decision. From your pictures, I tend to agree with others that some properly applied Eternabond would be a good repair if there are no soft spots in the area. Do your own inspection if at all possible. Good luck.

 

[Mike_Z]

I am new to RVing but not to making repairs to boats, cars, motorcycles, residences, etc. There is absolutely no way that there is not a solution for that damage which is much less than a full roof replacement. @goducks14 mentioned a product called Eternabond. You have zero to lose in going that route first. Eternabond® Tape - The Ultimate Solution for RV Repairs I would also imagine there are polymers (probably flexible and permanent) that are as effective, or more effective, than the original materials applied at the factory.

I would consider applying that product in a shingled array and also flashed. Maybe overkill and would defer to others.

 

[traveldawg]

Get a second opinion. Maybe from a mobile tech. Like others said: had to see much damage; looks like Eternabod tape would take care of things. But need to know if there are any underlying issues/damage.

 

[Calbar]

I hit a branch on our first trip out and put a larger hole in the side of our Solitude roof. First repaired with 3M 4200 UV that lasted for 2 years. This fall I did a better job using eternabond. For those 4 or 5 small spots I would not do an entire roof replacement but a strip of eternabond tape with dicor or equivalent along the edges and enjoy camping. Dealer is just looking to make a quick buck.

Rob

 

[huntr70]

OK, before everyone continues to say that a patch will do the job, let's ask this question....

Is the roof decking soft and rotten? If it is, a patch won't do anything for you except seal in the moisture.

Since the OP didn't mention it, we don't know. If the decking is compromised, then yes, you need a new roof.

You can pretty clearly see the scuff mark going up the corner of the cap, along with the "pills" it put in the rubber. Insurance should cover it.

 

[txloser]

My vote is a patch and keep an eye on it(if no soft spots mentioned above). If you absolutely need a new roof, and GD/Ins won’t help out, get one of the spray on roofs.

I recently had the glue let lose under my roof membrane causing it to bulge in the wind, slicing itself on the base of the front AC. GD replaced it, but had they not I’d have done the spray on. I was quoted 7500 for that on a 310GK. Way cheaper and 100% more durability.

I’ve got a patch on three slide corners now where bouncing down the road made small cuts in the membrane. Trying the patch and I’ll keep an eye on it for a couple months. I don’t trust the dealer to remove my slides and get it all back together correctly. Unfortunately, no spray option for slides.

 

[Wileykid]

Eternabond tape for the win, unless like has been said, the wood underneath is bad. Dealer put a hole in my roof, and Eternabond fixed it (*&^* dealer). That tape will last longer than your roof, and a roll should be in your emergency repair kit.

 

[60356jai]

OK, thanks for the valuable information. To add, they have said it not soft and no damage they can see or tell. This is stored inside when not in use and this would have occurred in the July timeframe. That said, I went to take my own pictures yesterday. They were closed but their website said open. I found my rig and attached a picture of what I took as well as additional damage the dealership did to my awning. I was so mad I was shaking and it's a 45-minute drive to this Grand Design authorized dealer. Had no idea what was waiting for me. They said it happened on Saturday when the fork lift driver moved it. My service advisor wasn't there so they tell me today that "it happens with awnings and forklift drivers. Mine isn't the first. The reality for me is the rig was built well (3 years in and we'll see) but the damage to it happens at the dealership. The rain gutters were torn off before and then before that the gooseneck was damaged by the forklift driver. They are fixing it but this is crazy that GD has the most incompetent dealerships that have turnover worse than Mcdonalds. Grand Design has go to do better with providing a network of service providers otehr than Blue Compass. The rating I found yesterday on them was "buyer beware". So disheartneing to take care of something so well and be so very carful with it only to have the actual dealership rip it up! There is the update. I'm going to discuss the pictures with my insurance company and then make a decision on the repair. I will keep this updated.

 

[huntr70]

OK, thanks for the valuable information. To add, they have said it not soft and no damage they can see or tell. This is stored inside when not in use and this would have occurred in the July timeframe. That said, I went to take my own pictures yesterday. They were closed but their website said open. I found my rig and attached a picture of what I took as well as additional damage the dealership did to my awning. I was so mad I was shaking and it's a 45-minute drive to this Grand Design authorized dealer. Had no idea what was waiting for me. They said it happened on Saturday when the fork lift driver moved it. My service advisor wasn't there so they tell me today that "it happens with awnings and forklift drivers. Mine isn't the first. The reality for me is the rig was built well (3 years in and we'll see) but the damage to it happens at the dealership. The rain gutters were torn off before and then before that the gooseneck was damaged by the forklift driver. They are fixing it but this is crazy that GD has the most incompetent dealerships that have turnover worse than Mcdonalds. Grand Design has go to do better with providing a network of service providers otehr than Blue Compass. The rating I found yesterday on them was "buyer beware". So disheartneing to take care of something so well and be so very carful with it only to have the actual dealership rip it up! There is the update. I'm going to discuss the pictures with my insurance company and then make a decision on the repair. I will keep this updated.

If there is no soft decking, then I agree, Eternabond tape and move on. Add a little sealant to the front corner too.

I don't see a need for roof replacement.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

JMO, but hard to blame Grand Design for lousy dealers. Doesn't make it any better though.

 

[jim_de_hunter]

Blue Compass has my RV in for other work. Their "courtesy" inspection revealed that the roof needs the sealer replaced. The stated that "customer tried to cover it with more sealer". It's total and complete bullshat. They put the extra sealer on it the day we took delivery. Tech stepped on the solar gland and broke a connector in the process. Mine doesn't need new sealer either way. Once I get our unit back, Blue Compass will never see me again.

 

[Mike_Z]

Blue Compass has my RV in for other work. Their "courtesy" inspection revealed that the roof needs the sealer replaced. The stated that "customer tried to cover it with more sealer". It's total and complete bullshat. They put the extra sealer on it the day we took delivery. Tech stepped on the solar gland and broke a connector in the process. Mine doesn't need new sealer either way. Once I get our unit back, Blue Compass will never see me again.

That is totally crappy.

 

[Wileykid]

OK, thanks for the valuable information. To add, they have said it not soft and no damage they can see or tell. This is stored inside when not in use and this would have occurred in the July timeframe. That said, I went to take my own pictures yesterday. They were closed but their website said open. I found my rig and attached a picture of what I took as well as additional damage the dealership did to my awning. I was so mad I was shaking and it's a 45-minute drive to this Grand Design authorized dealer. Had no idea what was waiting for me. They said it happened on Saturday when the fork lift driver moved it. My service advisor wasn't there so they tell me today that "it happens with awnings and forklift drivers. Mine isn't the first. The reality for me is the rig was built well (3 years in and we'll see) but the damage to it happens at the dealership. The rain gutters were torn off before and then before that the gooseneck was damaged by the forklift driver. They are fixing it but this is crazy that GD has the most incompetent dealerships that have turnover worse than Mcdonalds. Grand Design has go to do better with providing a network of service providers otehr than Blue Compass. The rating I found yesterday on them was "buyer beware". So disheartneing to take care of something so well and be so very carful with it only to have the actual dealership rip it up! There is the update. I'm going to discuss the pictures with my insurance company and then make a decision on the repair. I will keep this updated.

The attempt at justifying the incompetence is pretty sad. Sometimes damage occures, sure, crap happens, but common, nah. Run, run away from them. Talk to GD, for warranty work, a lot of times they will approve a trailer shop near you or a mobile service person to do the work. If I don't want to do the work myself, I have an independent shop about 15 miles from me I use.

 

[Gronk1]

Took my GD to a dealer under warranty ONCE. Screwed it up bad that I will never go to a dealer for service again. If I can't fix it, I use a repair facility that doesn't sell rvs.
GD authorizes mobile techs & other repair facilities for warranty work.

 

[60356jai]

Good info! I need to steer clear of the dealership. I've found a couple nearby non dealers that just work on RV's. Last opinion I'll ask for on this topic. If my insurance approves the repair would any of you have it done? I guess I'm hoping they decline it after reading this. My first instinct last Friday was one of fear and just getting it repaired so we could go on our trip planned for November 1st. So they said to file a claim and i did. It is being reviewed and i suspect I will get an answer anytime now. That said, should I have it done or just have them fix the awning they damaged and move on with the fix mentioned above which I can easily do myself?

 

[Mike_Z]

Good info! I need to steer clear of the dealership. I've found a couple nearby non dealers that just work on RV's. Last opinion I'll ask for on this topic. If my insurance approves the repair would any of you have it done? I guess I'm hoping they decline it after reading this. My first instinct last Friday was one of fear and just getting it repaired so we could go on our trip planned for November 1st. So they said to file a claim and i did. It is being reviewed and i suspect I will get an answer anytime now. That said, should I have it done or just have them fix the awning they damaged and move on with the fix mentioned above which I can easily do myself?

I would imagine that a new roof adds value to the rig. But would you trust this dealer to remove the membrane, replace any wood, apply adhesive, and trim & lay a new membrane down properly? If the insurance adjuster agrees, and they will cover the loss, go for it. However, I would have the work performed by an installer that can prove they have done it before and has references that are acceptable to you. Shor answer...yes.

If two people are seeing it, one with something to gain (dealer),and one with something to lose (insurer), and they are in agreement, then you have to go with their position on the repair. None of us are there making the observations in person which likely is best suited to inform a decision.

 

[Wileykid]

I would have the dealer fix what they damaged, and if the insurance approves a new roof, take it to someone else. Someone who basically thinks nothing is bad about damaging a customers awning, gives me a bad feeling.

No matter which way it goes, I would be surprised that you would be able to get a new roof by your trip, be ready to Eternabond the area, and have a good trip.