Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
We are currently looking at different motorhomes and I have a question. I have been told by several people to stay away from any motorhome that has a rubber roof. Being an Aggie from Texas A&M, I have several questions. What is a rubber roof? How do I know if the model we are looking at has one? Why are they so bad? What are some of your experiences good and bad with them?
I just figured that by posting this question on the few blogs I read I moght get some useful answers. Thank you in advance.
Good luck finding a motorhome without an EPDM roof membrane. There may be some that have fiberglass roofs, but I am not aware of the specs on MHs.
I am not a "motorhomer", we drag a 5th wheel, it has an EPDM membrane roof and we have no issues. However, we dodge low hanging branches and inspect the roof for damage. Just maintain the caulk around penetrations and along edge seals, and it will serve you for many years.
A lot of folks clean (wash) frequently with soap and water. NEVER, NEVER use any cleaner with a hydrocarbon element in it. EPDM and solvents do not play well together. Also, use of silicone caulk or any caulk with a hydrocarbon solvent is a no no.
I'm guessing if you plan on using your roof to watch sporting events, you would stay away from rubber roofs. Otherwise, the rubber membrane works great.
Ours is 15 years old and I just recently had to do some maintenance work to stop leaks at a side seam and the front cap seam.
I've only washed it a few times....for most of it's life it has sat in the southern California sun 365 days out of the year.
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"Small House, Big Yard "
"May the FOREST be with you" Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
Quite a few years ago when we were searching for our first motorhome, we were dutifully warned about buying anything that had a rubber roof. We purchased a Winnebago diesel motor home.
We purchased an Itasca (made by Winnebago) as our second motor home. Both have fiberglass roofs that have served us well.
Bottomline-
A salesman selling fiberglass roofs will warn you about rubber roofs. A salesman selling EPDM rubber roofs will warn you about the seals on fiberglass roofs. If each is installed properly and cared for as prescribed, they will last wonderfully.
Wisdom-
Too many RV salesmen will say most anything to get the deal and preclude you from going elsewhere.
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Ethel & Charles Henry, Itasca Horizon DP/Honda Element Toad Traveling with our furry-snouted, four-legged children.
"Each of us must take part in making this a better world for all people."
Hey, let's not put the fault entirely on "salesman". These are the kind of things I hear from RV owners as well. As with anything, take everything with a grain of salt and do your own research and come to your own conclusions.
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Tony & Madonna Class of 2011 Flunkies Class of 2019
Our salesman told us our RV would float if we were ever in a flood... haven't had to test that feature yet. His name was Noah and he mentioned something about animals two by two...
I didn't pay much attention because I was too intrigued by his beard and robes.
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"Small House, Big Yard "
"May the FOREST be with you" Alfa See-Ya 5'er and 2007 Kodiak C4500 Monroe
