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!!
I bought a Winnebago Adventurer (2000) that looked great. The owner was not too bright and tried to seal the fiberglass roof with rubber roof sealer. The result was a leak around the shower skylight that ran down the side of the RV (right by the slideout), that has caused the fiberglass to delaminate, not to mention that the water caused all the nice new paint to pop off during the first good freeze.
What are my choices? I have sealed the leak (I think), but I must repaint the damaged area. Do I have to have this repaired/replaced, or does it really matter, other than for looks? I know that I eventually need a new skylight, which is damaged, but what about the one foot (or so) of the roof that is damaged along the edge of the skylight? Is there a chance that the water will eventually 'bake' out in the summer sun and allow me to do a repaint, or do I need to get the checkbook out and pay, pay, pay?
The body and roof seem to be structurally sound, the interior is in great shape, and the Workhorse engine runs as well as can be expected, considering that Workhorse doesn't carry parts for it (last year of GM version of chassis and engine). It just made a 1600 mile round trip with no engine problems (don't ask about the brakes, lol).
I would have an RV repair facility that you trust look at it and give you your options.Of course like I said you have to trust they are not out to just get your money and will give you an honest evaluation.
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RVing probably not a reality any more.It was a good time while it lasted.
I have now 'worked' with 3 RV repair places (all sell RVs, either new, used, or both), and they only vary in the amount that they rip you off. I can understand the 'richness' of the charges in Tampa, FL, but in N. Alabama, there's no excuse for $95+ an hour for labor, when new car dealers charge $65-75. The median wage is supposed to be around $45K, which would equate to around $25 an hour for a mechanic. I know that the business owner is supposed to make a living, too, but not THAT much!!
We won't tolerate a lack of civility on this Forum, and since this thread veered off track, I have deleted several of the posts and responses that did not address the original question.
Perhaps some of our experienced and knowledgeable repair/maintenance members can provide some info as to the risks of not repairing it or suggest some type of inexpensive, but perhaps temporary, fix.
The characterization of RV repair labor rates being a "rip off" is an opinion, but they are what they are. Either the repair can be made and the service facility paid the going rate, or you can take your chances with a do-it-yourself repair.
So that's the question. Is it necessary to pay an RV service center to have it repaired, or is there a less expensive way to make the repair yourself, or might it be okay without a further repair at all?
Let's see if we can stick to answers to that question.
Howard, with all respect, the original post asked how to repair the delamination. I also think a qualified repair facility is the best bet for a lasting repair or being told it is not a huge problem. The leak must be repaired in any event and caulk on the remainder of the roof must be pointed up to ensure there is no recurrence.
However, in the OP's second post, his complaint was about the cost of repair, stating the cost per hour was excessive. Yes, the prices are high, but not excessive. I don't blame the responders for the comments made, especially since the OP raised the issue and appeared to be querying thoughts on the cost. However, we can respond to queries withut being uncivil. (let's don't start on attorney fees LOL)
