Additional roof comments

We have posted our concerns on RV-Dreams forum and the Montana owners forum.  Thank you to all who have responded.  

We drove a 1/2 hour north to Good Times RV, a Montana dealership and talked to the parts Mgr, service manager and the lead tech.  Of course, the first recommendation was to purchased Ertenabond tape or Dicor (we bought both) and apply to the two small tears.  We did this immediately after returning home using the tape.  Dave was pleased with how easy it was to apply.  Good thing too, because we had severe thunderstorms move in later this afternoon.  

The overall opinion was to apply a conditioner on the clean roof and to monitor the wrinkles/buckling. At this time there are no holes or tears on these wrinkles.  The tears were no where near where the wrinkles are, which appear to be in the area where the seams of the plywood pieces meet.  An additional step, which we could do for further protection and help us to feel more confident with the roof, is apply a rubber roof sealant that is applied with a roller pad.  Basically we should monitor the roof monthly to assess any further damage.  Extreme heat seems to be the cause of the spots and the wrinkles which has made the roof age faster then expected for a 2013 fifth wheel.  The first owner lived in Texas, so assuming it experienced lots of sun exposure.  Of course direct sun and heat here in Iowa also and in Tennessee where it was traded.  Doubtful it has ever been stored under cover.  But, most are not.  

As second owner, the 12 year warranty on the roof no longer applies, nor does the extended warranty we purchased.   So we will monitor it closely, apply the conditioner and probably apply the sealant.  It would cost between $4000 and $7000 to replace the roof depending on where we went and the type of replacement we would choose.  RVRoof.com has been highly recommended. The other option is to have the dealership replace the roof. 

We have also contacted Customer Service at Keystone and sent pictures.  We are waiting for their reply, but doubtful they will offer any help. 

Again thanks for the comments! 

Help from RV-Dreamers

Here are the pictures from the Montana roof:

There are actually two of these tears, one about a half an inch and the other about an 1-1/2".  

Anyone reading the blog and able to give comments on proper repair or concerns we should have will be appreciated.  Fifth wheel roof is totally different then the Airstream.  We are concerned as we plan to be out for 3 months and want to get this issue fixed before we leave. 

Thanks.

Getting ready for a new season

I cannot believe it is near the end of May and we haven't been out in either the Montana or the Airstream!  The time is drawing close though, we have a long weekend coming up with some of the Jones (nieces and Dave's brother) and an Airstream rally three days after the family trip.  So today we sanitized the fresh water tank in the Montana and started the spring cleaning.  Next week will be doing the same for the Airstream.  Dave also got up on the roof of the Montana and gave it a good scrubbing.  The seals all look good but he found two small tears, one about an inch and the other less then 1/2 inch, that he will have to repair. The awning and slide toppers receive a good cleaning also.  Tomorrow I will finish the cleaning on the inside and then start the packing and organizing of supplies, clothes and kitchen items.  

The remainder of the week will be spent cleaning the house as we have family coming for a Memorial Day cookout and getting food prepared. I also have a quarterly check-up with my rheumatologist.  I have now been giving myself shots for three months and I have to say it has been easier and less traumatic then I anticipated. 

In seven short weeks, we will head out with Dave's niece and her husband for YELLOWSTONE and THE TETONS.  We will spend about 12 days with them before we head further west for our 2-1/2 month adventure in the Pacific Northwest.  Posts will be a lot more frequent and will contain more pictures.  Getting excited!!!

To hold you over picture-wise, here is a picture to show Dave's hard work this spring, planting bushes and trees in the front yard. 

I have been enjoying learning how to cook on my new toy that I received as a belated birthday gift from Dave, a Kamado Joe cooker.  It grills, smokes, bakes, and roasts.  The fire can get as high as 900 degrees!  Or you can smoke or roast as low as 175 degrees. 

And last but definitely not least, this spring has included spending time with our family including our two grandbabies. 

Will definitely miss everyone while we are traveling!  😍

Well that is our latest update, but check back soon as posts will be getting frequent now with trips coming up.