ABS Roof Replacement

[The Overmans]

How many have had their ABS roof replaced with the Alumitite roof and are happy with and who has had the replacemant and isn't happy with it.  I'm not sure if I have a roof problem and before I ask for replacement, I want to be sure that I gonna be happy.

The Overmans,

2002 Coleman Utah

[MtnCamper]

Only thing I could find was this.
ABS replacement failed
That help at all?

[tlhdoc]

I had my roof replaced in July 2003.  Would I do it again?  Yes, because my ABS roof would not seal to the box of the PU and water would get in when it rained.

The replacement roof has had several problems.  Most of the problems have been fixed, but there are a few ongoing or permanent. The front plastic end cap had to be replaced, it was separating from the sides of the roof.  The roof gasket has mitered corners and 3 of them came apart, were reglued and came back apart 8 miles down the road.  The new roof is heavier and harder to crank up.  The location of the lifter arms do not line up with the lifter arms on the box, causing the lifter arms to bend slightly as the roof closes.  It is very hard to get the roof to close all the way.  

Would I do it again?  Yes, because if I didn't the inside of the trailer would be ruined from water getting in.

[Gone-Camping]

Well, once that roof is saggin bad enough, you're not going to care what any of us thought about the replacement roof. Mine wasn't actually all that bad, but I could see the possibility of it getting worse. The new roof was indeed different, had rubber plugged channels for the wiring where the old roof had internal wiring. Seems like the canvas was no longer a perfect fit at the door either! And the roof brace was moved toward the rear of the trailer instead of staying in a more central position like the original roof. All in all I had to be satisfield with it...considering the alternative that is!

[jstaddwtr]

We did not have a sag problem but it would have happened down the line.  Our problem was all these spider cracks at the front that kept getting bigger and longer.  We had to have the latches adjusted since they would not lock.  So far so good on the new roof.  It is clearly heavier.

[tlhdoc]

Fleetwood told me the new roof is only 40 pounds heavier than the ABS roof.  Do you think that it is heavier than that? :confused:

[jstaddwtr]

We have a 2002 Utah.  Although we  liked the look of the original roof, this replacement has been ok so far.  From a positive standpoint we like the interior lights much better!  It sure seems heavier...but I don't really know how much more.  It is noticable when we crank.

[tlhdoc]

It sure seems heavier...but I don't really know how much more.  It is noticable when we crank.

That is where I notice it too. :p

[The Overmans]

The roof is replaced now.  The Technician said the roof was about 100 lbs heavier.  Really gave the new roof the once over.  With it latched or all the way up it looks ok.  However, close inspection of the gaskets at the 4 corners show that they are not glued together.  Also their seem to be little gaps and or crevesses that during travel or a hard blowing rain could let water inside the roof or camper.  I think the first time I get the chance, I'm going to put clear rtv on parts of the alluminum flashing under the beds on each end of the pupup.  Just incase the seals don't seal.  You would certainly think that a better gasket could be found.

[tlhdoc]

Keep me updated on how you like your roof, and if you have any problems with it.  The silicone the dealer used on my gasket looks like it will do the job.  After I tow in a hard rain I will know for sure.  Have you cranked the roof up and down?  If you have, do you find it a lot harder to crank?

[The Overmans]

Cranked it up when I got it, but not all the way.  did not seem to bad.  I go camping at the end of the month and will give it a good look see and I'll know about whether it is harder to crank up or not.

[springer02]

We had the new roof through all of last season, and it worked fine. Our only problems were with initial installation.

The interior space of the roof is a little narrower, so our dealer didn't want to install our vanity behind our sink, figuring it would interfere with the roof light near the front bunk.

Instead they made the bonehead decision to hang it right over the forward seat of the dinette. Yea, like that would work.

I relocated the light off-center and then moved the vanity back where it belongs. Used the new holes created by the first installation for some eyelets for our hanging baskets and our smoke detector.

I've seen comments and observed myself that the valance doesn't connect right, the sides seem floppier and the door doesn't align as well with the new top, but it's one of those things you only notice if you sit there and stare at it. It would have to be a mighty rainy day (very bored) for it to bother me much.

Dave

[tlhdoc]

I've seen comments and observed myself that the valance doesn't connect right, the sides seem floppier and the door doesn't align as well with the new top

My dealer readjusted my roof so that the sides are taunt again and the door latches and stays latched .

[jstaddwtr]

We have towed ours for tons of miles......grand canyon and back and in heavy rains and have had no problems.....we like it do far.

[jpoirier]

The roof on my 1996 Key West (12 ft. box) is starting to bow more noticably.
Does anyone know what a roof replacement costs on one of these?  I am the second owner.

jpoirier@poirierassociates.com