ceiling bubbling

[jthaynes]

Finally stepping in to the pop up world... or trying to.  We have found just what we want.  Coleman 2003 Carmel with A/C.  Great price.  But...here's the catch... it has some bubbling on the interior roof in one corner section about 2-3' square.  Otherwise the unit appears to be in excellent condition.  I have searched through posts here and have seen the reference to bubbling on ABS roofs (which I assume this is) due to extreme heat.  My question for those in the know - how big a problem might I be buying into??  Is this cosmetic or indicative of serious damage and costly repair.

Your advice is appreciated!!

JT

[surfin_sarah]

Another coleman defect, that in it self should be a clue, i would ask for the roof to be replaced, then and only then i would maybe make an offer otherwise u might be stuck later on down the line!

[hoppy]

If it already has bubbling on the roof, have the original owner replace it with a  aluminum roof. (thank goodness that they don't have anymore ABS roofs for the replacements)
 The bubbling WILL get worse over time. And this is only ONE of the problems with the ABS roofs. They can sag, bow out from the sides and front making the seal to the box not effective, cracking, and delamination.... not to mention the blistering your unit is expierencing.
 If the owner is not willing to replace the roof before the sale..... walk away.

[AustinBoston]

I can't believe I am agreeing with SS, but I do.  As he/she and jt said, do not buy that camper with that roof in place.  If it is a manufacturing defect, it is under warranty TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER, and once you get it you have nothing.

If it is not under warranty, figure $1500-2500 into the price to replace it at your expense.  You will most likely have to eventually.

Austin

[vjm1639]

hmmm....I'm confused....he says the bubbling is on the Interior....is this a leaky roof possibly?? or just the paper ceiling cover bubbled??

[mike4947]

IIRC the ABS roof consist of a two ABS layers bonded to a foam core.
As for replacing the roof, the original owner has a LIMITED lieftime warranty. A totally free roof is only available during the first year. After the first year the roof shipping from the Summerset, PA factory to your dealer will be charged to the trailer owner. This can range from a low of $300 to over a $1000 for dealers on the west coast.
Roofs can not be a DIY installed or shipped to an owner. Dealers must take delivery and do the installation.
Last time I checked a 12 foot replacement roof went for again IIRC $1700. Add to that installation of around $400 and the shipping. Which means to a second owner the replacement roof will cost between $2400 and $3200.
Also from what I've been able to find out the new replacement roofs will be the original aluminum type roofs. Alumicote with the imbedded roof tracks has been discontinued and rumors are floating about a "new" roof.

[jthaynes]

hmmm....I'm confused....he says the bubbling is on the Interior....is this a leaky roof possibly?? or just the paper ceiling cover bubbled??

Thanks All for your comments and thoughts!

Yes, the bubbling is on the interior. My mistake, I said roof and should have said ceiling!  We are purchasing through a dealer but we have just been in touch with the original owner who says the unit has a brand new top (under warranty) due to a leak that was over the stove and came through the light fixture (not where we are seeing bubbling).  

Original owner says they were very happy with it; they traded up to a Niagra for the bathroom.

Is it unusual for the paper ceiling cover to bubble?  There is no evidence of damage other than the bubbling in that one section.

Is the other possibility that since the new top went on another leak occurred causing this damage?  And if so, is it possible to fix the source of that leak without replacing the top.  Leaving us then with some minor cosmetic flaws but no serious repair?  (sounding hopeful)

For the record, the price we are looking at is $2000 below the NADA average retail and comparable units we have seen.  

Do I like what I am hearing or just hearing what I like??

Thanks again!

[hoppy]

Although the original roof has been replaced by the original owner, the replacement roof is only warranted to the original owner.

 I have the ABS style roof, so I am not familliar withe the ceiling construction of that roof.

 But on my previous PU with an aluminum roof and wood ceiling, when  it bublbled, it was caused by a leak that I had to repair with chalking.

[tlhdoc]

Is it an aluminum roof or an ABS roof?

[jthaynes]

Service dept found leak at the AC.  They removed and resealed the AC.  Say "it's fixed."  But for the bubbled/wrinkled area on the ceiling... is there a way to make it pretty again?  Or is this the kind of thing I live with and wait for bigger problems to worry about?

[vjm1639]

Service dept found leak at the AC. They removed and resealed the AC. Say "it's fixed." But for the bubbled/wrinkled area on the ceiling... is there a way to make it pretty again? Or is this the kind of thing I live with and wait for bigger problems to worry about?

[font='Times New Roman']If you want to try to fix it, you can try this... same way you fix bubbles in wallpaper...  make a tiny "x" cut in the center of the bubble ...squirt some plain Elmer

[jthaynes]

[font='Times New Roman']If you want to try to fix it, you can try this... same way you fix bubbles in wallpaper...  make a tiny "x" cut in the center of the bubble ...squirt some plain Elmer