Help, I put a hole in the roof!

[adwtex]

This is my second time to go camping with our PU, a 2003 Coleman Niagara. I pulled out the awning and set up the poles and the next thing I know, a gust of wind came up and blew the awning on top of the PU. Somehow the C-channel or one of the poles poked a hole in the roof of the PU. The hole is on the side of the roof where it curves down and is large enough to put my finger in.

How can I repair this so that it looks somewhat like the original finish? I put a piece of duct tape on it for now.

I must be under a black cloud today, I also bent the front bumper of my truck when I hit a pole backing into my site......Maybe I should go lie down for a while! If anyone has a sure fire method for setting up the awning I would appreciate it if you would share it. It looks like the 3-Stooges when I set mine up!

Thanks,
Alan

[gager2002]

I just used caulk.   I found some 'brilliant bright white' exterior caulk.  It actually blends in very well.  It was also anti-mold.  That's just what I did.

[SherryandFamily]

If you have insurance on your camper the repairs are covered.  
You might want to check your decuctable, maybe you could get a brand new roof for $250.00
Sherry

[wavery]

IMO, 5200 Polyurethane Caulk Sealant is the best caulking that you can buy. It is designed for marine use. I've used it for years. I've even used it to mold engine mounts. It sets up like a very hard rubber but remains flexible. It is not bothered by UV rays. Once you put it on, it takes about 3 days to set up to where you can use the item being caulked. It takes about 30 days to cure completely and it never gets rock hard. After that, you should not have to touch it for a minimum of 10 years of heavy use. Don't even think about trying to remove it.

It cleans up with mineral spirits. You can apply it, put some mineral spirits on your finger and smooth it out to any contour you'd like and feather it in with the current surface. It dries to a bright white color. I think that it would be perfect for that hole .

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/9803/10001/10890/200/4


BTW, this stuff may be a bit radical for caulking moldings and corner caps. I meant it when I said, "Don't even think about trying to remove it." It will not come off without damaging your top. So if you need to remove a molding for a repair or something, you won't be able to do it with this stuff. It is perfect for sealing up cracks and hole in your top though.

I used this stuff for mounting stanchions, anchor winch, windows and other deck fittings on my yacht. When it came time to remove it, it took a hammer and chisel.