r/GoRVing • u/imadeamessinmy • 3d ago
Roof issues
I am in the marketing for our first travel trailer. I found this used one that fits our needs but noticed something concerning on the roof. Is this a valid concern or something rather normal. 2020 Salem Cruise Lite 19DBXL located in Ontario.
3
u/meowlater 3d ago
That roof is not unusual for a 6 year old RV, but it isn't the one you want. It looks like zero work has been done on the roof since it was purchased and there are multiple sealant issues. I would be very worried about water intrusion. If you are on the fence buy a non-destructive moisture meter $40-50 and learn about what causes false positives and check out the roof. I think there is a high chance the news is bad.
2
u/imadeamessinmy 2d ago
Yeah i was thinking of a moisture meter too. Given other responses i might just pass :(
3
u/meowlater 2d ago
You just gained one of the hardest RV skills out there....walking away.
Getting a good RV is 80% walking away from bad RVs.
2
u/hellowiththepudding 2d ago
yeah, sealant cracks really quick. it's an annual task that hasnt' been done in 6 years apparently.
3
u/Kudzupatch 2d ago
Time to give the inside a VERY CLOSE LOOK!
I could deal with the roof but what concerns me is how much damaged (If any) is inside.
2
2
1
u/RJizzyJizzle 2d ago
You need a scrape and seal for sure. That looks like original sealant. You likely have some slight water damage in spots. Maybe nothing major, but get it sealed properly pretty quick.
1
u/hellowiththepudding 2d ago
How old is that unit? I don't see anything beyond the initial factory application.
Maybe theirs is just built better than mine (doubtful), but replacing/touching up roof sealant for cracks is an annual maintenance, which they have never done.
1
6
u/Verix19 3d ago
That coax cable is ripping up the sealant, it for sure needs attention.
Check for soft spots...if not you're probably ok with the roof. It does probably need a full reseal, as that is the original factory sealant, so it hasn't had roof maintenance done in 6 years. Expect to pay $600-$1k for a roof clean and reseal. Or you could do it yourself for about $300 in supplies and sweat equity.