Motorhome Roof Ripples

Roxpole replied on 12/06/2018 12:05

Posted on 12/06/2018 12:05

We Bought a brand new motor home September 2016, and had a cover made to fit it.  When we took the cover off this Easter the complete roof had rippled.  When we contacted the dealer, we were asked to send photo's and their reply was "I have shown the pictures to one of our technicians who has said that the ripples on the roof are perfectly normal. The roof panels are not completely bonded and do flex so this is nothing to be concerned about."

I wondered if anyone else has had this problem, or are they just trying to fob us off?  It looks such a mess!!

replied on 12/06/2018 13:10

Posted on 12/06/2018 13:10

Many unbonded caravan roofs do similar

TonyIshUK replied on 12/06/2018 19:34

Posted on 12/06/2018 19:34

In theory The unbonded roof allows for thermal movement of the material to take place without moving the substructure (iie the ceiling!). 

Our mohome roof is a flexible plastic material resembling decking you find on some sailing boats.  

It does have one major flaw which is water can run between the materials if you have a leak, so tracing the source can be a problem.  We had to bite the bullet and lifted every vent , satellite fixing and roof bar fitting til we found the problem.

 

Rgds

mickysf replied on 12/06/2018 19:56

Posted on 12/06/2018 19:56

I really wouldn't worry too much about this, if watertightness is maintained it shouldn't be an issue. In all the motorhomes we've owned several have had likewise and the expansion and contraction due to temperature changes/direct sun has made no impact on integrity or value. Worry not I reckon but mention to dealer as you have and monitor closely!

young thomas replied on 12/06/2018 20:47

Posted on 12/06/2018 20:47

there are two (general) types of roof....the floating (aluminium?/plastic) type used in most caravans, and a more solid, single piece GRP type like we have....

having had a perfectly flat immaculately finished GRP skinned roof, I would be disappointed (to say the least) if mine looked like that...

....as mentioned, this is a 'caravan' type roof process.....who made your MH?

i go onto the roof of our van to clean it and have no qualms about being up there....I would be worried I could damage a roof as in your picture.. 

JVB66 replied on 12/06/2018 20:57

Posted on 12/06/2018 20:57

I would say that the "rippling" is excessive,a i our last motor caravan and our last two caravans have had GRP roofs capable of taking my weight for cleaning, the roof panel in the photo looks as if it was cut to large

Roxpole replied on 13/06/2018 11:36

Posted on 13/06/2018 11:36

 Our Motorhome is a Marquis Majestic 175 which is an Elddis Autoquest  We bought it from Marquis Motorhomes, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.  When we contacted the service department, they asked us to email photos to them.  They replied that this sort of distortion is "perfectly normal".  They have not asked to see the van as there was no need.  We have contacted Elddis and are still awaiting a reply.  Still not happy about this!!!

peedee replied on 13/06/2018 14:17

Posted on 13/06/2018 14:17

 Perhaps get a proffessional opinon? Some qualified mobile caravan medics do inspections and will give you a report which if adverse you could put to good use.

peedee

allanandjean replied on 13/06/2018 14:48

Posted on 13/06/2018 14:48

Hi, first time I heard of this type of roof was when my service centre told me it was the reason they could not bond a solar panel to the roof.

Related to your question, I use a service centre that is CC and C&CC approved and are approved warranty repairers for all major brands. They have no allegiance to a brand as they do not sell vans and I would see if there is similar that you could use to get an opinion.

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