roof type

[TinaMBee1]

How do you tell what type of roof surface you have? TPO/EPDM seems to be the thing? I have a 2014 Keystone Passport model 2300BH. Mine does not have a slide out though which is all the type of floor plan I can find online. After I clean it I was thinking I'd put some type of rubber roof treatment on it. Looking at Protect All Rubber roof treatment of Dicor roof guard.

[ctbruce]

Here's how.
https://youtu.be/KL5qJw397Rc

[Campermike]

The 2300BH has a slide. You must have a different model. FWIW my 2013 2300BH has a TPO roof. Most roof patches and sealants etc work for both types of roof...

[TinaMBee1]

I'm so clueless, so how do I figure out what model I have. So if I get some type of rubber roof treatment - Dicor or some other brand - it will work for EPDM or TPO?

[Logan X]

I'm so clueless, so how do I figure out what model I have. So if I get some type of rubber roof treatment - Dicor or some other brand - it will work for EPDM or TPO?


I think I am answering your question...TPO roofs don’t require any treatment. Just cleaning with a mild household cleaner like dawn.

EPDM roofs require treatment only if they are “chalking” and the roof is cleaned the same way as TPO. If your roof is chalking, Alpha Systems (the manufacturer) recommends treating it with Protect All brand UV protectant. I have never used it but I think this is what they are referring to-

https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Roof-Treatment-anti-static-protectant/dp/B002BU4KQ2

The roof should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Both roof systems require the seals to be checked every 90 days or so for cracks or voids. Any cracks or voids in the seals should be fixed with either Alpha Systems 1021 self leveling sealant (for TPO) or Dicor self leveling sealant (for TPO or EPDM)

You probably have a TPO roof. If you take down the vent trim on the inside of the bathroom roof vent (four screws) you should be able to see the extra part of the roof membrane in the vent hole. TPO is white on both sides and EPDM is black on the bottom.

Here is a video on what I do-

https://youtu.be/KlhVYQgVVM8

[flybouy]

Mike addressed the roof. I think you were asking about the model of the trailer. On your trailer title there should be a VIN number. This should also be on a label with your axle weight ratings and tire information located on the driver side front of the trailer. You can call Keystone and with that VIN they can tell you your model number.

[Campermike]

Just a guess... but it's probably a 238ML that you have. If you have a queen bed, and bunk but no slides in a 23' box that looks like the likely model you have.

[JRTJH]

You should find a decal next to the entry door with the model number on it. Keystone has used that method of labeling models for about 15 years now. You'll also find several other decals, many "boastful ones" about things like "blizzard pack" or "Arctic Pack", etc. But there is (unless someone removed it) a decal next to the entry door, usually right beside or right under the hand grip.

[TinaMBee1]

Just a guess... but it's probably a 238ML that you have. If you have a queen bed, and bunk but no slides in a 23' box that looks like the likely model you have.
I looked online on the Keystone web site and it looks like the 238ML is indeed the model I have. I guess I could contact Keystone to confirm but probably won't bother.

[TinaMBee1]

You should find a decal next to the entry door with the model number on it. Keystone has used that method of labeling models for about 15 years now. You'll also find several other decals, many "boastful ones" about things like "blizzard pack" or "Arctic Pack", etc. But there is (unless someone removed it) a decal next to the entry door, usually right beside or right under the hand grip.
thanks for the suggestion about the decal! I'll check it out for sure.

[TinaMBee1]

I think I am answering your question...TPO roofs don’t require any treatment. Just cleaning with a mild household cleaner like dawn.

EPDM roofs require treatment only if they are “chalking” and the roof is cleaned the same way as TPO. If your roof is chalking, Alpha Systems (the manufacturer) recommends treating it with Protect All brand UV protectant. I have never used it but I think this is what they are referring to-

https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Roof-Treatment-anti-static-protectant/dp/B002BU4KQ2

The roof should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Both roof systems require the seals to be checked every 90 days or so for cracks or voids. Any cracks or voids in the seals should be fixed with either Alpha Systems 1021 self leveling sealant (for TPO) or Dicor self leveling sealant (for TPO or EPDM)

You probably have a TPO roof. If you take down the vent trim on the inside of the bathroom roof vent (four screws) you should be able to see the extra part of the roof membrane in the vent hole. TPO is white on both sides and EPDM is black on the bottom.

Here is a video on what I do-

https://youtu.be/KlhVYQgVVM8
so it sounds like a good washing of the roof is in order. Also seems like a roof cleaner with a UV 'shield' in it wouldn't hurt the EPDM or the TPO roof,

[flybouy]

Keep in mind washing the roof with Dawn (or any dish detergent) will remove any wax on the outside that 4he soap comes in contact with.

[JRTJH]

so it sounds like a good washing of the roof is in order. Also seems like a roof cleaner with a UV 'shield' in it wouldn't hurt the EPDM or the TPO roof,

Most "manufacturer's roof cleaning products" (From Alpha Systems or DICOR) have instructions for use. On most, the first step is to mask the sides of the trailer to protect the FILON or the aluminum siding from coming in contact with the roof cleaning solution.....

Unless you've got a "team of helpers who know what they're doing" buying and using a TPO/EPDM roof cleaner is not something for a lone trailer owner to "jump at without knowing the pitfalls"....

If you're determined to do it, before you buy the expensive products, go to a camper parts store, pick up the bottle and read the instructions for use.... Then, if you're like most of us, you'll go to WalMart, but a small bottle of "blue Dawn" and go home to do it the cheap, easy way.... You'll still need to wash and rewax the trailer sidewalls, but at least you won't have the damage to the finish that you "might get by miss using the strong stuff that really doesn't do a better job, just a "more expensive job"....

[Bill-2020]

Hang on there... Is that 238ML roof walkable?

[Hugo-H]

And how does one know what kind of roof is on the trailer?
I asked this also a time ago, because I just acquired a 2017 31BHPR trailer, and I saw recently that the front cap starts getting loose on one side at the top.

So someone sended me a link for dicor products...but now, I start searching it to buy here in Belgium (Europe where I live), and I came along a kind of "sealant", white color, which mentioned that it is NOT for american trailer roofs TPO...
What is the difference between TPO and EPDM?
(I am trying to insert here a pic of my roof, but seems to be not possible... I get a window to insert an http://-link, but the pic is local on my laptop)

[JRTJH]

If the photo is on your laptop, click on the "paperclip" just to the right of the white smiley in the reply window. That will open a second window, click on BROWSE, select the photo, then click on UPLOAD in that window. The photo should appear just below the "BROWSE" boxes. then close that window and click on "submit" and the post with photos should appear in the thread.

[Hugo-H]

something like this?
I "attached" 2 pics...
Thx a lot if this will be displayed on the forum...
..one more question, about the dicro product..can someone share me a pic of the "contents" that the product is made off?... so I get a specific search here at my place for a suitable product to "repair" the roof.

[TinaMBee1]

Yesterday after work got the front cleaned which took 2 hours of hard scrubbing with straight Dawn. My mom is the cleaning wizard. She worked detailing cars for an auto auction for years. We tried 4 different things to get that mold/black stuff off and straight Dawn was the winner. Took a lot of scrubbing though! This morning we washed the roof and washed/waxed the sides which took 3 hours. Whew! And in case you're interested my mom is 88 years young. She's in better health than probably any one of us young un's :) I couldn't have done it without her. Thanks for all of the advice and special thanks to TallEddie who answered a BOATLOAD of questions off forum.

[TinaMBee1]

Hang on there... Is that 238ML roof walkable?
no - we decided that it is not walkable. Seems the rule of thumb - if there is a permanent ladder then it's walkable. No ladder - not walkable.

[JRTJH]

something like this?
I "attached" 2 pics...
Thx a lot if this will be displayed on the forum...
..one more question, about the dicro product..can someone share me a pic of the "contents" that the product is made off?... so I get a specific search here at my place for a suitable product to "repair" the roof.

DICOR self leveling sealant is what I'd use. You may not be able to find it in Europe, I don't know....

You can contact DICOR and explain where you are, ask them if they know of a suitable substitute that you can find locally.

Their website is: https://dicorproducts.com/ and there is a "contact" link along the top bar.

[Kzneft]

If you log into the Keystone factory you can download the user manual for your particular year of RV and it will tell you what type of roof you have. Mine is a 2018 Keystone Carbon, and my manual says Rubber TPO roof.

[Hugo-H]

I have contacted Dicor through the webform....now about 3 weeks ago, but unfortunately they don't answer me... perhaps if someone here on the forum could post me a pic of the label on the dicor product, that could be very helpful to me... so I know what to look for here, and what I should be careful with... I suppose not all products are to be used for a TPO roof...
And what product I could use for caulking things like hinges (storage doors, windows..) since I see they are not sealed off...

[Campermike]

For hinges you can use clear silicone. For the roof its Dicor 501. For vertical seams OSI quad or Dicor 551 should work.

[Hugo-H]

Dicor also has a 351product... what difference is there with the 551 product?

[Campermike]

Dicor also has a 351product... what difference is there with the 551 product?

I don't really know... 351 is listed as cap sealant for front cap, rear cap, windows etc. 551 is roof non-leveling lap sealant. 351 may not be safe for roofs but 551 is. 551 likely works fine in the other areas... but I'll let someone with more experience with both confirm that :)