Vantage Roof Issue

[Gyrene4Life]

So I was up on the roof for the first time since it was purchased and have found an issue with the seam 'tape' that was used which covers the connection between the rubber roof and the fiberglass end caps. Each split you see below lines up with screws that apparently connect the roof to the fiberglass end caps.

I dont know if the product they used to cover the seam reacts differently to the fiberglass (possible temperature issue) but as you can see, the portion that is in contact with the rubber roof has no issues.

The image below is by far the worst of the bunch but as you can see in the rest of the images, it will soon be a major issue along the entire seam at both ends. The 'tape' is VERY brittle at this point and just touching it cracks it.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IcTmA4GTlwM/UImaE7v-F4I/AAAAAAAAB74/i9TFEDQksbw/s565/20121025_120042.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Br2JTbnWSvc/UImaGc4BxaI/AAAAAAAAB8I/SJhwhQN6wtw/s565/20121025_120104.jpg

This is the same seam but on the opposite side
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r89QD7SAS9Y/UImaOIBt24I/AAAAAAAAB8g/qED-mhmJ7V0/s424/20121025_120251.jpg

This is the front seam. As you can see, the splits are only on the fiberglass side.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ge25O7YEGwg/UImaQpIuaLI/AAAAAAAAB8o/98brDVyfJnM/s424/20121025_120355.jpg


I am contacting Keystone today to see what the best corse of action will be. I would only assume that since it is still under warrantee they will tell me to bring it in. I will keep you all posted.

[SteveC7010]

I have never seen a joint like that on any RV. I am wondering if it was done at the factory or perhaps at the dealership. The caulk at the ends of the tape looks pretty poorly done.

Does anyone else have this transition method on their trailers?

My Cougar has the metal strip at the transition from membrane to fiberglass cap, but there is no tape over it, and the screw heads are individually sealed with generous dollops of the Dicor self-levelling caulk as are the ends of the strips where they meet the side of the trailer roof.

BTW, the open area where the tape and caulk are gone and the metal strip is lifted is a highway for water to get into the framing of your trailer. I would advise getting some kind of cover on the whole roof right away.

[Bushman512000]

That is a mess and needs to be cleaned up real good and repaired at once.Looks like a kid did that.Make sure they do not try to cover it up it needs to be removed to repair right and that will require a little care and time.The tape is the moveing part and the problem I would say needs to be sealed with lap sealent by its self I would think.Look at some on a lot bet they are not a mess like that..keep all posted as to the repair Bushman and good luck..:D

[robo]

warranty issue contact keystone i would not take it back to the purchasing dealer

[Gyrene4Life]

Well as for now I am covering the top with the famous blue tarp. Luckily there is no heavy rain in the immediate forecast. Several folks have told me not to mess with it (dicor, patch, etc) because it could void the warrantee, so I think at this point I am OK but we cant get back on the road until this issue is rectified obviously.

I have an appointment with a local dealer for Tuesday morning so I will post more when more info is available.

I am more curious as to why Keystone chose to seal this area in the manner in which they have. That seam tape is VERY brittle and thin...I cant imagine a single Vantage not having this same issue. Would love to see any other pics of the Vantage roof seams from other owners.

[Gyrene4Life]

Dealer received what 'parts' they needed to make the repair from Keystone so they called to tell me to bring it in. Was told both on the phone and in person that its some what of a quick fix, should take about an hour. No problem.

Ten minutes later I am escorted back to the trailer where things are "not going as planned". I am asked to unhook my trailer and leave it over night. No problem.

While unhooking the trailer (ProPride hitch takes a minute or two) I am listening to the repair guys. They are talking about the roof and what they are going to do to fix it. They are telling me "I dont know why they did it this way" and "this is unreal, look how brittle this tape is. Why would they do it like this?"

Anyway, I should be able to pick it back up tomorrow and will post some pics of the final fix. Just wanted to keep you all in the loop and to let other Vantage owners know the issue.

[hankpage]

It sounds to me as if the "repair guys" have never seen a roof seam like that either. Good luck and keep us up to date on repairs. Have you been able to look at other Vantage models to compare to yours, Hank

[Gyrene4Life]

Hank,
I havent seen another Vantage for about 4 months, and that was on a dealers lot. I have yet to see another one either on the road or in a campground as well. No one has contacted me via PM either with pics or other questions.

Although, this website doesn't get a lot of traffic so once the issue has been fixed I will most likely post this info on the Escapees (rvnetwork) site, along with a few others that get a lot more traffic.

[Jay Pat]

Don't know if they will let you, see if you can get in to take a lot of images after the prep and before applying the repair to document the underlying issue. Question the shop manager about why this happened.

I don't have a clue, I think there is more to this. Why is the fiberglass cracking?
Good Luck....
Pat

[hankpage]

Hank,
I havent seen another Vantage for about 4 months, and that was on a dealers lot. I have yet to see another one either on the road or in a campground as well. No one has contacted me via PM either with pics or other questions.

Although, this website doesn't get a lot of traffic so once the issue has been fixed I will most likely post this info on the Escapees (rvnetwork) site, along with a few others that get a lot more traffic.

It's funny that you feel that way. Even if you go to Keystone's "New" website there is no mention of the Vantage models. Even the parent company, Thor shows no mention. I think it is a great looking trailer and the concept and construction seems to be great also.
This is just my opinion, but I think they are waiting to iron out the bugs before a full commitment to the product line. In some of the online videos you can see the taped seam from EPDM roof to fiberglass front cowling. If it is for aerodynamics, I say good idea, but if it is the actual seal and a method of cost cutting ... Back to the drawing board.
I truly hope Keystone repairs your Vantage to your satisfaction and you get to enjoy that great looking trailer soon.
Contrary to popular belief, You most likely get more exposer to folks interested in only Keystone products here than over at the bigger "General RV" forums. Brand specific sites will usually give the best exposer. JM2¢, Hank

PS: Thanks for your service. :USA2:

[outwest]

Here's a snapshot of seam on roof of our Vantage (front end cap seam). Hope this helps.

Edit to add: was just on ladder near rear of trailer and saw same sort of cracks in tape on rear. Like yours, cracks in tape were only on side that cap is on. It looks like they used a cheap tape, rather than EternaBond brand. My guess is that a combination of that plus heat from fiberglass caps (as opposed to the heat from roof which is similar substance to tape) is the reason for the cracking. Interested to hear what repair guys say.

[outwest]

I was on the phone with keystone today and asked about tape cracking, she said that it will dry up and crack with age. That doesn't explain the roof separation that you appear to be having but at least we know to keep an eye on the tape. Hope that helps.

[rschad]

Hi,

I have a 2012 Vantage 29 rls. It has a tape seam similar to the one shown with the problem. However I don't have any cracking or other problem. From the pictures the thing that would really trouble me is why is one section of cap now raised-that is more than a seam issue and might relate to the cause of the seam failure rather than a result of the failure.

Hope things work out. The Vantage is a great trailer, too bad it has been discontinued.

[Gyrene4Life]

Just a little update.

Got off the phone with the dealer performing the repair today and it was explained to me that the tape used on the roof is "not designed to be used over any type of trim." "This tape is designed to be flat and is predominately used on the roof of slide-outs." Again more of "I don't know why they did this."

Apparently Keystone sent them the same type of tape to fix the issue but the dealership is unhappy with that fix so they are gong to order the 'parts' they need to fix it right.

Thats it for now...

[Gyrene4Life]

I was on the phone with keystone today and asked about tape cracking, she said that it will dry up and crack with age.

Hard to believe they expect people to be happy with a product that didn't even last a year from its production date.

Thanks for the info.

[JRTJH]

Hard to believe they expect people to be happy with a product that didn't even last a year from its production date.

Thanks for the info.

Gyrene4Life,

The Sikaflex roof sealing system is relatively new and to my knowledge has not been used on Keystone products in the past. Normally, Keystone uses Dicor products with the EPDM rubber membrane. My "SPECULATION" (and it is speculation only) is that the management at Vantage wanted to go with the "latest and greatest" products and opted for the Sikaflex brand. Being relatively new and not having prior experience with it, there would be a learning curve and it sounds like that seam and inappropriate tape on it is part of that curve. No, I'm not making excuses for a company that I don't work for, just speculating on what might have happened to your RV in production. Hopefully the dealer will get it done right with the Dicor products they are familiar with and that all the rest of us have on our roofs without problem.

John

[outwest]

Hard to believe they expect people to be happy with a product that didn't even last a year from its production date.

Thanks for the info.

Welcome. I agree completely. They shouldn't have ever used the type of tape they selected. On top of that, it looks like mine has been retaped at some point while at the dealership. :-[

Since I, and others, are going to be faced with cleaning up this mess, I'd appreciate it if you'd ask what they used to clean off the old tape. Eternabond tape requires heat gun to soften the adhesive enough to pull up the tape and acetone to clean off residual goo. But, since this isn't Eternabond tape and I worry that acetone will mess up the paint job on the fiberglass. . .

I'm also curious as to what they'll do for the fix, EternaBond or Dicor?

Thanks in advance

[Gyrene4Life]

Just wanted to fill the interested parties in on what has been happening with our trailer.

The trailer is still at the dealer but the roof seam, from what I have been told, has been fixed.

Unfortunately, while they were up there they noticed some stress fractures in the fiberglass 'end cap'. These cracks were on the street side at the top near the rear lights. I was informed of this issue on the 26th and they were waiting to hear back from Keystone about fixing the issue.

To be continued...

[floatflyer]

Something to watch for, especially now in our rainy season. Thanks for the post. I would have had no thought about inspecting the roof short of finding a leak inside. Anyone else having this problem?

[Festus2]

floatflyer -
Inspecting your roof should be part of your regular maintenance and upkeep program. The rubber should be checked for abrasion, holes, bubbles, tears and any signs of screw heads working their way up through the rubber. The sealant/caulking around the vents, skylights, antenna, solar panels, etc., should be checked for cracks and additional caulking applied if necessary. Be sure to thoroughly clean the old sealant before applying the new. Use Dicor or other EPDM compatiable sealant -- not silicone!

If you see leaking, discolouration or soft spots in the ceiling or other areas, any damage has already been done and you could be looking at a hefty repair bill. Best to do the preventative maintenance and keep your wallet looking fat.

[rheltzel]

After seeing the posts about the roof/tape issue, last week I went to our storage lot with a step ladder and checked our 32 FLS roof...it has the same peeling tape/sealant issue as described above. Today I took the trailer back to the dealership and they promised to fix it under warranty. We'll see. I'll post the outcome for everyone to see.

We purchased our trailer in July and have taken several extended trips with it. So far, we only had minor issues with it, all fixed cheerfully (and under warranty) by our dealer.

We love the trailer...tows like a dream and gets lots of comments while on the road. Perhaps Keystone pulled the plug too quickly...

[Gyrene4Life]

Well, we picked our trailer up this morning and it seems that everything was taken care of. The seams on the front and rear caps have a good coat of dicor over the them and hopefully I wont have to mess with them for a few months until I get back up on the roof for my regular maintenance.

The stress cracks were filled, sanded and painted. It all looks great.

All of the repairs were covered under warrantee and totalled just over 2k dollars. I am glad we found these issues before it got out of hand.

On a side note, placed in the lessons learned pile, when ever you drop off your trailer for any maintenance...clean out your fridge/freezer. My DW spent a few hours this afternoon cleaning/airing out the trailer. It wasn't pleasant. :banghead:

[rheltzel]

Picked up our trailer today. The dealership fixed the roof issue by removing the tape and replacing with Dicor. They said our situation prompted them to check their one remaining Vantage trailer in inventory and they found the same problem. I can only assume they will fix it before selling to some unsuspecting buyer. For now, this story has a happy ending. Time will tell the real story.

[Gyrene4Life]

Glad to hear things work out for you rheltzel. I haven't heard of a single one yet that didn't have this issue. I would be curious as to how the 2013s are coming from the factory.

Heading out to Key West in the morning now that things are back in good working order.

Merry Christmas all

[hankpage]

Glad to hear that Keystone is standing behind their warranty on this problem.

Gyrene4Life, Behave yourself in Key West. I don't want you to end up on the "Naughty List" at the last minute. http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=299&pictureid=1410 Travel safely and enjoy the holidays, Hank

[rschad]

Earlier I posted that my 29rls didn't have an issue. Today I checked the roof and splits in the tape are now occurring, like those mentioned on this thread, on the rear seam. I will be taking to dealer and getting seams replaced before I have an issue.

glad I was reading about this issue.

[Snowball]

Just to let everyone know that as of tonight when I checked the Keystone website the Vantage was back under the Travel Trailer models. I am very relieved as we love our 32FLS and hope the line continues.

We did also have the tape issues on the roof and it was fixed by the and covered under warranty.

[floatflyer]

After following this thread I finally had a chance to check my roof seams. I have no cracks but did find that the caulking at the seam tape ends does not adhere to the tape. I will discuss this with the dealer and have them fix it. And will keep a close eye on the roof seams.

[neilnj]

I purchased a Vantage 32FLS in July of 2012. Now i am concerned about the roof as well. I will be up on it this week as I am planning a 3 week trip, leaving Feb. 15th. We already had the front door and frame replaced as it kept flying open (with it locked) driving down the road. We had a punch list with a few dozen items needing attention. I wanted the stainless back splash behind the stove but they said i couldn't order it.. yeah, okay!
My wife and I love the trailer but a little nervous about it being new on the market.
We added a hitch to the back so we could mount a rack to carry the generator. The outside cargo area is too small in height to stow a generator.
My son replaced the rear most frame cross member (super thin) with 1/4" rectangle tubing with identical mount points with a 2" hitch receiver. Works great! Hope I didn't void the warranty.
We have used the trailer several times and its been great.
Couple things..
Changed the 12V bulbs over the dinette to LED.
Replaced the single series 24 battery with 2 series 27 Deep cycle.
Added a strap to the roll out drawer/spice rack as it comes open often.
Keep one 30-pound tank off so you know when it runs out. No fun when they both run out in cold weather because the OEM auto-switch isn't smart enough to notify you.
Happy trails! I hope i make my 3000 mile trip.

[neilnj]

So, After reading about some of you having issues with the seams on the roof I had my son go up and take a few pics.. To my dismay I have similar problems. I dropped the Vantage off today and will see what they do about it. I took delivery on the 32FLS this past August so I'm expecting warranty repairs. I will post when and how they resolve the issue which better be before the 14th since we are headed to Fla. for 3 weeks with it.

[neilnj]

So, The dealer said it's normal for the roof to look this way, I said wrong answer. I emailed Keystone with my concerns and pics.. sure enough, they called me and said they were sending the repair parts to the dealer for a proper repair.
there is always hope!

[Dskizs]

Ok we have been going back and forth evergreen element or vantage 24' is the roof a problem on the 24' and is you problem fixed. Buying in the next 6 months and need the vantage height. My husband is 6'6".

Is this fixed? We are debating evergreen element or vantage. Husband is 6'6" and we need the height of vantage. Plus we like the modern interior. Is it only the 19' we want the 26'. Anyone? Help!

Is this problem fixed? Is there a problem with the 26' vantage? Someone please respond! Thanks we are planning to buy one.

[rheltzel]

We've now had our 32FLS fixed under the recall (thanks to the heads up in this blog, I became aware of the issue early on and had it fixed by the dealer before the recall, but it was a half-assed job compared to the recall specs).

I am confident the roof issue is fixed and have no further worries about it. I would not use it as the determining factor between the two trailers. I would use floor plan and which one you like the best for all other reasons, including price.

The Vantage line was short lived (the figure I've heard is a production run of around 400) and as such, long term issues that might have become known and corrected as production continued are unknown. Hopefully, there won't be any more issues like the roof recall, but if there are, Keystone will continue to stand behind their product.

[RJCaptain73]

Thanks in advance, our Vantage is currently in the shop waiting for parts to be sent from Keystone.

[RJCaptain73]

The shop did a real nice job of re-sealing the end caps on out 29RLS. I'll post some pics as soon as I get back up on the roof with my camera! We haven't had any issues except the pantry that would slide out on its own but the shop fixed that too with some additional hardware.

[outwest]

took 32FLS to a different dealership than where we bought and roof recall repair was done and looks like they did a good job. They also had to repair stress cracks on sides of rear cap and some other issues as well.