Vantage Roof Issue

Gyrene4Life · 10-25-2012, 12:16 PM

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.

This is the same seam but on the opposite side

This is the front seam. As you can see, the splits are only on the fiberglass side.

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 · 10-25-2012, 12:28 PM

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 · 10-27-2012, 03:00 AM

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..

robo · 10-27-2012, 06:56 AM

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

Gyrene4Life · 10-27-2012, 11:59 AM

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 · 11-08-2012, 06:34 PM

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.

RJCaptain73 · 05-30-2013, 07:14 PM

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

RJCaptain73 · 07-05-2013, 01:56 PM

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.

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