1980 clipper 21' leaks!

[Clipperdude]

The leaking is not severe, but bad enough so that there are watermarks around the TV Antenna and front vent.:x the antenna is the worst. Should i caulk/spackle it up, or rip it all out and redo it all? I could do away with the antenna entirely because i never use it.

What is your opinion? The motorhome is currently non-operational.

[Clipperdude]

Also, how strong is the roof on these? Weak, or strong enough to sit up there and watch the sunset?

[Conrad]

If you go on the roof, spread your weight out.  Don't stand with feet together in one spot.  You will notice the hard spots where the framing supports the roof.  I try to stand on the frame areas to minimize any chance of cracking the fiberglass.  A couple of pieces of plywood would really spread out your weight more evenly.  I also have an aluminum ladder with the standoff legs that i use from the side.  Works great for the stuff near the edge.

[LARRY RAY]

I had a leak on mine also. It would drip off the crack handle. What I found when looking for the leak is that in the past someone caulked all around the outer edges of everything. With that, water would reach a depth of enough to run down the shaft.that goes through to the worm gear on top. Aso, disaseemble, clean all the gaskets, reasemble, the cauld only the places it needs. leave the drain holes on the sides open.
Also, as for mine, I walk up there whenever I need to clean, set sattelite receiver up, and us antenna lead that exist. Don't jump up and down or anything, but just standing with feet apart should do no harm.

[Rodney]

I had a leak around the vents so replaced both of them and used the seal tape that came with them and then sealed the screws and flange with another sealer the RV guy recommended- painted it over the fasteners and over the flange with a couple of coats. thought I had the leak fixed. WRONG there was an antanna mounted at one time and removed before I got the coach, it was sealed but was leaking. I tried to reseal the patch of goop they had up there but no good... I peeled all of the stuff they had tried to use. What a mess. after I got to the original fiberglass I discovered how bad the roof was. I let it dry out for a few days and then covered myself up real well and wore a resprarator and with a feather edge disc on my buffer, sanded off the gel coat or what was left of it and feathered out another foot. blew it off real well with air and layed a new layer of fiberglass mat then cloth all in one set and soaked it all with a couple of quarts of resin. Fixed!! gave it a coat of snow seal and haven't had any more leaks. I wouldn't be on the top of my roof at all for fear of breaking the seals around the vents or cracking my repairs or starting another leak. I also try and park my coach when not in use on a hill so the water will run off. the Water puddles on my roof when setting level. And if the water freezes could cause more problems, and I sure don't what to be fixing any more leaks up  there.

Should have mentioned that the repair time was only about a half a day not counting dry time. I have found time and time again do it right the first time is quicker than doing it twice.



Rodney