My Rant

apackoftwo · 08-10-2018, 09:23 AM

I can now understand why people in frustration decide to buy a new but lesser quality RV.

After 3 different Sunlines I have looked at or been looked at for me by others (thank you “Wannabes” Lisa & Matthew) leaks and/or plain neglect (but listed in excellent condition) were found

These once beautiful trailers were ruined by people who failed to do
their adult responsible of learning the “how to” of care and maintenance

Would you never change the oil in your car?

I am truly amazed, frustrated and saddened

I will be happy with my 1950 that I work very hard to maintain

Rant Over, thank you

**Sunline Fan** · 08-10-2018, 10:56 AM

It's unfortunate, people just don't think of it. You don't have to touch the roof on your house until it's time to replace it years down the road, so people think why should you have to touch it on a trailer? Add to that, the rubber roofs were marketed with having a 10 year, and later a 12 year warranty. So, like a house roof, why should anyone have to think about replacing or doing anything with an RV roof until that time? Unfortunately, RV roofs do require a lot of work well before that time, if you want to have the trailer last.

I think we are hitting a tipping point- the trailers with aluminum roofs didn't leak as much it seems, and those have always been the older ones. The ones with rubber were new enough that people didn't see the signs of the water damage happening out of view. Now that these rubber roof trailers have that many more years on them, leaks are worsening and becoming visible. Given the age of even the newest Sunline, they are at an age that when not maintained or stored inside, water damage has happened.

It's no longer a question of does it have water damage, it's a question of how bad is the extent of the water damage. If it shows up on the meter but isn't visible, hopefully it can be repaired still with keeping the interior visually untouched. These are often also the same trailers that people think are in excellent shape, with "no leaks".

Unfortunately this also means that finding a Sunline that doesn't need reconstruction work is nearly impossible, as you've found.

apackoftwo · 08-10-2018, 08:30 PM

Everything you have said John is sadly true.

*sigh*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunline Fan

It's unfortunate, people just don't think of it. You don't have to touch the roof on your house until it's time to replace it years down the road, so people think why should you have to touch it on a trailer? Add to that, the rubber roofs were marketed with having a 10 year, and later a 12 year warranty. So, like a house roof, why should anyone have to think about replacing or doing anything with an RV roof until that time? Unfortunately, RV roofs do require a lot of work well before that time, if you want to have the trailer last.

I think we are hitting a tipping point- the trailers with aluminum roofs didn't leak as much it seems, and those have always been the older ones. The ones with rubber were new enough that people didn't see the signs of the water damage happening out of view. Now that these rubber roof trailers have that many more years on them, leaks are worsening and becoming visible. Given the age of even the newest Sunline, they are at an age that when not maintained or stored inside, water damage has happened.

It's no longer a question of does it have water damage, it's a question of how bad is the extent of the water damage. If it shows up on the meter but isn't visible, hopefully it can be repaired still with keeping the interior visually untouched. These are often also the same trailers that people think are in excellent shape, with "no leaks".

Unfortunately this also means that finding a Sunline that doesn't need reconstruction work is nearly impossible, as you've found.

vcrt · 08-11-2018, 07:56 AM

I actually think that many people who buy rv's A-don't realize that this periodic roof maintenance needs to be done and B-Don't know that damage has occurred when they go to sell. I'm sure there are those who try to knowingly pass off a rotted camper as being in excellent shape, but in my experience of looking at used campers, many sellers seem surprised when I told them they had rotten places in their campers.
I think, like Jon said, that it's a good idea to go to look at a camper with the idea in your head "now, how much water damage will this one have". If for some reason, you find one that actually was well maintained, maybe kept in an RV port or garage, it's a real bonus!
Rich

Thomascine · 08-11-2018, 09:27 AM

I have to admit that had I not bought a camper with water damage, I would not have known how much damage water can do. I now know, after repairing, where the problem areas are and what to do to keep it from happening again. I also look at it as an incentive to keep up with the maintenance. I do think that a lot of people just don't know. I didn't know until after the purchase. I have learned a lot during the repair and renovation process. This group has been a wonderful resource!

It is a shame though that some people do knowingly sell water damage campers advertising them as in excellent condition. This whole experience has been a lesson learned, and not necessarily a bad one.