Tree limb wins, WhiteHawk roof loses!

[mikmurphy]

While leaving our ranch last April 6 for Garner State Park, I managed to snag a live oak tree branch on the awning side of the trailer. Did NOT even know it at the time, figured it out upon arrival at Garner when I attempted to put out the awning. Not a happy moment.

Still enjoyed our outing (Garner was in full spring bloom, with only a handful of campers. (We arrived on Sunday, departed Thursday; most campers are there Thur-Sunday. In summer months, all 500+ sites are filled!)

Hauled the trailer to the local Jayco dealer in Buda, TX after return to figure out what might be needed for awning. Turns out the limb had also gouged a 1/4" groove into the roof for about 6-8'. The dealer told me that meant the whole roof needed to be replaced, LOTS of labor plus materials. I called Jayco customer service and was told the same thing, that patching a roof was not easily done and would be very prone to leakage.

Luckily, insurance covered all but my $500 deductible, but still, total was just over $9K. Picked trailer up this morning, and repair looked very well done indeed, plus the dealer had corrected two cosmetic issues still under warranty.

I've already done more tree trimming, but as soon as #1 son is home for a bit, he's going to help use the chainsaw on a stick to do even more trimming from the back of the truck.

VERY expensive lesson! (And when I was paying my tab, a woman came in and said she needed a new vent cover for her trailer, they'd hit a tree limb. ...!)

WATCH those limbs!

[eldermike]

Glad you got it all fixed up. Limbs do a lot of damage to campers. I have cut limbs in my yard several times. Having a good pole saw makes the job much safer.

[Rustic Eagle]

Wow, 9K, that was an expensive tree incident! I guess your also fortunate that the wind didn't work it's way under the roofing material (where it was torn) while in tow.

I also agree that a patch job wouldn't have been a good long term solution, even using Eternabond Sealing Tape (except for getting the TT home). I keep a roll in my TT for those "just-in-case" accidents.

Glad to hear it was taken care of to your expectations.

Bob

[SouthCo]

Sorry to here. Thank goodness for insurance. We spent about 4 hours trimming tree limbs the weekend before we picked up our new trailer. I spent most of that time with a pole saw in the back of my pickup. I wanted to make sure I could get the trailer in the driveway in one piece. I guess it will be a yearly chore to check/clear any new obstacles.

[Bluestreak]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Wow, 9K, that was an expensive tree incident! I guess your also fortunate that the wind didn't work it's way under the roofing material (where it was torn) while in tow.

I also agree that a patch job wouldn't have been a good long term solution, even using Eternabond Sealing Tape (except for getting the TT home). I keep a roll in my TT for those "just-in-case" accidents.

Glad to hear it was taken care of to your expectations.

Bob

Bob, I am curious why the tape solution would not be a good idea?
I have never had the problem and just wonder what the issue is. It would seem to me that if the roof membrane is still adhering to the substrate on either side of the tear or groove in this case, then the tape would/should/could adhere to the membrane on either side, stick in the middle of the groove and do a good, long-term repair of the problem.

Thanks!

[mikmurphy]

Both the Jayco dealer representative and the Jayco CS person stressed that any type of patching solution would be prone to failure and ultimately, leakage. I suspect that a small tear in a flat part of the roof, with proper cleaning of the roof before applying tape, might work out. The tear on our trailer was just above the awning, varied from flat part to curved part, and was over 6' long. IF we had NOT had insurance, I might have tried the tape routine; but we did, and since I've been claim-free for multiple years, I decided to go with roof replacement. It's labor intensive since everything on the roof has to come off, then the membrane, then apply new stuff; and re-install AC, vent covers, ladder, etc.

Only side benefit: my DW, who normally gets after me when I trim trees around the house, doesn't say anything now!

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Bluestreak

Bob, I am curious why the tape solution would not be a good idea? ......snip

The 6' to 8' tear located near the awning gave me the impression that it was close to where the roofing material was pulled over the roof/sidewall joint and attached behind the wall gutter rail. I would be a little concerned that the Eternabond tape may not hold up long term do to the area being applied.

I believe that Eternbond sealer tape is a great product, and have used it on my TT on the front/rear roof seams.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/sh...rnabond&page=2

Bob

[Bluestreak]

Bob & Mike,

Thanks for the details. I am with you on the insurance side or warranty if it would cover the issue. (Pun Intended)

Otherwise, the tape does seem like a pretty good solution. Fortunately, I have never needed to use it!

-Tom

[Tail_gunner]

WOW!! $9K for a new a new roof?? I guess I know what I'm gonna do part time when I retire.

Glad to hear it only cost you $500 out of pocket.