Your phone book analogy was a perfect illustration for me. You have made all of us aware of how truly important regular roof inspections are to keeping a motorhome together. I'll be using your techniques on my 23 Tiffin Phaeton. I previously had an 05 Fleetwood Providence with a TPO roof, which held up wonderfully with regular inspections. The roof was almost perfect when traded in 2021. I always inspected every 2-3 months, with my dicor at the ready. Thanks for your experience, James. John J

Really nice work filling in the gaps!!!!!!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

awesome job as usual

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Rick

Just astonishing to me that Winnebago could design such a ridiculous system. From the channeling and it's depth, to the "interlocking" foam sections. Even the general lack of structural connection to the sidewalls. It's a system designed to fail any way you look at it. Absolutely stellar work on your and Chad's part though.

Watching your videos honestly makes me pretty concerned about owning a winnebago. I count my blessings each time I watch one that I own a class b with a metal roof. The stuff these guys do in manufacturing is pretty mind blowing.

Holy shmokes, what were the engineers/designers thinking? Glad you know what you are doing. Looking good. Happy trails!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Right?!

Thankful We bought a Wanderlodge.....

The detail, time and work y'all put in doesn't surprise me any more, but I still find it so amazing, the quality is much better than factory when completed James.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Hey I appreciate that, David! Thanks for watching!

Awesome job job, you are the expert at fixing manufactures mistakes. Have fun and be safe.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Huh, I always thought that RV roofs had structural crowned aluminum or steel supports of some kind that gave it it's strength... Never knew that they pretty much have nothing but lamination and a prayer for the roof structure.

Use a large fillet knife and on the foam. That's what the home spray foam guys do. Flush and fast.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip

It's really impressive how far along you've brought Chad,he's getting to be a pretty good helper.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

He is really a fast learner! :D (He's actually been doing it for a very long time)

What a mess Winnebago left for you to fix

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

SO nice of them

James and Chad’s ability to take terrible situations and make it golden just amazes me to no end. Thanks you two, I enjoy watching true professionals work on things.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Terry!

James, you and Chad are artists. Nice work!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Tony! Thanks for watching!

Thanks for sharing. Like 291, view 1731

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Dennis! Thanks for watching!

Buy far after living in rvs for 10 years Your channel is awesome! Love the content.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

Use self sealing wood nails that have. Glue on then that melts when it gets hot outside.

I think it would be better if you showed some of the new wood being applied properly to foam roof. You mentioned that you have shown that before but I did not see it. Maybe add links to past repairs on this post?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I have made probably a dozen or more roof videos with step by step instructions

Outstanding problem solvers, cleaning up the “engineers” designs . Thank you for educating the masses.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Each job you have some ingenious ideas. The “Brad and stitch” is a new one that I will try and remember for sure. As always, thanks for the lesson.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

You guys do amazing work.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Wow, crazy extra work for sure. Nice job.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I imagine a lot of folks at Winnebago are subscribers to this fine channel.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

They should chime in!

That must have been a couple of cases of foam! You guys are the best. Thanks for sharing.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Yes it was! Thanks for watching!

Yay, foam fun. Thanks for sharing.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Awesome work guys! Looking forward to seeing the roof sheathing install.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Coming right up!

Really Disappointed in the Winnebago roofs. I have a 2014 Vista, and because of your video's I will really be paying attention to maintaining the roof properly. Thank You for the videos.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

James you need to get Milwaukee tool to support you. Great job on the roof. Thanks for taking us on the journey.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

So far no sponsors!

Great video !

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Cutting the extra expanding foam flush was very satisfying! I would watch an extended cut of the work done. 😁

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

The forbidden cheetos

What brand and type of spray foam is that you're using. Thanks

Wow, you did an awesome job! Winnebago could learn a lot from you. It’s a shame we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on these RVs and they are built so poorly.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Sady you don't get what you pay for

James , sent you a PM about a repair I need. Cecil

@cecildean3648

2 жыл бұрын

The repair I am looking for will be about September.

James, I thoroughly enjoy your channel and have learned more about RV roof failures through your videos that I ever wanted to know about, frankly! But you have successfully convinced me about the importance of proper roof maintenance, cleaning and care. I don't own a Winnebago motorhome and I continue to be very surprised by the apparent lack of structural support in some models of Winnebago roofs...other than foam. But I'm not an engineer. Bill Dye Pioneer, CA

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Bill! Thanks for watching!

What’s the ballpark range of how much it would cost to replace a roof on a similar RV

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Sorry I dont list my prices on here

Hi James, I was using Proflex for the radius of my Winnebago. I can no longer get this product in California. Do you think Henry 212 clear seal is just as good? Thank you in advance and keep them great videos coming.

Our Wanderlodge has the condensate lines teed together. They can stop up and drip inside the coach. At 16 years old so far only one has done this. Just had to clean it out. At least I don't have to worry about Styrofoam as a structural component in our Bird. Great job James. Really enjoy your videos. Really soured on Winnebago after your roof repair series. Thanks again.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Definitely looks better than the original factory job

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

Where can i go to have my roof on my 2005 Winnebago inspected and repaired

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

A local repair shop to you

Yummm.....bacon annd cheddar cheese whiz.....the forbidden fruit.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

The forbidden cheese

Pulled RV window out of 1998 Winbago is was sealed with some type of black sticky tar sealer. Is this correct to use on an RV? Do you know what it is called? Does it come in a tub or roll? Or what should I use. Also redoing oven wall vent do you use the same sealer as the window? Thank You Ben Demby WPB, FL.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

its black butyl. Winnebago loves it, it is available or you can use standard RV putty tape

That'll be a good roof when you're done. I'd trust that busted up roof you guys repaired over a factory roof any day :) Can't wait to see the end result! They really did

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I imagine that Winnebago has contacted you about these problems by now..😅 maybe not. If it weren’t for you guys I’m sure quite a few of these units would have water beds for roofs, maybe worse

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

They haven't

Just watched your last video on this. Wow that's alot of work to go through to make it right. It's a shame that glue didn't stick. You guys are doing a great job and your doing it right. Keep up the great work.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

To manny manufacturers are cutting corners same in Austraila

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I will tell you why James . The manufacturers just don't give a darn .

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

They don't seem to

I enjoy watching your tiktok channel. You do really nice work and this repair looks like it will last the life of this RV

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks for following me over here! 3 mins leaves a bit to be desired as far as content quality but I try!

WOW how much of that roof is cut out purposely. Probably for upgrades that model didn’t have. Like a wiring harness in most vehicles. You’ll have a regular rearview mirror. But if you look at the wiring harness it’ll have heat turn signal step light wired that if you would go out and buy a rearview mirror with all those extras it’ll work.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I just think it was a bad design

With over 35 years of advanced material reinforcement, new product development, manufacturing quality control and failure analysis engineering experience; PLUS 48 years of RV experience, I have given Winne FREE FYI over the years, nothing but crickets 🦗. Conclusion: Winnie: Dysfunctional is as dysfunctional does, Failure guaranteed the Winnie way, Another roof to fix, Day after day. AZ Expert will fix it The correct way, As owning a Winnie, You’ll pay, pay, pay.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks! That was awesome!

Wow

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

For one i can say in the production line its all about the quota getting them out the production door I've built many RVs in the 80s 90s and 2000s got out of them production plants and into the repair shops

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Winnebago is unbelievable.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Correct!

There's no way I'd ever buy a Winnebago..

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! and I don't blame you

Hi James you should name that Winnebago land yacht the s.s. Fill me crackin 😆 nice job lots of work ahead

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

HAHAHAHAH!!! Good one! Thanks for watching!

Nice repair, still would like to see the AC condensate lines rerouted

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Have you ever fallen off a roof?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I haven't. Thanks for watching!

One thing that you have to know in a large company is that everyone has to quantify their own jobs. Keeping things that work means you don't have to have as many engineers therefore changes are always going to happen even if they are not beneficial.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Hey James how much is a project like that cost if you can say if not okay

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I cant say--its the customer's unit

@matthewstrzelecki4280

2 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah I completely understand

Do you think Winnebago sees any of these? 🤷🏼‍♂️ better question is do they care 🤔

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I sure hope they do.

Good job!!! Sad you had to do it!!!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Wont be the last either...Thanks for watching!

I want to buy a Newell

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Get it inspected. well.

Don't make Chad sad or brad mad. Roof looks a lot better nice work. First!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

lol...Thanks for watching!

Latent defect

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Suggestion only. When you weld a crack in metal You grind a V channel. So you can have good penetration. If you did the same thing with the cracks in the foam, use a razor blade and cut a V channel so when you add the filler foam you have more surface area for adhesion and a better surface bond strength. Attaching the two broken pieces together. It would allow you to get further down into the crack also rather than just a surface bond.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

i see the foam more like glue and less like welding I guess. The broken foam was 1/4" thick so a v would just remove most of the body of the crack anyway. Thanks

@danthemanrvrepair6338

2 жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert plus the part that is expanding it will work into the areas below the surface. If you had a sample piece to test on that way you could see how far it goes down. Could help to see how much penetration is actually getting.

@danthemanrvrepair6338

2 жыл бұрын

If it's glue or a weld, the physics are the same. You're trying to have as much surface area contact to create adhesion with the structure your bonding to. The more adhesion to the surface/(depth of the crack) of what you're bonding to, the stronger the load the bearing it can hold. No matter what it is improving on OEM specifications. Thank you for replying and I appreciate your all videos and content, keep up the good work.

Great job James. I wonder if Winnebago just has someone cnc cut the foam to mass produce it with the wide flange so it fits any application on their rvs. That way it saves them money from cutting each one differently. Terrible idea to do. But most manufacturers want cheap and fast.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Im not sure what they do, but it's not working

I hope the ceiling luan is glued way better then the top luan, or else this roof will fail again.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

It's fine

I still cannot believe there is not some type of truss system built into the roof.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

It's not uncommon

@001 Brave SE I can dance on my roof

@januszstarkel4189

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry 2001

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Be safe lol :)

@januszstarkel4189

2 жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert Not that I am going to dance - got too old for that, but the old Rv are build strong. I have 3 boats (34 and 36 feet long) and all of them were 1972 or 1973. They were build strong too. The new rv are fragile and break easy.

Makes sense now. If they glue didnt hold on foam then i would agree with you. It appered that just fiberglass was delaminating from wood. If that was the case you could screw down fiberglass back threw deck wirh 1/4 inch penetration.If the glue isnt holding to keep wwhole deck down then thaat is a problem. Thanks for showing that.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

You don't want any extra holes in the roof at all.

Looks like Winnebago RV Roofs aren't all what they are cracked up to be.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

They are not

Nice job James! You turned a turd into a jewel. I've learned so much watching your videos. Please tell me Tiffin has a better roof system.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! All roofs should be inspected regularly

That is a great job. Say what you want about the Winny roof designs, but they clearly dropped the ball on the luan adhesive here...

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I see that you're sporting Andrews hat. Great job. Consulting fees should be sent to Winnebago.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Andrew is awesome! I just hope they watch and learn

As always nicely done,do you think Winnebago watch this vlogs

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I hope so

Awesome James. This should tame down the Winnebago fanboys/girls. My experience with Winnebago and other manufacturers is that they always claim its a rare instance but the reality is that their are thousands of these cases. The ones that claim they don't have problems are lucky. Those ribs are a joke. I think it's time they do real trussed roof and lamination together.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I agree! Thanks for watching!

Hey boss I have a great idea on how to save money on the motorhomes. 🤪

More like Winnebago didn't do something. Like, maybe, they didn't even attempt to glue their pathetic amount of wood to that foam. Looks like they only put contact glue on one side.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

It happens a lot. Thanks for watching!

That's an absolute shame the owner has to pay for the manufacturer's mess up.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Which is why I always recommend an extended warranty

Have you ever had to replace the roof on a showhauler super c rv?

@kdub1666

2 жыл бұрын

Doubtful. Those are made the right way with metal roof and sides.

Comment.....So looks like the only option is, is to leave the support in permanently...LOOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

HAHAHA! Not sure the owner would be ok having to put this up and down each time they moved.

I enjoy watching your videos, your a real master of many tasks. Have you ever worked on the GMC motor homes of the 70’s? Are they well built considering they have an aluminum superstructure. Would you purchase one as a project to rebuild?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I have not! Possibly--some day, when I have time

And I've heard Fleetwoods are junk lol has nothing on this heap. What a pile.

Comment.......Man.....this thing needs to accidently catch fire.......LOLOLOLOLOLOL, I would be pissed as hell! LIke you say it is better to rent these things.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Rent first, absolutely

RVs are expensive - but they're made out of packing foam?!? That doesn't seem like it would be much structure, especially for something that moves down the road.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

It does not provide much structure despite being structural foam

Amazing poor design and - or workmanship from Winnebago ? Quality repair work from Chad , James & support crew.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Structural foam... WOW. That seems insane to me. If the owner wanted to put a bunch of large Solar panels, how would that be done?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

very carefully

@marthamryglod291

2 жыл бұрын

Same as the AC. Gotta plan ahead.

Glad I decided not to trade my 2004 Winnebago Sightseer I bought new. So far no problems with the roof in the 18 years and 90K miles I have owned it. Planning on driving it till I am dead now, no more new motor homes for me! Seems like all the new RVs have lousy quality.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you probably take good care of it

What would it cost Joe Public to replace a roof like that on a class A, out of warranty?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Too many factors and I don't quote prices on customer's coaches, sorry

Watched you for the latest couple years ! what was the cost of this roof repair ? approx?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry I don't quote prices on here--too many variables

Cue the Winnebago fanboyz. Always wondered where all that packing styrofoam discarded in appliance boxes ends up.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

REduce REuse REcycle lol

Being an engineer..... this construction is ridiculous. I don't think Winee has any engineers on staff. Using a foam core is fine, but foam alone is not structural. If you had properly glued luan ply on the top and bottom of the foam core, you would have a incredibly stiff and strong roof structure. Its the SKINS that do the load bearing. When walking on the roof the top skin would be in compression and the bottom skin would be in tension. Just terrible.....I see a class action lawsuit coming if these owners got together. BTW I have a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road. You could have 10 people on my roof with no deflection. Roof construction was one of the reasons I choose Tiffin.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Tiffin is one of my favorites

@AJ-hm5ck

2 жыл бұрын

You guys do a great job and the industry could learn a lot from your videos. MOST engineers want to do the right thing, unfortunately many times they get overruled by the bean counters. Its profit over quality which is a short term gain but a long term liability. Keep up the great work!

⭐ Promo'SM!

Not that I'm suggesting but a fella could make a living fixing Winne roofs and then be an expert witness in class action lawsuits. Maybe Winne would want to lock you down with a financial retainer (aka golden parachute).

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

The phone lines are open for them

Omg for the amount of cash$ winnebago charges for there shitty vehicles!!! REALLY

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Really.

See oscillating tool...just sayin

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks

So sorry, but I think this is utter nonsense in the construction of a roof. In addition, the roof has no interlocking cage to the walls. So that it seems to me that the walls could actually sway. I really hate to see people build what they can get away with. This demonstrates to me that I would be stupid to EVER buy a Winnebago product, if this is the type of craftsmanship that they demonstrate. It also worries me about Tiffin having been sold to Winnebago. Maybe with Tiffin and we can also wave goodbye to True craftsmanship. It's so sad. I know that you get what you pay for, but sometimes you don't even get that. I guess it would be smarter to buy an old Newell or Prevost, than to buy any new product of lesser quality. They both have a cage under a metal roof, which solves this nonsense. Thank you so much for Illuminating this travesty.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thor bought Tiffin. Many manufacturers--all made from the same parts

90% of the rv industry is a fail & I’m being generous!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Which is why I bought vintage

Winnebago is a very shady company

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

More and more

So the roof is foam? Hard pass. Roofs should have girders made of stuff you can snap with your hands.

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

Most of them are