I'm so glad I bought an older Foretravel ! Solid as a Rock ⛰️

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info and thanks for watching!

A law firm has got to jump on this situation! Seems like a pretty straightforward class action lawsuit.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Nice work. It's good to have a trustworthy RV customer advocate. RVs are enough cost and work on their own but then to add a thoughtless factory design and workmanship is just unforgiveable.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

You knocked it out of the park again James. I never get tired of your videos.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks my guy!

At least someone has the guts to call out the lousy build quality of a manufacturer.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Wow! Music and fast action. Enjoyed it!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

WoW Winnebago should be ashamed of such shoddy workmanship. Really changed my opinion of Winnies. You can always get a lemon but we have seen way to many. Thank You for showing us the Truth

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Its truly amazing how I never get tired of learning about these roofs. One thing I have learned.. what to check for!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear!

I feel so bad for the owner. These new rv’s are really being built so damn shoddy. I’ll definitely be buying a Beaver

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Older seems to be better if maintained

All I can say is wow!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

You guys are awesome! Nice prep work.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

i own a 1996 Allegro Bus with 35k miles and i can say the roof has never leaked NEVER. but i also inspect it every year .it is always under cover when not in use. i will not be buying a new RV after i have seen sooooooo many videos of the total crap they are putting out now days.. great video James will be waiting to see what you all have to do to fix this wrong doing by the manufacturer ...

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! keep up the good work

@trustme7731

2 жыл бұрын

As you point out, it's less about construction and more about indoor storage and proper maintenance.

Another great video. Really enjoyable to watch someone that actually knows what they are talking about.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Yikes. Thank you James for showing us what we could get stuck with and the work involved fixing it. Happy trails!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah lots of work

So when you are in short sleeves and Majestic Chad is in a warm coat should we make an assumption on who is working. lol? Is there any glue on the luan side to the foam? Looks like there was no glue even put in that side of the sandwich. Usually we see a bunch of white if the luan was glued but separated from the foam. James I am sure you are tired of the roof videos but I am not and from the comments it seems a good 3K other viewers are interested also. I learn or at least remember something every time. Stay safe and healthy.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

He is majestic, isn't he?

Cannot THANK YOU enough! We have enjoyed RVing since the late 1960's, just sold my last one a week ago. From the beginning, I learned I would have to do my own service, if I wanted any at all! I always had questions on refrigeration, roofs, and had to learn on my own. You have shone a light on so much I wondered about, but could not get answers. Sure would like to have run across you a few decades ago, but then, you weren't available then! Thanks again, really enjoy your content and style!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! That is really kind of you to say

Never have been a fan of Winnebago, this is an amazing video thanks. we’ve been in a 2003 Monaco for 11 years and counting knock on wood with no issues.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

It's time for the consumer to demand quality products in the rv industry.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

It is

It amazes me that they don't have any cross braces to make the roof more sturdy.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@trustme7731

2 жыл бұрын

What do you think was making the ridges across the roof?

Thank you for taking the time to video document all of these roof failures.................This is the stuff they don't tell you about in the marketing brochures. I wonder if the glue machine ran out of glue and nobody noticed? As this appears to be a manufacturing defect, I believe winnebago should step up and cover the cost of a new roof (but I wouldn't hold my breath). After seeing a number of your videos, I would be very hard pressed to ever purchase a Winnebago "anything". There have been days I have cursed some of the issues I have had with my present RV, but at least it hasn't done that! Looking forward to the next episode!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@trustme7731

2 жыл бұрын

I've been in the Winnebago plant and saw roof assembly from above the station. No, the adhesive application machine can't run out without it being known.

Thanks for the information and the education!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Sure thing! Thanks for watching!

Wow was looking at a new winnibago journey now I'm not so sure. Your videos are very educational..

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Are Winnebago class C’s roofs built as bad as their class A’s? Thank you for sharing information on the RVs you repair, you are doing everyone watching a great service.

@InChristalone737

2 жыл бұрын

I had a 2016 class C sold last year. I had no problems at all with that roof.

It's sad the factory is so crappy but I'm glad there's guys like you and Chad who can pull off miracles.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Oh wow...looking to get something newer this year but this channel has been a great find for info! Of all places, the roofs being the first point of failure is crazy...leads to loads of other issues. Never would have thought a once reputable company would "cheapen" their work and still state how well their roofs are...tsk tsk...perhaps another reason why they are not installing roof ladders on the back? Hmm...

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Possibly! Thanks for watching!

Thanks to you, I'll never buy an RV without a filon / fiberglass roof that I've walked on and inspected based on what you've taught me. It's stunning what junk so many of them are...

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

That's an excellent idea

Great video - thank you.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Welcome! Thanks for watching!

❤ Two failure points bonded together. The white foam board is a great insulator but not structural enough to bond to. The little balls or cells that make up the foam pull apart from its self. The same holds true with luan. Just like plywood it is made up of multiple layers with the fiber strands alternating directions in each layer. Both surfaces being a failure point only compounds the problem. By using blue board foam gives the roof more structural rigidity as well as better bonding capabilities. As for the luan, I would think masonite would work better but, how does it hold upto moisture? The blue board foam also has a membrane on the front and back sides. In closing, nothing lasts for ever, but if other companies are having longer life from there roofs, it would be safe to say, drop the ones that are failing and make a better product.👍👍

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment and Thanks for watching!

James, that is embarrassing for Winnebago. They should be recalling these products and covering the owners under defective work. I hope all Winnebago owners are educated on this and really check their roof seals and signs of the filon/luan lifting from the foam. I know I will. My experience with Winnebago roof warranty is that they will deny you for anything even if brand new if you don't bring it to an authorized Winnebago dealer every 6 months for inspection. I keep record of my own inspection and will use for future with them. Thanks for sharing the details, and perhaps other owners will keep note of your videos and know what to look out for.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I love our 2004 32’ Brave which we bought new. Fortunately our roof is very solid. It has been stored inside since day one and still looks new. Been considering downsizing to a smaller unit with the kids gone but looking at all these issues, going to keep what I have.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Probably a good idea

Thanks for the roof videos. Wow, if buying an rv time must be spent checking the roof integrity.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I used to deliver Chassis to Winnebago from 2001 until 2010. Loved the way they built them at that time. Its really sad to see such a great Manufacturing company go down hill like this. Sorry to say they are on the no buy list like a few other companies now.

@carmencolon3520

2 жыл бұрын

At the rate they are going soon the list may include every manufacturer of rvs. They are buying each other so we should expect quality will be something from the past.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@jameslowmanjr6141

2 жыл бұрын

Money money money. Cut cost when ever they can.

I currently own a 2001 Winnebago Minnie 31c Class C Motorhome that still looks almost like new. When I get a different motorhome in the future I can guarantee it will NOT be another Winnebago based on what I've seen in your repair videos. I hate to say that partly because I live in Iowa where Winnebagos are manufactured and were known for their quality, but if their quality has decreased to this level, I simply will not buy another. Hopefully Winnebago will bring the quality back before they meet their demise like another famous Iowa company did that let their quality and reputation slide. That company was Maytag

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@trustme7731

2 жыл бұрын

So, buy another brand and have that companies problems. You won't gain anything. But first, go to Forest City and see for yourself.

I’m hanging on to my 06 Nash 27-5 for EVER……… I can’t imagine the gut feeling forking out 80k for absolute garbage

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

That's a messed up roof for sure. And not that old either. Wow and you handled it as usual.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Thank you so much for your video. Winnebago and probably all Winnebago variants have a real serious problem. I cannot not and will not purchase a Winnebago product. I hope that their recent acquisition of Newmar does not result in Newmar products being cheapened by Winnebago quality.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I have a winnie class C. I love it for it's floor plan, simplicity and the huge storage. It has it's design failure though. There are several places where there was no attempt made to prevent water intrusion from rain or even washing. The skirt, clearance lights and pretty much all exterior penetrations. I have identified these many areas and water proofed them. The key to an RV's long life is to search out and correct such problems when they are new, indoor storage and performing proper maintenance. Now that wouldn't have avoided this roof problem, but it would avoid most other problems.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

James, thank you for sharing your work and experience with RV’s. I have a 2007 Chalet Takena 1860 that’s been in the family for years. Leaking, delaminating front corner. I want to replace roofing and fix side panel. Can you please advise on Best products and brands for glues, PTO, sealants etc Thank you J Gardner

i remember when Winnebago's were the best and every one wanted one and they built that name obviously but now the new or newer ones seem to be junk the roofs slides and some other crap there doing is just unreal ,,,, just like a house the foundation is only as good as the roof ,,, thanks AZ

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I had a 2016 Solei 36G and had to put 2 Windshields in it because of rust around the frame but Winnebago said they had know problem with them but the glass people new about it and the insurance company was certainly aware of it!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Get you! My 97 Vectra roof is solid.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome

Do you what adhesive they used? After watching some of your awesome videos I am about to start on mine that has a 2in tear and a line of scratches/nicks further. I put a hair dryer on the hole just to make sure its dry and that lifted a 20" x 10" area that is separated the underneath is solid. What adhesive can I squirt under membrane then roll out it is a TPO. Thanks for saving me a ton of money on future repairs

that's so sad to see how bad that is !

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

The problem is not just a lack of glue. The huge slide-out means the roof is poorly supported along that edge and subject to a lot of flexing. This flexing would include uplift wind suction as the rig travels down the road. The result is fatigue of the composite roof and failure of the bond between the foam and luan.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Wow- had no idea Winnebago was experimenting with "foam campers" - guys who build "foamies" in a Facebook group I am in highly recommend perforating the foam using a carpet seam roller or a wallpaper perforation spike roller so that when you attach by glue to the foam, you have some sprues which actually have an attachment inside the foam. as we all know (even those "engineers") the surface layers of foam are easily abraded and the roof flexes quite a lot going down the road. It appears to me that the underside of the panels have a very thin layer of foam attached- so truly, the adhesive did not fail- the material failed.to have a structural bond. IANAL or engineer- but it seems time for those guys to get involved here - and this would be a very big reason Winnebago won't admit to a problem of their creation- liability.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Nothing wrong with the Filon and Styrofoam. It's the lack of structure in the roof itself. I'm not a structural engineer but I am an industrial engineer by trade. Relying on glue and no support is not a good idea. A bad batch of glue and here you go. I guarantee they put out some of those units with bad glue and let them ride. Terrible design. Thanks James for showing us these piles of engineering malfeasance. Winn-E-Junk-O.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

@trustme7731

2 жыл бұрын

There is structure. What do you think was making the ridges in the roof? It was merely the lack of adhesive, using the wrong adhesive and/or a poor product from a vendor. Everything laminated together properly is the structure.

Un-real. Should be a class action lawsuit against Winnebago for this.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Love your videos, do you ever do a RV finder service for first time RV’er looking for an older model Class A?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I don't but Andrew Steele does consults

James, we all love your videos of the roofs, but you need to start mixing it up. We want to see more maintenance and repair videos; thank you. Keep the videos going

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I can only film what Ive got going at the moment

I remember when winebago used to advertise with a motorhome upside down on it roof to show how strong they were.

Ok you have me worried I bought a used 2012 Winnebago vista. I haven’t seen any sign of issues but am preparing to reseal roof edges. A ?, on that note. You use a tile knife to begin the process of removing old sealant. I’m worried about cutting the roof membrane when doing so. Tips gor good outcome And things you would suggest in regards to inspecting roof for issues? I love watching your videos so keep up the good work. And when I make it to AZ I may just look you up.

There was so little glue on those ply boards that looked like you might even have been able to re-use them - with an EPDM membrane over the top? Thanks for another great video. Best wishes from England.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I'm all for recycling when I can, but no

It is almost criminal to put out a product like that & not back it up with factory replacement

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

man, i'd be afraid to walk on that roof. chad is standing on the last little square!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

He's very skinny. It was ok.

Good vid James, what is that noise? Sounds like people are playing ping pong, it was driving me nuts....lol.

@TheMinnow101

2 жыл бұрын

Pickle Ball court located nextdoor.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Correct! Its only all winter long lol

your right somebody did the math and it said it will last through warranty!!!!!! auto industry's the same!!!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Ty

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Actually, I've been in the plant in Forest City and was quite impressed with the operation. It's highly computerized like a auto plant and works the same way on a moving assembly line that moves so slow that you can't see it moving. The components arrive to each station as needed. All manufacturers get stuck with defective products from vendors. Remember all the paint that peeled off of cars for years? That was all due to bad primer from the same supplier. The primer stuck, but paint couldn't stick to the primer. All foam board adhesives are NOT the same. 3M makes many and they all have different qualities such as holding strength. I can't imagine why adhesive wasn't applied to the entire surface since the entire roof make up is structural.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Then they should stand behind their product.

@moisheh101

2 жыл бұрын

Some of the auto plants had peeling paint due to deodarant from employees attacking the paint. That was at Chrysler

I have a question about this. I see some visibility on the "ribs" of the roof. Is this a sure indicator of a failed roof. Vehicle is a 2014 Forza 34T. The RV lives under cover all the time, is periodically inspected. Two weeks ago I was on the roof replacing a squirrel fan, today, on the roof and I could see the "ribs". Any input would be much appreciated. Love your videos.

Since there is so little water damage might have snow load been the root cause. Forrest City, iA can get very heavy snowfall at times.

Winnie has had roof problems for 20 years. At one time the roof would try to blow off in the wind.

That is brutal that they can miss that in production

@TD_YT066

2 жыл бұрын

It's not a production issue, it's a faulty design. There's no structure to that roof. The walls are likely made the same way, fiberglass-luan-stryrofoam-luan. Any water gets in there , it all delaminates, with heat with delaminate anyway. Once it delaminates, it's no stronger than a disposable beer cooler. That's what $160K (in 2014 dollars) gets you.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

the manufacturers blame degrading foam manufacturers they blame the glue manufacturers who Blame the Resin Blender who Blame The Defective trees blame on side of hill near Bad soils of mount saint Moose toe

What about the drop test that Winnebago brags about? I guess the glue they use doesn't matter then. At least it has a metal cage in front unlike its' competitors. Plus, the roof has fiberglass with a 10 year warranty. Such quality!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

They used to have quality

That roof looks like a convertible roof, with the support spars running across.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

According to the Winnebago brochure for this model it’s a fiberglass roof and has a 10 year warranty for parts and labor. Wouldn’t this roof qualify for warranty repair?

@DLTJR1959

2 жыл бұрын

With a 10 year warranty yes. But I doubt the manufacturer would stand behind it. I suspect that in the fine print that warranty is for the original owner and not transferrable. If it was transferrable then you would need to contact Winnebago directly if purchased from an individual. If purchased used from a dealer then use the dealer and then the manufacturer if they are indeed a Winnebago dealer. See where this is going. Then once you contact Winnebago they will have to approve the warranty coverage if it meets the stipulations in the warranty contract. In most cases they do not cover the warranty and deny claims due to operator neglect.

Save the header and jack posts ( for next week)…..

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Glad I got a 83 chieftain one peace metal roof

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

Shame Shame on WB,I’ve seen enough no W B for me

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Wow another great Winnebago roof! Could owner go back to manufacture and show them there was no glue? That to me would be a good case against manufacturers?

@MrVanhovey

2 жыл бұрын

Likely the foam was dusty and the luan glue was to dry.

What about the plywood on the bottom of the foam. Is that attached? Would you need to plywood on the top and the bottom for strength? Will there be problems in the future with the ceiling sagging if that plywood isn't attached? Even if it was originally glued you have to wonder what that much sagging did to the plywood to foam interface on the bottom (ceiling) side. BTW Ask the owner if they would mind you disclosing the cost of repairs?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I do not divulge prices--I do address that in the video

I'm guessing an RV roof shouldn't sound like a 150yo farm house.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Correct! Thanks for watching!

Thanks for your videos James. I echo people who find this sad. Cant Winnebago build an inexpensive coach that is built with some quality. Does every corner needs to be cut?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Just the important corners

@joewhitfield2252

2 жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert hahaha 🤣 so true

Definitely will not purchase a Winnebago after watching your videos. Really opens the eyes on quality fit and finish construction cheapness. How many other units of this model and year have this issue?

@trustme7731

2 жыл бұрын

Do you really think every other manufacturer has no problems?

A new glue from Winnebago, self-releasing. 😳. It’s enough to scare people to not buy RV’s.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Hahahaha Thanks for watching!

Are all the manufacturers building the roofs the same on their Coaches or are some better than others

I have owned 5 Winnabeggos and I loved the way they were manufactured but my last one a 2009 Diesel Vectra disappointed me with the roof having no steel or aluminum frame. Not even cross bars. So now I own a 2001 Holiday rambler that has a welded frame built into the roof its so much better construction wise and it could not cost that much to build a metal frame

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Right?? Thanks for watching!

@trustme7731

2 жыл бұрын

How do you know how the roof is made? A welded metal frame is is VERY expensive to build.

Sick that W'bago doesn't stand behind their crapmanship. Great story pre sales though.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Its really a shame

Thank goodness my 09 View is good, but you have to realize 09 was the least production amount of RV's during the recession MFR layed off the junior people and kept their senior people on, and when production ramped up in 13, 14 etc you can look at the production numbers they either hired back people that probably left the industry or had to bring in people off the street and train them, and the saying that you never buy a car made on a Friday or Monday holds true for years of MFR..ill be curios as to the quality of these new rigs leaving as they are shoving them out the door so fast with new hire people, perhaps the same

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

James, what’s a ballpark estimate for a repair like this? $15k ?? $20??

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry I don't quote prices on here

@mike_adams

2 жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert .. no issue, totally understand. Great episode!

How can they keep building crap like that and be trusted? They should be held liable. After spending all that money on a rig and finding out there was no adhesive I would be taking them to court

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

If Billy Bob Thornton was a rv mechanic.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! :)

This like my six or seventh. Winnebago video that I’ve heard you say for some reason Winnebago is not putting enough adhesive on the layers of roof. My boss taught me this math equation. I’m a simple employee this equation never crossed my mind. Me and the wife and other households have probably talked about it. When you’re trying to save money two cents three cents four cents for a simple employees were like why if it’s only going to save us that amount why go without. But on a large scale. Looking over the roof as you’re videoing. You got some vents. Scattered in certain key places. You got air conditioners in key places. In the way the vent and the air conditioner are mounted. Are they not mounted in a way that they compress the roof to hold on. So why do we need so much adhesive between the layers when you have other things doing the same thing. When you’re doing 10 roofs a day X’s seven days a week. X’s 50 weeks a year. That five cents $.10 that you’re saving on each roof. That’s probably six or seven containers of adhesive you’re not buying any more.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

The adhesive is the most important part, laminated layers are the structure on most roofs

Does any builders make them with actual wood, or Aluminum beams as roof structure?

@trustme7731

2 жыл бұрын

What do you think was making the ridges across the roof?

Hello... i live in La Antigua Guatemala, a town of Guatemala Central America... i bought an RV... it is a Damon Corp 1997 Ultrasport in a ford E350... I need to fix the roof and i want to restore it... can you tell me or help me to find parts and TPO or EPDM??

What a cool place got bored in job, just go out and make some hit on the cort.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Haha they won't let us climb over the fence

Isn't there a 10 or 12 year warranty on these roofs?

Owners should file a class action civil suite against Winnebago. This is not right!

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Winnebago doesn't care

James Why isn’t this failure warranted by WB ?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Out of warranty

The last few times I’ve experienced this was because a bunch people were in the roof to watch a parade.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

This was not the case here

Is there an alternative to replacing a Winnebago roof with filon? Like an Epdm conversion?

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

anything is possible, the crew @RV Roof Installs has done it with commercial TPO, but it is a major project too.

@wildfaithjake4433

Жыл бұрын

@@AZExpert thanks, I was hoping there might be an alternative that's more affordable, I figured the labor might be fairly equal either way. Did you have to add a bracket to fasten the tpo on the sides of the roof ?

Where do you find a dealer that doesn't charge an arm and leg and ask to keep your TT for days on end if your a full timer?

@AZExpert

Жыл бұрын

They all charge an arm and a leg because they can.

So what does Winnebago say about all the roof issues ???

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing

Winnebago should change their name to Pringles

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

? Once you pop you can't stop?

Wow

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Is there no crossmember support?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

No

Do u have any with total subfloors repair?

@TheMinnow101

2 жыл бұрын

He just had two videos from a week or so on a subfloor replacement.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Carl for the back up!

It sounds like Winnebago owners may have a good case for a class action lawsuit about these roofs. This is both sad and infuriating.

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Does Rich still own cassones? Or did he sell it?

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

Cassones is under new ownership

Must have been a Monday build and they short cut on glue lol

@AZExpert

2 жыл бұрын

I guess