A New Fiberglass Winnebago Roof

A viewer contacting me earlier this year as the roof on their 2003 Winnebago Sightseer pulled out of the rail in Texas during a trip. They were able to save it, but wanted to get a new roof due to the multiple problems with the roof. While the winter weather in Arizona is notoriusly good, there were unfortunately a number of storms that slowed the whole process, but in part one of this roof replacement, I explain the common issues with Winnebago motorhome roofs, possible solutions, and ultimately, begin the process to remove the roof. I hope there is enough new information for long time viewers to enjoy a similar video, or to interest new viewers in Winnebago's biggest secret.
Thanks for watching!!!

[@bubbafringman1864]

That's why I like my 1997 Beaver one piece molded fiberglass roof. Just cut and buffed it. Looks as good today as it did when it was new, and will never need anything ever.

[@howardbusch3727]

Great job we have a 2018 Vista LX and you have change my whole attitude towards roof maintenance. Please keep up the roof videos each one is unique and they never get old

[@Chris_In_Texas]

18:45 A good way for water to get in is that coax, where the coax itself cover has come off. Water will wick down that and into the RV. I would recommend the black split loom cover and a few wire ties to keep the coax from degrading, or at least use exterior coax that is black. White coax typically doesn't have UV inhibitors in it, and will fall apart in the sun just as seen here. 👍🤠

[@Markhope-e3z]

A new year that sounds excellent, which means more videos to watch.

[@AZExpert]

You know it!

[@WilliamLaakkonen]

Love watching these Winnie roof jobs - every time I see one it reminds me how lucky I was to have a 86 HR with a full metal roof... fascinating how these units are made. We traded the HR for a Safari with a filon type roof. Until today I had not considered that the loose material could be have condensation issues. Not sure how to approach it on the 96 vintage Safari -thanks for sharing James!

[@elainemooney]

So interesting James! Thanks for an excellent job!!!!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching Elaine!

[@atombomb50]

It’s very instructive to watch your videos. I know it must slow you down but want you to know it’s appreciated.

[@markstench4470]

Love your work James , refreshing to see someone who takes pride in what they do , plus I love the yellow star 🤣🤣😂😂🤣

[@badgerpa9]

Practice makes perfect they say, you have seen many of these. Congratulations on 60.3K subs.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you!

[@philw7174]

Great job as always James. Happy trails!

[@lavernedofelmier6496]

2003 Monaco with an aluminum roof and sides, no problems at all 👍🏼. Was looking at a Winnebago 15 years ago and glad we didn’t do it. Your videos are great thanks

[@bigjeep2195]

Damn James, your videos are getting GREAT. I mean this video REALLY GREAT. Keep up the good work.

[@AskRemy]

I sure hope you are generating good revenue from these videos

[@racekar80]

Another excellent video. I don’t have a motor home, and what I have learned from you is that if you can’t afford the best (like you purchased) DONT buy one because there maintenance nightmares.

[@CharlesinGA]

Recently discovered your channel. I owned (now sold) a 2007 View. I read about the issues with the roof and ended up cleaning the sealant on the side channels, working screen wire spline down into the gap to hold the Filon back and then pumped in a black urethane sealant to seal and hold the roof firmly to the extrusion. I am learning alot watching your vids.

[@Citizenspress]

dude, i am so glad i found your channel. thank you for sharing such good information

[@rvlifediy]

Dicor won't stick to silicone (got it). But will it work the other way around? Will silicone stick to dicor (LOL). I learned from one of your earlier videos about this, and how valuable this info is. There are so many Winnebago owners that don't know this and by default get Dicor. I do think that the self leveling silicone is much better product than Dicor. To me it performs much better over time.

[@AZExpert]

Yes it will

[@lawrencebest9943]

If there is one thing, I have learned from watching your videos. I will never buy a Winnebago Great video.

[@AZExpert]

LOL

[@Tony_in_AZ]

Always enjoy the videos... and Thanks again for mention of Harbor Freight red Plastic scraper tools. I love these tools for removing the butyl tape on my park model windows for replacement with dual pane windows. Nice

[@timk.9827]

Just another great job by James, Thanks.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Interesting to watch the process of destructing, in prep for constructing. I’m leaving this job to the expert. I would probably have parts left over. Press on sir.

[@wandahaseley6439]

Always enjoy your vid's. Thanks so much!!

[@MonacoMike]

Very informative video James. Although I have to admit I get a little queezy when you're looking over the edges of those roofs LOL

[@Dulsanaya]

Hope they insulated that front cap area behind the cabinets!

[@AZExpert]

There is spray foam on it, but not much insulation.

[@Dulsanaya]

@@AZExpert That's too bad. It was a prime opportunity to stuff insulation up there and help prevent heat building up in that location. Also, forgot to say that your video has prompted my dad and I to examine our roofs and reseal the sides where it's tucked in. Thank you!

[@BigDaddyOworkshop]

So much great information in this video... Thanks!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Congratulations on 60K subs James! I have learned more about roofs from you than any other single source. This video is an example of why. Thank you James!!

[@AZExpert]

Wow, thanks!

[@Fix-it-tony]

I coated and added solar panels, works just fine, cost effective.

[@YallAintRight]

I was just watching you replace the roof of the mini Winnie

[@lisawolfer9322]

Thank you for another great video!

[@sailorjohnboy2325]

I was wondering if we'd see Chad and he made a cameo appearance.

[@slamboy66]

I'm sure the tennis players love the multitool.

[@ChristianTravelers]

Thank You for that knowledge. Going to check where our 2012 Itasca Reyo roof meets the sidewalls now! Question: Other than because the owner of that Sightseer asked you, why would you replace the filon with filon? Is there better alternative like 60 mil TPO or 120 mil spray-on roof that comes with a lifetime guarantee or is the filon the best?

[@MrPenguinLife]

I am amazed how thin the roof is compared to my 2002 Safari Trek, but they may just be that I just installed a new roof air conditioner last week.

[@botillman-c8t]

Thanks James great videos your helping a lot I got a question for you how many gallons of staybond 183/440 do I need for 36 ‘ horizon thanks

[@daviscrt]

I was looking to upgrade / downsize from my 2004 bounder to a 25ft Winnebago navion / view. I guess not now. Thanks Don

[@AZExpert]

the navion have the same roof design but are much smaller and very uncommon to have this issue.

[@daviscrt]

@@AZExpert Thank you

[@KP-oe8sk]

FILON!!!???? Should be called FLY OFF!!!!!!!!HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!! love your vids!!!!

[@AZExpert]

I saw a huge strip of it in the median of I-10 just west of Blythe, CA yesterday

[@pepsiisme1]

Were can I get my roof Replaced 2016 Wnnebago vista 35 F Louisville KY

[@friendlyman9032]

This was great

[@2ndCH4NCE]

2010 Itasca Navion 24A. Subscribed.

[@kcgunesq]

I am a bit unclear about one thing. Will Dicor stick to silicone?

[@eliteent02]

So just to be clear as I am going to be installing a Dish Tailgater satellite dish this weekend, I can use Dicor to caulk the new screws and holes as there is no silicone used where I am installing. Thanks in advance for your answer.

[@AZExpert]

If there is no old sealant you can put whatever sealant you'd like.

[@icare7151]

Winnie needs new roof construction methods.

[@dueljet]

I thought that per Winnebago, there are periodic aluminum square tube framing members. That is disappointing to say the least.

[@travis1572]

What material would you use for a roof replacement? For a new roof

[@terryjensen72]

I am about to replace my uncle’s roof on his very similar model. Most of the fiberglass blew off and I have at least one sheet of decking to replace and he wants to switch to tpo rubber and I’m having a heck of a time finding the curved metal flashing for the sides. Any advice where to find the stuff

[@dukesworld3020]

We are considering getting a class C 30ft or a Class A 30ft Gas. What do you think about the Ford V10 engine? Congratulations on 60K subs.

[@frankshiffer588]

James, how do you roll the edges down with the adhesive and get it in between the roof and rail?

[@shanonofthekeep]

Hi what brand of self sealing silicone do you use. I have a 2003 Winnebago sight seer. I can only find Dicor self leveling and you said to not use Dicor on a. Winnebago. Thanks

[@TimothyMichaels]

Have you ever replaced the inside white carpet material on ceiling? Is it easier, worse, or same as exterior repair?

[@kenj.8897]

Can I put Dicor over silicone? Have you ever addressed that before . I don't listen very well .👍

[@keepsakefilmco]

I’m thinking of buying a 2004 it’s a meridian 32T with the 5.9 Cummins. Is the meridian roof the same as this one? What is the cost to replace a roof if it’s ever needed?

[@FisherPost]

You would pick a Ford version instead of Workhorse. I’m curious as to why? My class C has the Chevy Workhorse and it seems fine- although most are Ford powered.

[@NoelBarlau]

You need to sell t-shirts that say "Another day, another Winnebago roof." Does it take about one day to strip it down? A question - how much does having a salvage/rebuilt title typically reduce the resale value of a Class A? I'm looking at one from Copart and want to know what to expect when I go to resell eventually. My intention is to keep it and use it for many years, but one must think ahead about these things. Congrats on 60k!

[@us624]

What is the recommended self leveling silicone?

[@bonbokla]

HI HOW MUSH IS IT APROXIMATLY TO REPLACE A 2007 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER 35J ROOF IM IN FL JUST TO HAVE AN IDEA. THANKS

[@arnoldmariani8003]

I need to replace my I need the components especially the filon. the glue to adhere do you Luan to the styrofoam the glue for the filon to the luan... would appreciate information on originally used filon

[@philgalvan7777]

Thanks for posting your videos. I've learned alot about roof repair. I WAS looking at a 2012 Itasca Suncruiser here in Arizona. Using some of your inspection methods, I got on the roof and it looked pretty good but am now hesitant after watching your videos. In one of your videos you mentioned seeing more problems in the 2012 to 2018 year range on Winnebago roofs. I guessing that applies to Itasca also??? Love for you to inspect the roof on this one. What do you charge? How do I get ahold of you?

[@charlesnone4628]

ok i get dont use dicor over silicon. Is proflex OK? actually I have an itasca 2014, scraped/polled out old roof joint and resealed with proflex, six months in it is looking good. you see any problems with that ? thank you so much in advance

[@KlintSiemsen]

Im trying to replace the roof on 1999 winnebago adventurer. The previous owner replaced the roof with rubber and i would like to go back to fiberglass. All I see for filion rolls are 8.5 ft and it looks to me like ill need closer to 9ft. Does anyone sell 9ft wide rolls? Thanks

[@therealjayseh]

Funniest thing to me is, when people are in shock that they need a new roof deck on their Winnebago, they don't realize that the condensation gets between the fiberglass sheet and has nowhere to evaporate to except into the wood. Rotting it away. I would take a rubber roof any day over a fiberglass. 🥂

[@mattkvacik2769]

Interesting thought, rubber roofs come loose too, and if sealed will not let the condensation out, correct?

[@therealjayseh]

@@mattkvacik2769 lol it's not a thought really but more laws of nature. And yes, indeed rubber will too have their own set of issues, especially if they have an air pocket or warping. It's ultra rare they come unglued from the wood substrate decking, like almost unheard of, however if they do come undone, it's easier than baking a cherry pie to reglue it back down. When I got my RV 7 years ago, btw which is a pretty nice version of a motorhome ,( you can watch my 2 videos) anyways, the roof was like a water bed because of how thick the silicone roof coating was and some water protruded under it and collected lol It's a crowned roof, not a flat roof & I didn't find it very funny at the time, but I had to redo all of it and I am very fortunate none of the water soaked through the rubber into the paper thin decking.. Only God knows how long it was like that. I guess I'm also fortunate that my RV actually has metal framing in the roof/ceilings. I'd trade a fylon roof with no framing for a rubber roof with structural metal framing any day of the week and twice on Sunday. 🥂 Cheers, happy trails!

[@Original_SJB]

IA rhe front cap on a 2008 itasca the same with the differnt lenght screws

[@markdemedeiros3239]

James...Mark here and I have a question for you. I finally decided to do the floor in my Tiffen Allegro Red...actually I had to because after severe rains here in .ca. I went to look inside my motor home and to my surprise water had entered and damaged the old floor right behind the driver seat. I have not been able to figure out how the water got in there. To my surprise when I pulled the old flooring out this problem had occurred before and I found a section of the sub floor had been cut out and replaced. We had to do the exact same thing removing the plywood patch as well as the foam insulation as we found mold. Treated the rust forming on the subfloor framing, installed new 1.5 inch insulation and installed a new plywood patch, coated the subfloor with red G aurd, put down a thin underlayment then installed a quick lock vinyl floor and it looks fabulous. I still don't know where this water came from. I even sat in the motor home while it was raining and did not see water entering anywhere. Any ideas James I'm at a loss and don't want my new floor to get damaged...Again. I thought you may have run across this before. We are in Buckeye As. For the NASCAR race this weekend and are mouch docking at the relatives. I'd love for you to have a look if at all possible. Thanks James.

[@AZExpert]

Did it get in through the slide?

[@markdemedeiros3239]

@@AZExpert No , at least not from the top or down the side behind the driver seat. These areas showed no evidence of intrusion. I did however find a small exterior hole where a piece of the corner trim broke off and where the rivet went left a small hole which I have since sealed with silicone. Water access through this hole would have traveled into the lower area of the slide and possibly dropped at the area where the slide ends when it is closed up. This is the only thing I have found so far. I'm at a loss to be honest.

[@scottthompson5272]

Where did you find 9’ filon?

[@justmakingit7491]

Will silicone stick where the dicore was ?

[@ryangwin1318]

I'm currently redoing a 9 x 40 winnebago adventurer and I can't locate filon that's wide enough to replace the old. Everyone only has 102" ( 8.5' width) and it's about 8 inches too narrow. HELP! where can I order material? I have an exposed new deck. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

all-rite.com

[@PoolBoy840]

Not me using dicor on top of self leveling silicone 😅

[@Charger1908]

James I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time but I don’t believe I ever asked you this question. What is the average price to replace a roof on a 37 or 38 foot motor home with an epdm roof? I know there are other expenses that pop up but just an average. Thanks!

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

When i sell my house a buy a Super C to live in, first question i'm going to ask... how is the roof constructed.

[@michelmichael8957]

Hi James I have a Winnebago roof on my 2014 aspect 30J. What exactly which sealers do I need to put in the front cap that meets the roof. I’ve noticed like your said there is no sealant. It’s original from the factory. Thank you James

[@AZExpert]

factory uses nuflex 311 or heng's self leveling silicone

[@michelmichael8957]

@@AZExpert Thank you so much. I learn so much from watching you I believe I can make my rv last me along time, with all the tips you provide us.

[@ernestbrothers1298]

Wow never seen you use a tapping device so much. Not ready to do roof at your shop yet?

[@AZExpert]

It's complicated, but was easier at Cassone's

[@shellymb]

Kinda like removing wallpaper

[@thetravelingkittens1393]

Do you find the class A’s have more roof issues than the class C’s?

[@mattkvacik2769]

Not a chance on that.

[@PatrickOneal-nl7xk]

winnebagos roofs are the biggest reason i would not purchase one.

[@timmysrvlife]

Yet another Winnebago roof😂. I will make sure to steer away from Winnebago in the future.

[@Smoothstroker]

#2

[@djfoxalaska]

Given the fact that the economy is crashing and rvs are losing value. is it worth investing a lot of money??

[@slamboy66]

My ex used a putty knife to take her makeup off.

[@dickthemooner]

James, my roof is in excellent shape being stored inside its whole life but I want to insure no issues going forward. What do you recommend for a sealer over top of the Winnebago fiberglass roof? my Adventurer is a 2001, 35U. I’ve seen many companies pushing their products life Flex Seal or Rv Armor. I am fully capable of maintenance work so I want to do a sealer of some kind over the fiberglass. What do you recommend other than a new roof like you do? i can’t afford a $10k roof install. Thank you sir for your excellent videos!! Richard

[@rickl6697]

What do you screw the solar panels down to? That 1/8" luan doesn't look very substantial to screw a solar panel to. Thanks for posting.

[@mitchellgallinger5096]

Typical Winnebago junk- then and now

[@Premier-Media-Group]

So, does Dicor stick to silicone? Asking for a friend...

[@larrymiller8210]

I have a 20 year old winnebago roof. A few lose spots. But keep it sealed. One place I checked wanted $300 ft. At 36 ft looking at $10,000. But if the motorhome is in good shape like mine, that's cheaper than a newer, worse built motorhome. Winnebago years ago built a good motorhome. Just looked at a 2016 Itasca same as mine. $275,000. The difference is a nicer paint job. Still built with the same heaters, water heaters as mine. Newer does not mean less problems, just saying!

[@TimothyMichaels]

I fully understand what you're saying, but ouch, that's a hefty chunk of change. The only roof repair I can afford is a tarp.

[@rayhurd3554]

Great video, how much would this job cost?

[@icare7151]

Another Winnie moldy, As we learn a thing or two. Don’t worry, RV expert will fix it, Way better than when it was new, So the owner can enjoy many fun journeys, While sipping a cold brew or two.

[@AZExpert]

LOL Nice!

[@bounderchris]

Why would you want the ford f53 and not the workhorse? I’ve had multiple f53’s and the workhorse i have is so so much nicer in every way

[@AZExpert]

The engine is very loud and very hot on the workhorse and the A/C has bad design for the desert heat.While production number may not be the best indicator of quality, it is a very long lasting platform with readily available parts and service. The V10 is a great engine too, while the Workhorse is a GM clone, it was it's own company that never seemed well thought out or supported

[@johns4452]

I tackled a new bathroom vent fan project last year and was scared to death. Looking at this video of yours and I’m like “thank god for people like you who can do this work”! (Thanks for your help-v8)

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@lifequest7453]

Your roof fix is sort of out there.. why would you make a seam then place a molding over it? What school of roof repair did you come from? Maybe I am old school but it looks to me the loose roof material needs to be cut off, then apply roof cloth saturate with a rubber product like Kool Seal, then apply cloth over the seam between the old roof and new roof material sealing the seam, now Coat the entire roof with the new roof material. around the vents you will use the cloth material to seal seams. My RV had a molding that went down the side of the rv front to rear, sealing the roof to the side. It was recommened and I did do it, to use the roof cloth to seal the roof, OVER the moldling so water could never get under that molding. It was a good tight seal, with no leaks. If you want a guarantee that the aircon seal wont ever leak, you place a 3/4 inch strip of wood around the 14 inch hole, use roof cloth and saturate running up and over the 3/4 inch wood, sealing the seam from roof to wood strip. The Air con seal will sit on the strip coated with roof material and the air con sits on the seal. That strip will never leak because it is intrical with the roof materal. I had done something similar to this 20 years ago. I sold the RV 15 years after and it still had a perfect leak free roof. SILICONE SEALANT.... Our RV group STOPPED using silicone 10 years ago. Silicone goes on easy enough but it comes lose, it does not take weather well and will start to leak. Silicone is terrible to get off, even the leaking silicone is partially stuck on the body and if you are painting, you have to get it all off because as you know, paint won't stick to silicone. Manytimes we thought we had all the silicone off, tried to paint and the silicone shows its ugly face again. USE something else and dont tell people to use silicone. It is not as great as you are saying it is and can cause bigger problems than you started with... I wouldn't do what you are suggesting at all.

[@richardsmith5689]

i have a 2006 Winnebago aspect 29h that i am working and having it wrapped. the roof is not leaking but would like to put a coat on it. RV clear coat and decals where bad look as it set out in the sun all the and not really to care of. so i rescued it and bring it back up to par. all the seals are still i good condition going to replace the two fans so what would you recommend to paint the roof with thanks you any info you give love you videos thanks for taking to time to share you passion.

[@RebeccaRaven]

James, will dicor stick to silicone? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Lasertrac]

Awesome video, clarity in information and process. Great job

[@nomehdrider]

Cool, pickleball courts

[@gregmoore3420]

I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you!

[@roycampsall9614]

Hi James, can a rubber roof be replaced with FILON? I have a 2003 Thor Chateau sport that has a rubber roof and I am not sure whether it is original. I bought it used and there are no leaks but the previous owners used a roof sealer on it. The motorhome is 29 ft long. Thanks.

[@bulletsonofagun7413]

The winds in New Mexico tore the roof off our 2000 Winnebago Adventurer in 2019 and the insurance totaled it and gave us $22,000. I bought it back for $1,000 and using your videos and $900 I redid the roof and sold the coach for $8000. I felt a little guilty about it all because I nay paid $4000 for the coach to begin with. But I got over it and bought a 42 ft DP. Thanks for all the info you share to the RV people.

[@frankshiffer588]

Wow, you are one lucky fellow, they could have denied the claim due to neglect. I've heard James say that is the worst, to find out without an inspection or maintence it's neglect, yet Winnebago or the insurance company never mentions it.