Inspecting a 2005 Newmar DutchStar Roof

In our on-going roof inspection series I decided to add another Newmar roof. Though this is a luxury diesel pusher, Newmar put TPO membrane as the roof material on their diesel pushers for years. I think of them as a hybrid roofing system as the radius corners are metal. At any rate here is what to look for.
For the Dicor haters, this is the 16 year old original sealant on this roof so it does last a long time if maintained.
get dicor here:
amzn.to/3gYkmIY

[@bonniejohnson1518]

many Newmar owners prefer the BrighTeck roof because its quiet in rain storms....they can last 30 or more years if taken care of......Willie

[@mikesanchez2046]

Learn a lot from your videos gracias my friend

[@hillbillyrv]

Yay !!!!! Another roof inspection. Glad you are back to work and looking refreshed and ready to go.

[@AZExpert]

I'm not sure I'm refreshed but thanks!

[@seattlesteve1]

Really looks good for a 16 year old roof. I have been told TPO reflects more than 40% more heat than fiberglass, so good for desert environments. Fiberglass is also much heavier, and more weight up high always means a poorer ride, especially in wind, and a lower CCC. So TPO has its place.

[@AZExpert]

I do like TPO more than rubber, but weight or reflective savings should not be an issue on a diesel at this price point.

[@503pv]

Does the roofing need repair if it has bubble in middle area?

[@AZExpert]

yes

[@bonniejohnson1518]

the bright tech roofs can last 30 years if taken care of. Many like them because they are much quieter in the rain than fiberglass roofs.............Willie

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the comment

[@philw7174]

Thanks for the inspection. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

You bet!

[@bonniejohnson1518]

the small solar panel is a tickle charge battery tender to keep the battery topped off when the motor home is not in use...it works well for that purpose ......Willie

[@AZExpert]

Yes

[@AsherRV]

Good quality video as always. I've got an 04 Kountry star I believe in going to have to do a deep dive roof repair. Maybe I can talk my buddy James into flying out for the process

[@rstspecos]

Must have been garage kept... Really looks good up there for the age

[@AZExpert]

I think so too

[@SpykersB]

Wonder how much exposure the roof has had, like do you say if it was stored indoors? But thx, you reinforce what to look for while inspecting. Learned so much from you....builds confidence. Cheers 🍻

[@AZExpert]

it is in good shape for sure, I'd guess stored under cover at least but the paint was in good shape

[@ronniecardy]

Don't know how my bell got cut off

[@SpykersB]

Decapitated bell 😳, 🤣......YT’s algorithm isn’t so rhythmic.

[@AZExpert]

me either

[@strangecraft5861]

I came here to make first comment but you're just too popular

[@AZExpert]

you got to be fast!

[@DLTJR1959]

I like the construction methodology. I hate the TPO. Put aluminum on the top and IMHO that is the best roof money can buy.

[@AZExpert]

metal is best but can make construction and accessories difficult

[@FixItStupid]

Yes Thank You

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome

[@rss608]

TV antenna is worthless. I rarely can get a signal these days. Next time I have a problem with it I'll replace it with a wifi extender. sat dishes are old tech. now. better to chuck them and install a starlink unit... wire it through the old sat wire pass through. One thing you didn't mention is that the older newmars use aluminum for their roof trusses and if folks walk around on the roof a lot they tend to come un-heliarced or weld breaks. It makes the roof feel soft when this happens. not important unless there are a lot of them at the same time.

[@jimfrazer5428]

Great video James. My 2005 Mountain Aire gasser has the same roof and it gives a tiny bit all over when walking on it. No leaks ever. I inspect and clean it all the time. The problem with metal radius is the clear checks faster than the fiberglass radius. Im painting mine this spring.

[@donjackson4883]

What would you use to replace this roof if you found extensive damage and what would the best solution cost?

[@pierre-andrejean8480]

Hello, the 2005 Dutch Star I am considering has a soft spot on the roof of about 1 foot by 2 foot near the rear AC, you can walk on it but it's somewhat soft. How can I inspect it to determine how extensive the damage is. Also, should I want to repair it, can I remove the membrane and put it back after the repair is done, the membrane is in very good condition. I am thinking of removing the AC and see the inside the roof, also remove speakers in the room to see inside the roof/ceiling before doing anything else. Thanks in advance! PA

[@rss608]

newmars have aluminum heliarced roof trusses. the welds break some times especially if folks walk around on the roof a lot. I'd replace your AC gasket, seal the bottom to the roof. you won't be able to see anything with the AC removed due to the ducting.

[@michaelmorris5299]

The roof repair company in Georgia never uses any RV sealants. They demonstrate welding TPO around seams to the roof. They construct boxes covered with TPO that overlaps and is welded to the roof TPO. Please explain why you use RV sealants and have never researched sealants that are in general use? Describe the difference in effectiveness between a welded TPO roof seam and the use of sealants that have to be replaced every few years and are prone to leak and trap water?

[@AZExpert]

they make a very good roof system that does not rely on sealant unlike the RV installation method. Welded TPO is superior and the material is much thicker.

[@rickc9873]

Original roof ? Looks terrific !

[@AZExpert]

yes very original, including the sealant

[@markstench4470]

Thank you for the rolling commentary as you do that you are educating people , thanks for that.

[@AZExpert]

I appreciate that

[@rickl6697]

I've commented to you before about our 2003 Newmar Dutch Star Diesel pusher that I replaced the entire roof decking and TPO on (it is fleeced backed)that I ordered from Newmar. In '03 our roof decking looked like paneling with a vinyl wall covering facing downward. This is for a vapor barrier. I used 1/2" A/C plywood and primed the underside as I couldn't find an affordable vinyl wallpaper. Our coach is a 3804 (39') model and the aluminum radius on ours is one piece, but fairly thin. Under that is a very thick and stiff aluminum piece. Our roof would still still be going strong if not for the rear A/C mounting bolts. All four of the mounting bolts are outside of the A/C gasket (which I was unaware of). We bought it used in 2016. Once the roof feels spongey around the ac, it maybe too late. I would HIGHLY recommend anyone with ducted roof airs to look under their ac for the 4 external mounting bolts and keep them properly sealed. Not all ducted roof ac's maybe like this but you need to check and know. I could kick myself for not checking but I literally had no idea. If I can save just one person from this bad outcome then this horribly long comment will have been worth it? I only wish I had known. Love your videos James, keep up the outstanding work you do. Thank you !

[@AZExpert]

thank you. I know that spongey feeling too well

[@thecemeteryguy]

Your awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@Maidendg]

I was so excited to see a Newmar roof like mine, but mine isn't nearly as clean. I bought a 27' 2006 Mountain Aire (gas) and had it NRVIA inspected before purchase. I was wondering why the metal strip that joined the tpo roof and metal didn't have most of the screws covered in Dicor, its good to know that just the sides have to be well covered. My inspector said at the top of the ladder the roof is squishy but doesn't see any signs of water damage inside. There is a hefty amount of Dicor around the ladder where it's attached to the roof. I'm wondering if the previous owner carried his "heavy satellite" up that ladder and dropped it, would that make it squishy like that? Also the "decorative" insert you popped back in, my inspector saw a huge outward bend on that railing above and next to the entrance door. Again I'm thinking the previous owner dropped his "heavy satellite" (his words) when taking it down from the roof. To me it looked like a big issue if rain got in there. He did seal it up with silicone and sent me a picture of it afterwards. I also had the slide topper rubber partly missing like that and I was worried about rain but glad to see I don't have to worry about that. Thanks for the great informative video!

[@badgerpa9]

Must be nice to find 3 fairly simple things on a roof. Coach looks nice. Stay safe and healthy.

[@AZExpert]

It was surprising how well it held up

[@LayloNewt]

Great info, Thanks for yet another informative video.

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dmtudder]

I am helping a friend with this exact roof. I’m swapping out an ac with bad compressor. The access is top only. With 4 lag screws holding the ac down. All four are outside the 14” opening and gasket. His problem is one of the lag bolts has been leaking. He won’t redo roof and it’s soft but only for a couple feet. On the new ac I will clean prep and patch the holes. install sheet metal between the ceiling and tpo. Reinstall penguin ac using same holes making sure to grab into sheet metal and get some pressure onto the gasket. Any thoughts ?

[@dmtudder]

The leak was from a poor installation from the factory. They installed the front two lag screws and then decided the location was wrong. They moved the ac, re-installed but never repaired the original holes. This roof is fiberglass with aluminum side transitions. I used fiberglass filler to repair all 6 holes and then reinstalled the new ac using their install method. I added 18 gauge sheet metal underneath the 1/2 plywood. pre drilled 5/16 lag crews at 1/4 inch and had good feedback on the lag screw torque down. The only issue I had with the repair was sliding the sheet metal into the 14x14 hole. I had to address screws holding the plywood to the frame in two areas. Used oscillating multi-tool.

[@lorrieleaver2447]

Always a pleasure James ✊🏼💫

[@NigelM18]

We have a 2001 DutchStar and I could've sworn I read somewhere the roof is BriteTEK? BriteTEK is a product of Carlisle Syntec Incorporated, a leader in commercial roofing materials. Designed specifically for the RV industry, Carlisle membranes are the first choice of RV manufacturers. They have received the Energy Star rating for environmental efficiency and are backed by the industry’s only 12-year warranty.

[@AZExpert]

you are corect. Dicor BritTEK is just a RV industry brand name from Carlisle

[@lyon406]

Sooo, according to many owners manuals of the motor homes I have inspected, the roof needs to be inspected every 6 months. The original or existing sealing material needs to be removed before applying any fresh sealer. This TPO rubber will rip or wrinkle when you try to remove the old sealer. I have seen roofs that have been sealed three-four times and they just layer on the sealer. I walk across a wet roof and I see bubbles coming from under the sealer. Also another sign is spot dirt accumulation along sealer, indicating a leak. Inside the motor home I find water staining along the outer edges and inside the air vent compartments (take out the vents). This is a major roof repair and cannot be fixed with just sealing the roof.

[@AZExpert]

you make good points, bi-annual inspections is much better than annual. A roof reseal could be done once without peeling but peeling is better. The touch ups are mostly preventative. If the skylight or vent was leaking, the leak needs to be fixed first not just cap sealed.

[@jeffsacobrabuildadventureg2350]

Your awesome, Can you please do a video on PVC roof ??? you have done no PVC roofs repair or install? that I can see? Thanks and keep it up I learn a ton from you!! Thanks Jeff from california

[@AZExpert]

I will as soon as I get one. The good news is I have not had to fix one or replace one since theyve been out

[@nomadbiker4040]

James, what do you think of the "RV Armor" entire roof sealant that says it's guaranteed for life?

[@AZExpert]

I have my doubts about lifetime warranties on anything, it coats the roof just fine, but can be used as a band aid unfortunately.

[@kbVACArestatecarsnrvs]

I've got a 2005 FR Georgetown XL with a one piece fiberglass roof that was supposed to be replaced by the factory in 2009 after I had numerous front and rear leaks 1st several years of ownership (3rd time they picked it up in VA taking it to Elkhart IN) and the last couple of years it feels like I have soft spots in several areas but haven't had any roof leaks (but have 2 slides that have moisture problems in side walls). No leaks but soft spots in roof under the fiberglass? I'm confused. Oh I just replaced 3 sewer vent caps and found 1 that was covering a hole in the roof but there's no pipe in the front area over the cockpit! FR have been liars many times. Need to get my rig to you to save it from more ruin!

[@AZExpert]

often sewer vents are used for satellite prewire points too

[@kbVACArestatecarsnrvs]

@@AZExpert I did have that cross my mind since it was at that particular location on the roof. Thanks for the reply and information you provide. **Did my first HWH change out this past weekend with some help from a lifelong friend. Suburban SW6DE. Another notch in the belt!

[@6582rg]

Looks like a nice pre DEF coach. In all your years as a tech have you ever fallen off a roof?

[@AZExpert]

it is a very nice RV

[@Tony_in_AZ]

Drove past Premium RV a week ago... I waved.

[@AZExpert]

lol

[@stevest.martin3940]

I would not buy a TPO roof, I can’t believe Fleetwood is still using TPO on there diesel coaches.

[@AZExpert]

it does see strange to me too

[@rss608]

TPO it self is a good roofing material, like all moho's that vibrate and flex down the road it is the seams that fail. A good silicon rubber roofing coating will do a great job as long as the previous leaks and roof trusses are in good condition. the trick removing any oils from the TPO before coating.

[@joeparker7423]

Back at work for you 😢 is good for us! Thanks for video.

[@AZExpert]

You’re welcome 😊

[@sydneybird116]

Thanks for the video! I have a 2001 Fleetwood Bounder 31W with a TPO roof that was in Alaska most of it's life. The roof looks perfectly fine but I was wondering if I should coat it with a product like RV Roof Magic just to give it a sunscreen. Or, is it better to replace it before it springs a leak? Is 20 years pushing it? I haven't seen a video or recommendation for a prophylactic roof replacement. Phoenix AZ uncovered environment at least the past 3 years.

[@AZExpert]

I don't generally like fixing things that aren't broke, a coating won't hurt I'd recommend a silicone one like henry's amzn.to/2Q00rhO

[@sydneybird116]

@@AZExpert Thanks for your advice!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Appreciate this James. Perfect timing! Was rhe mirror damage replaced?

[@AZExpert]

yes, brand new and beautiful

[@loualiberti4781]

Your Vids Rule !!

[@AZExpert]

thank you!

[@hcrffi]

👍👍 16 years old? Wow.

[@AZExpert]

I agree, that's why I still have faith in Dicor sealant

[@ckm-mkc]

I almost bought one of these, interesting.

[@AZExpert]

it's a nicec unit

[@KevinCoop1]

James, You started the video indicating TPO was not a good choice. But going through the video, you seamed to find nothing wrong on a 16 year old roof. Seems that TPO is not a bad choice. I think I read that the TPO roof on our Thor has 20 year warranty. May not be worth much, but it is a number of years. Food for thought, maybe you could get samples of several roof membrane materials and give pros and cons and maybe what sealants to use or not or absolutely do not use on each. Respectfully, Kevin

[@AZExpert]

TPO is a good product but it's also a price point issue. Newmars are top end RVs and diesels. All the competitors will have a single or seamless fiberglass roofs that are not torn by branches and be longer lasting at a lower price. They were just very slow to change construction, they still build most of their slides the same way as they did in 1996

[@KevinCoop1]

@@AZExpert Ok, so for upper end class A, TPO is unusual. I get it. Thanks James