Can a 25 Year-old RV Roof Be Saved? 1996 Safari Trek

A channel viewer contacted me to evaluate his 1996 Safari Trek roof. It did have moderate delamination and decades worth of re-sealing. Though a new roof would have been ideal, it would have also exceeded the value of the RV. After going through the options, we agreed that the old components should be replaced and all the seams be torn down to the base and then re-sealed. So join me as I discover mistakes the factory made over 24 years ago when building this 1996 Trek. Thanks!

[@bc45776]

The time that you take to film these videos while you are so busy is a true testament that you truly want to help people! I know it must slow you down to stop what your doing to film. Who likes to be interrupted when they are right in the middle of such a labor intensive job??? No one!!! My hat is off to you Sir!! I feel your channel will someday be huge. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

Wow thank you so much for the kind words. Truthfully, it does make work take longer in order to "get the shot" and I feel silly talking to myself, but knowing that people enjoy the videos makes me happy. Thank you again for the encouragement!!

[@TheDavelynn]

You need a vibrating multitool. Awesome for tackling GRP roofs. Also great for separating sealant joints Love your videos, by the way.

[@robertthompson6958]

Man life is good. Two videos in one week. Thanks James.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you, it's nice to be encouraged!!

[@PaulEckelman]

Perfect. This is my RV, a 1996 Safari Trek. 2430 model. Have to do each opening. Will remove the crank up antenna. We use a leaf antenna instead.

[@AZExpert]

Sounds great!

[@larryreno8293]

You’re truly a brave soul. So much could have gone wrong with that hot mess. Great job!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you. I was very surprised by all the rusted screws and loose caps on a unit this old and with no soft spots on the roof.

[@meverly7834]

I’m redoing an old every roof right now and you’re making me feel a lot better about how long it’s taking me.

[@enjoyingretirement4846]

You did an excellent job again videoing and I love the details you give.

[@AZExpert]

That is really encouraging, as editing is not an activity I find very enjoyable. Thank you again!

[@Tom-Fisherman]

Proof that what you do is more of an art than it is a simple job. You make it look easy! Great video again.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much :)

[@ericgalant9932]

I have really learned a lot and have had my mind put at ease watching your videos. Thank you.

[@AZExpert]

Glad to hear it!

[@melvinawisus5914]

Another well done and very informative video. Very good instructional production. Thank you for all the time and work that you've put into your many projects!

[@AZExpert]

thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it!

[@brandonbeasley4601]

I've watched a lot of your videos but really appreciate this one. My dad gave me his 93 safari because it started leaking and he just doesn't have the energy for it anymore. I think it's similar to what's going on here and I think I can at least patch it up and get a few more years out of it

[@wayneg5593]

Lived in Peoria,AZ. For fifteen yrs. Can understand your frustrations with the “fun in the sun” ! Back here in MN. , I’m still putting into practice your tips for our. -32 temps. Keep on keeping on !

[@AZExpert]

Sometimes I think I would rather be hot than cold!

[@lacrossed55]

Love these overhaul vids.

[@AZExpert]

thank you, I'll keep them coming.

[@fmerkl]

Smoke detectors are great for covering holes in ceilings ! Not just in RV's ! My sons rental apartment when he was in college needed 2 due to a potato gun !! LOL

[@alexrateliff4784]

I enjoy learning from your work. I'm getting ready to take on a front cap and wall rebuild on a 2010 Jayco Octane ZX toy hauler. It's all aluminum sides with a Rubber roof. Previous owner covered up the rotten areas before he put it up for sale. I wasn't smart enough to find them when I bought it. Lesson learned. Anyway, you're good at what you do and you're modest about your talents. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@masapell]

Great, informative video!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you!!!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Your work ethic is impeccable James. Really appreciate the insights you share. Videoing your work pretty much doubles your time spent as well. Thank you for helping the rest of us. If you were to monetize your channel and/or establish patreon or some other membership, I would join. I believe most of us would as well. It is definitely worth a small fee each month to have access to your information and repair insight... to help compensate your time invested.

[@AZExpert]

I really appreciate your support and comments. While the channel is monetized I have resisted having patreon or memberships as I think it would cause me stress worrying that I am not giving enough value to those subscribers. I am considering a Q&A video shortly. I am just happy you and others seem to enjoy the content.

[@DavidHBurkart]

@@AZExpert ...I understand & you are wise to consider that. Who needs more stress in their life. Thanks for what you do. You are helping a lot of folks

[@DavidHBurkart]

You are like the RV Savant 👍👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks!

[@azsk69]

Totally

[@rickboretirementplan]

You do good work and that is a nice rv well worth saving.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you. The owners were in the process of painting the interior. I think they should have many years of enjoyment now and hopefully some peace of mind.

[@peckerpeter2078]

@@AZExpert They should of put a new roof on and get 25+years of worry free problems down the road. They have lifetime spray on roofs now I think armor guard or something like that. Seen some videos off it done, looks very nice and that warranty hard to pass on. In your professional opinion, do you think that would be an option for an RV like this or is it something to steer away from?

[@hillbillyrv]

Looks great sir. That was a big job. I have spent many hours scraping old sealer off of roofs. Been a long time since I worked on an old Trec. Safari motor homes were the shizzle when I started in the industry 25 years ago.

[@AZExpert]

I remember those days too. All in all...they do tend to hold up much better than most RVs so I guess that a testament to their construction. Thanks!

[@hillbillyrv]

Yes sir. I have seen a few on the road in recent years, but just haven't had the privilege to work on one for a while.

[@nathan38401]

Recently I have started using a oscillating multi-tool with a scraper blade to clean old sealant. Works great and so much quicker.

[@AZExpert]

I had considered it, but with the multiple layers of different sealant, I did not want to dig into the roof itself as it can be very easy with the age of the fiberglass. That original sealant was very rubbery anyway. Thanks!

[@philw7174]

The owner should be happy with your work. I sure would be. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

I hope they were! I always like when I don't hear from them again lol

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@AZExpert]

you're welcome!!

[@patrickmclaughlin6013]

That's my favorite RV. My dream RV.

[@AZExpert]

These were a clever RV for the time, such big bathrooms in a small RV!

[@patrickmclaughlin6013]

@@AZExpert I really like the 25 mpg Isuzu diesel matted with an Alison transmission too.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Pretty good shape for an old roof. That’s a labor intensive job. Not a ton of water damage. I’d hope to get another 10 years out of it. Looks nice now.

[@AZExpert]

I think they should get quite a bit of life out it too. It really is the most important part of a RV, I'm glad they decided to go with a better repair with all new components. Thanks!

[@lg8932]

About to embark on doing the roof on my 1996 Rexhall motorhome. Have a new Maxxair fan, for the bathroom, new Wineguard dome antenna but, after watching this it will probably be best to replace the other vent and the skylight while I'm at it. When a roof is 25+ years old, it's pretty much worn out 💸

[@AZExpert]

I think it's best policy to replace all the roof component too when doing a roof

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

Been there. I used a heat gun to soften a lot of the hard crap. Owner if lucky that his wood isn't rotten. Awesome job.

[@AZExpert]

Yes, I was very concerned when I removed the components I'd find lots of rot. The butyl sealant under all that lap sealant becomes a nightmare if it gets too hot, but I had it in the sun to help soften the rest. Thank you!!

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

Great job ..i bet the hands were hurting after that job. RJ traveling the east coast of Australia

[@AZExpert]

Yes they were quite sore, seemed like I hit my hand with the hammer more than the putty knife. Thanks!!

[@kellypayne272]

Great work! What sealant did you use in this roof? Think we need to scrape and reseal the 1994 Trek we just picked up.

[@jamesgritz404]

by watching your roof videos I got up and cleaned my roof and seen that it too is showing its age I have a 2006 travel trailer and I can see the black coming through I thought about coating it but seen your video of coating one now I'm not sure thats a good idea.

[@timpaulus4922]

Ever try a cordless oscillating tool with scraper blade. Put wire brush on a 4 1/2" cordless grinder works great!!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@gawags4709]

Nothing wrong with adding an oscillating multi tool to your arsenal of work tools. I recently purchased the dewalt version. Makes scraping sealant off a much more manageable task. I was surprised at how well it worked.

[@AZExpert]

I have two oscillating tools, but with the textured roof and the material being FRP, the tool can easily plunge into the roof and cut it. I also found the factory sealant to peel away almost completely clean as long as I pulled and stretched it. It was just so difficult to find the screws and original sealant through all the additional layers. Thanks!!!

[@gawags4709]

@@AZExpert Yes finding the screws through that many layers is exhausting. Well at least now I know why they use so many screws at the factory. It's because half of the screws don't seem to grab much of anything. Be safe and stay healthy!

[@PaulEckelman]

What sealant did you use, please. Thank you.

[@TheFeliceSkye]

WOW. I’m new to your channel and have seen you work wonders! You always take such care with these roof repairs, I honestly thought that was your specialty. I really wish I lived closer to AZ (I’m in the midwest) because I honestly believe you can save my 1987 (Chevy) Aerolite by Establishment mini motorhome. Everything is great on it and it runs well, but the roof leaks. Do you have any experience with working with the roof on those? My dad, who’s really handy, is gonna help me fix it but, I can’t figure out what it’s made of. Do you know?

[@AZExpert]

First, thank you very much. Second, I couldn't really say without seeing the roof. There are usually 3 types of roofs, membrane, metal, fiberglass. A membrane roof will feel rubbery and soft. Probably the easiest way to find out would be to remove a small sewer vent or remove the ceiling garnish around a vent from the inside and look to see if there are membrane flaps or a visible cross section of the roof. Thanks!

[@TheFeliceSkye]

AZ Expert thanks so much for responding. I removed the ceiling garnish around the vents and there is no flap. The body is fiberglass but, the roof seems like there may possibly be a membrane on it but I’m still not sure. Whatever it is, it’s not smooth. Kinda like ripples in random places like it wasn’t smoothed out properly. I’ll just have to take it to an RV shop to find out. Thanks again. You just gained a subscriber for your great content, prompt reply, and willingness to help. Wishing you many blessings and much success with your business💗

[@fmerkl]

Come on I swear you were the RV roof specialist ! If not you sure have a lot of people watching !!

[@KarenCook-xm9dr]

Great video! We just bought a 1995 Trek and need to do the same to our roof. Can you tell me where you got the replacement skylight from please?

[@fo747]

Did you get an answer?. I have the same question

[@bradslack8394]

I really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot, Thank you and don't stop. !! You mentioned in this video ( Can a 25 Year-old RV Roof Be Saved) to used solar panles to help secure a delaminating roof. Can you shed any light on how best to do that? I have a 2004 winne vectra that leaked in through the gutter where the filon gets tucked in and or through the screws that attach the awing to the roof. I resealed all and am now water tight,whew. I NEED HELP>>>> thanks Brad

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much! The solar panel mounts would screw down through the roof material into the decking and would secure the loose roof. Nothing high tech at all.

[@bradslack6920]

Thank you! Did you ever hear of using these epoxy injection kits to re-secure the filon?

[@AZExpert]

I have not seen a great deal of success for the effort with epoxy injection unfortunately. Thanks!

[@iscreamcandytv9642]

Brad Slack how’s your roof? I’m thinking of buying a motor coach with a leak

[@MrPenguinLife]

Safari did not use adhesive on the FRP roofed Treks, it was a free floating installation, only held down by the vents and other roof penetrations.

[@AZExpert]

I've heard that

[@kensimeral3725]

Great video. I am assembling my supplies to clean and seal the roof on my 2001 Bantam Trail-Lite 23 ft expandable B-23-S. This is our first travel trailer and I've already replaced the vent lids and AC shroud. It has an Alpha Systems Vinyl roof. The topside is white and the bottom side is black so I am assuming it is EDPM. The Alpha Systems Company videos say you don't need to coat the roof just wash it but, it looks as though someone has coated it in the past as I am seeing paint peeling off the top. My question to you would be, should I just clean off the flaking paint with a pressure washer and rechalk around the vents, AC, etc. or use the Dicor two-step method? Thanks, Ken, Prescott, AZ

[@AZExpert]

Yes, the coating can peel off but can be applied to existing coating. I would clean the roof and coat it at the very least!!

[@kensimeral3725]

I appreciate the feedback. Peace

[@MrJJSimonds]

FYI I was informed that the roof has not de-laminated. They are built in layers that are not adhered, that top layer actually floats on purpose.

[@AZExpert]

I guess that could be true

[@kudat5480]

Well now i know what kind of roof i have. Will Extrm Ply Pvc roofing glue down over the frp after a good clean and scrub? Mine doesn't look this bad though.

[@AZExpert]

I don't think it's a good idea

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

Thanks again. After old sealant removed, is best practice on old roofs to remove any and all screws and replace with correct size and not Phillips head? In other words inspect for water leaks around every roof penetration? I missed what product is best to seal over the repaired seams/parts? What do you reccomend?

[@AZExpert]

I just like #2 square bit screws, they install and remove easiest. The sealant type will largerly depend on the roof material and the previously used sealant. The most common RV roof sealant is Acrylic Self Leveling lap sealant. There are a number of different sealants depending on the roof, but in general you need to use a self leveling as it will not leave voids and bubbles which do cause leaks. Thanks!

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

Hi thanks. I’m asking if you remove all existing screws for inspection if water leaking and replace the screws and sealant. My project is Winnebago Vectra, which you previously said was filon roof. No idea what sealant was used looks oem

[@AZExpert]

Winnebago uses NuFlex 311 it is self leveling silicone and nothing else will stick to it so you need to use that. I would not recommend removing all screws just for an inspection. On this roof I could see the front and rear caps were loose and we were replacing all other vents due to age anyway.

[@All2Skitzd]

Dremal Multi-Max with a scraper blade attachment will make short work if that caulking. Look at RVworkz channel, that's who turned me on to the tool

[@AZExpert]

There are times I use a multi tool, but with a textured older roof and multiple different layers of sealant, I could not risk slicing into the roof material. The original sealant would have absorbed most of the vibrating cutting power anyway. But thank you for the suggestion!

[@valpd]

What is the cost of this kind of repair? Thanks

[@ExamineLife4]

LOL... When you said, "I'll be honest with you guys, this is a miserable experience getting all this stuff off, " I laughed out loud. Yes, it does sound miserable; yet this is what I get to do with my vacation time this week. Sigh, any more torturous videos we can watch to prolong our procrastinating?

[@AZExpert]

I have many videos to watch....I do the same thing with youtube. I have 10 videos recorded but everytime I go to edit...I end up watching youtube. Thanks!

[@DavidHBurkart]

@@AZExpert 😂😂😂 good to know you are like the rest of us as we fight procrastination James!

[@josepoz4355]

I thinking of buying a 1993 safari trek .can you please tell me how much I be spending fixing the roof the way you did it. Or can you tell me what was the cost of that roof job . Thanks for your help

[@AZExpert]

Depends honestly. I would contact someone local and find out. Costs will vary across the US.

[@ralphballtrip2214]

I guess when people get old they can’t get on the roof and take care of it so they let it go. Thank you for the video or they get some body Don’t know what they’re doing.

[@mikeallensonntag]

It might suck doing all these roofs but honestly your never going to run out of work specially with winnebago. Lmfao

[@leviharris4099]

I have a 1986 motorhome it has been under a car part for 16 years do I need to replace it or reseal it

[@AZExpert]

If a visual inspection shows new leaks on the ceiling and the sealant not peeling or cracking it would not need to be resealed. Thanks!

[@futurebalance6134]

Do you know how to convert a 2-way Dometic fridge into a 3-way, and what would that cost?

[@AZExpert]

You would have to replace the control board, optical board, wiring harness, and install a 12vdc element. Sadly, it cannot be done without spending more than the cost for a three-way unit. 12vdc is rarely used on much more than a class B and only when the engine is running. Sorry!

[@sisdavid]

What engine does this have?

[@chad..8189]

Fiber reinforced panels

[@stevewalcott9546]

Great job! That was a lot of labor! I have a 2006 Itasca Navion with a roof that has delaminated. Everything is in great condition with no leaks and i am planning on resealing everything in a few months. Besides the recommended sealants that you use on the radius and vents etc, can you recommend an adhesive that i can use to adhere the fiberglass to the roof? Thanks for your videos, I’ve learned a lot!

[@AZExpert]

Those Navions and Views are my favorite RVs. Short of mounting something(solar panels, satellite dish, wifi extender) to screw it down, you will likely cause more damage trying to get any adhesives under the filon than if it were left alone and just monitored. Thanks!

[@hdrider201100]

With deference to your immense knowledge of RVs, are you sure it's not Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood? I'm not trying to contradict you as I gain a lot of helpful info from your videos.

[@ericwilliam1601]

Anyone ever tell you that you look and sound like Kyle Reese from the terminator?

[@ninorcsinned3465]

If you had replaced the trek roof, what would you have used?

[@AZExpert]

That's a good question. I likely would have recommended a spray on roof first from APR/RVSeal.com as transistioning to a membrane roof would have been labor intensive. We coud have installed a new filon roof but the spray on roof would have been the most cost effective with the textured surface. Of course all the loose and broken parts would have had to be repaired first. Thanks!

[@ninorcsinned3465]

@@AZExpert thanks for the response. I love your channel. I do similar work on houses and its great to learn from someone who has such a huge knowledge base! Also I have a trek, haha

[@ronniecardy]

That took some time to do out in the hot sun looks good everything you did be safe virus is a killer, Btw FIRST

[@AZExpert]

Thank you and keep safe too!

[@johnnymack8442]

If it works as good as it looks you will be fine

[@AZExpert]

That is always my hope. Thank you!

[@marchalpeck470]

I had a thought could you put an aluminum roof on it just wondering.

[@AZExpert]

I suppose you could, but aluminum of that dimensions is hard to find and has to be made seamed together. It would be a big process to ship too.

[@marchalpeck470]

I guess you will be real busy replacing roofs, as you know they are thousands of rv's in storage lots just rotting away in the az sun and heat. And yes i line in tempe

[@marchalpeck470]

The icon is a picture of my skoolie

[@PaulEckelman]

Do you have a $ on the charge. I wonder how much it would cost.

[@AZExpert]

this was a dealer support repair, so they get a much discounted rate

[@pault1964]

Have Robertson screws got square heads

[@pault1964]

Sorry or Phillips heads

[@AZExpert]

they are #2 square bits, they drive much easier without slipping like phillips. Thanks!

[@pault1964]

Thank you for replying

[@garybrown9719]

Need to soda blast or dry ice blaster the roof

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip

[@sambuvca22]

Nice job RVs are built for shit for sure. I’ll subscribe. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

Thank you for the subscription! You won't hear me defend the factories too much on this channel.

[@davecook3916]

Sure wished I have seen your videos earlier, I would of never bought my Heartland Big Horn. What a money pit should of bought a horse for all the repairs from very poor quality 5th wheel

[@AZExpert]

Sorry to hear that usually Heartland are a better quality RV

[@elliotmann8882]

I guess if you did the work on your own RV, it wouldn't be too expensive. But it would be a horrible job.

[@AZExpert]

it would be a big job for sure, probably not too horrible just a big job. Thanks!

[@elliotmann8882]

@@AZExpert Horrible because you're up there on the roof, maybe in extreme heat depending on the weather.