I Did Not Expect This Winnebago Roof to Have So Many Failures

[@wayneroyal3137]

Several things that I took from this video. Have an experienced trustworthy tech do an inspection. If you repair, repair it correctly. If it seems like too good of deal it probably is…..You have really good aim to to the dumpster… looking forward to part 2!

[@FrankBullitt390]

A blind man would have been able to tell that thing was junk. I assume he got it for free or very close to it

[@johnstanczak5075]

Wow, to me this coach is a refugee from the junk yard....Hats off to you for repairing this.

[@ggsdrummer]

What a nightmare 😮!! Is it really worth a new roof? At some point you need to cut your losses. Wowza what an adventure for you James!! At least they brought it to the right person for such a job!! 👍🏻😎

[@therealjayseh]

Right. Tell me you're hurting for business without telling me you're hurting for business lol

[@lavernedofelmier6496]

What a job, all I can say is they picked the right man and crew for the repair. Almost to the recycling yard and you brought it back to life! Thanks for the video and hopefully get to see the finished results.

[@MonacoMike]

That roof repair is probably going to cost more than what that old coach is worth. WOW !

[@TimothyMichaels]

Agree

[@barryjackson1401]

I worry what other problems may exist....as welll....

[@therealjayseh]

I'm surprised he didn't tell them that the coach is not even worth repairing. It's junk now and always will be.

[@markmonroe7330]

Yep. I was thinking the same thing. I wonder what other critical needs it has.

[@dustinstinson1595]

im addicted to watching your videos, its like a netflix series i just cant stop watching

[@jg6142]

Wow beyond belief what someone did to hide all that damage! Proof positive you need to get a good pre purchase inspection. I feel for you on this one😡 Great video again James .

[@therealjayseh]

5-year-old could have told anybody to stay away from this one lol 🤣 ****Inspection not needed****

[@hillbillyrv]

That's a fine mess you have gotten yourself into, James. I feel your pain brother.

[@EfficientRVer]

Look at the bright side. Your video series on you doing this repair, will become so classic that people will still be watching in 10, 20, even 100 years. People love watching train-wreck level adversity being overcome by a master who does a tour de force out of some combination of work ethic, pride, skill, and maybe even as a marketing expense to show what they're capable of. It's a shame that this one won't be the goose that lays a golden egg financially for anyone involved. Sometimes a surgeon will spend 15 hours operating when insurance is only paying 2 hours for the expected procedure. Not that anyone needs to play Santa Claus with their time, but it's hard to sew a patient back shut without doing what you think needs to be done. Also hard to tell the family you tried but failed to save the patient, and that's 10x as true when you actually could have, but chose not to because the effort level would have been unreasonable. It's the bottom of the 9th in Game 7 of the World Series, you're down two runs. The bases are loaded with 2 outs, and you're at bat. A single probably ties the game and you'll be known as a good clutch player for it. A double or better wins it, and you become a legend among your fans. They'll remember you won the Series, and want to see the championship ring. They won't remember the amount of the check. Just don't let people think that in the future you're the perfect place to take an especially frustrating/impossible job, unless they've got a wallet they're opening very wide.

[@thisislandearth]

Insightful commentary and exemplary skill set. I'm addicted - which is weird because I have never, nor do I plan to ever, own an RV.

[@mikeallensonntag]

Man this is going to be a good series of videos lol.

[@robertburgess6100]

Wow, what a mess, James. I can believe you even took that job on with out seeing it first. I hate when people don't tell you all the problems.

[@dmacdonald-yp6bd]

I got a bad feeling watching this one. Listening to your commentary and seeing your facial expressions. I feel for you.

[@carykneupper1405]

I've watched every video for the least six months, absolutely love your channel. Bought a 2017 Tiffin phaeton 36gh diesel and have done many repairs with your help. The bus was parked inside a barn for 5 years 8100 miles. Lots of small projects, Thank You so much for all your help.

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them!

[@ColinBarrett001]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I just did a similar job with my 2000 Four Winds last year and ended up having to construct an entire new wooden roof frame structure using 3" x 2" sandwiched between ply sheets top and bottom and re-using the foam insulation between. It was a lot of work!

[@therealjayseh]

That's all from condensation getting trapped between the fiberglass and the roof decking. That not even from leaks lol Exactly why I hate fiberglass roofs. 🥂 Have fun doing that repair. Good luck

[@johnclancy7607]

Sometimes u gotta just walk away. U have way more patience than most. Good luck

[@NoelBarlau]

Oh man, James. You can hear the dejection in your voice. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, how is this even economical to repair? If I'd have seen this roof I'd have run the other way. And you haven't even gotten to the damaged sidewalls yet... What's going to be done with those? Looking forward to Part 2, and whoever bought that thing owes you several cases of whatever tasty adult beverage you prefer.

[@threeftr3349]

Woo hoo!!! I see our cyclone, thanks Cassones for fixing the obsolete hydraulics 👏😀🥰🥰

[@johnb7576]

I think what I got out of this is the facial expressions gave me some good insight. The look you kept giving us.... LOL. Been there d0one that. In my youth, I did a lot of remodel jobs. I feel your pain on this one.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Wow James... this is one uuuuuuugly roof job. God bless you Sir

[@stanr3491]

When you rolled that roof up it reminded me of a Swiss roll, this owner should name the rig “Little Debbie” 😂😂

[@WilliamLaakkonen]

Wow James- you really have a challenge ahead with this thing.

[@2AZSUN]

Wow. This one leaves you pretty much speechless. There are so many issues with this old Chiefton, have to wonder if it can really be saved for a reasonable amount of cash and effort. As nice as it is to try and save these old rigs, this one feels kind of beyond what it will take to save it. Looking forward to see what you can do with it James.

[@peckerpeter2078]

Probably going to be into it $30K when all said and done. 90% of motorhomes don’t seem to be built to last more than 20 years tops. For what the industry charges for these costing more than some homes they should be built better, and last a lot longer.

[@markhmorrison]

Wow... just wow! Can't wait to see what you do with this one.

[@jeffb2456]

I’m confident you’re the only person in the country who would be willing to take this project on to completion. Sure hope the owner pays you for all the additional work. Great that you have a video for documentation. How did the current owner acquire this motorhome based on the condition even before you saw it? The condition of the ceiling tells the story. No need to even look at the roof. Run Forest Run!

[@DoRC]

I belong to a couple of RV repair groups and I always tell people that whatever is damage they see on a camper that they're looking at buying is most likely approximately 10% of the actual damage that has occurred. In my opinion unless you can get a water damaged camper for free they're almost never worth it.

[@timmysrvlife]

I feel for you James. Unlike most of your other videos, your energy is a bit low in this one, but certainly very understandable.

[@gavinkeller183]

What’s sad is someone knew this was a garbage repair and they tried to rip someone off. I have always said bandaid for emergency then fix it right because like the real thing bandages are just temporary Glad he got a great tech to do everything right

[@therealjayseh]

It's a $5,000 motorhome. Not worth putting $50 into.

[@philw7174]

Another one? No way! Wow, somebody brought their coach to the wrong RV repairman. At least the new owner knows to bring it to the best. Simple roof job, Pfff! The windshield gasket breaker putty knife looks like the tool to have if you own a Winnebago. Your exhale at the end of the video said it all. Happy trails!

[@ricktaylor6373]

Run!! Cost the guy more to make it right than what it’s worth! Oh boy

[@markdemedeiros3239]

If you can save this rv in anyway it will be a miracle James. My other question is why would anyone spend this insane amount of money on this vehicle? It makes no sense to me.

[@steveberry-fm9nb]

Sorry James! What a job!

[@sheputthelimeinthecoconut629]

Craziest job yet my man

[@h5mind373]

This confirms my desire to buy a Prevost bus conversion. Hard to fault monocoque construction.

[@therealjayseh]

If you think those don't have any leaks, keep fooling yourself. And those cost even more to repair. But you have fun with that. Good luck 🥂

[@ldcooper1]

As always another great learning video. Your RV technical knowledge and experience needs to be passed on to an apprentice, not to mention how to clean up. Your not getting any younger and neither is the your back or knees. Take care. Coops

[@JonFJ1200]

Why would anyone buy an RV?

[@ldcooper1]

@@JonFJ1200 why not? It’s a lifestyle a very expensive lifestyle.

[@jud2820]

Really happy to be following you, to have a heads up of what type of issues there can be when buying a used motorhome. Sometimes a deal isn't really that great of a deal. Buyer beware.

[@danp7399]

Wow ,great video , yep you are the King. I haven't missed one video Yet, this will be the best. Thanks for sharing.

[@terrybrennan4978]

What a mess! Having to fix the fix doesn't help. Nice job so far James. Let us know what the final costs are. I couldn't even begin to imagine. Thanks for another nice video.

[@wla1rmc11]

Love your videos! You are honest and hard working! Will you do a video on how to repair the infamous Winnebago floor separation in the rear??

[@tombeilman5579]

I feel your pain, if there is anyone who can fix it it would be you

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the confidence!

[@glenscheible9467]

Wouldn't that be a scarp yard camper? I'd junk it if mine. You are a Saint for taking on these projects for Folks. Curious what will this Guy have in this job when done? Ballpark figure?

[@clvshyted]

Brilliant video, as always, really useful. Thanks and can’t wait for the next one.

[@ThePeasantsCottage]

I can't believe they drove it from NC to you! I would be terrified.

[@dennisgardiner43]

YIKES!! That is a huge mess. Honestly, if I was the buyer I'd have passed on it.

[@dennissprague5172]

North Carolina to AZ, I'm surprised it made it pass Tennessee.

[@dustinstinson1595]

@AZ Expert, in this video you talk about sealants being bad, i planned on sanding, re-glue/tape around ac/vents/skyligts then recoat with RV roof magic is this a bad idea

[@gaylen8467]

James ive watched you do a bunch of these but this might be the worst. I imagine just before tearing into this mess you pondered if you should actually do it. WOW

[@JahRootsRadio]

Hey James now I see why you couldn’t do that inspection for me at Pedata RV in Tucson. Yep you got your hands full Arite. I hope the owner got a steal of a deal on that thjng cause I don’t know if I would buy that thing even if it was a $1000. To much work. Not sure it’s worth it. Send it to Vison salvage yard and let them take it apart and sell it for parts.

[@carlbeaver7112]

Wow! That purchase looks like $12 well spent!

[@MikeMcAuliffe-g2f]

After you finish re-scoping the job, AKA singing the blues, maybe you can put a number to it.

[@mikeallensonntag]

22:00 I'm say this lol reason you don't see these rv's ever is cause honestly thing one is total loss. I think what this one would have been good for is stripping it all way down to frame of the truck and building a custom rv. Tear everything else out and keep the appliances that work for the new build.

[@MililaniJag]

WOW! What a Nightmare!!!! That's your Good Deed of the Year+!!!

[@deddie4645]

Didn't know I told this guy he should scrap it...... Come to Phoenix and buy a 1995 newmar with the big block cummins...$12000... Scrap that thing.....

[@gregorycasson1325]

Even if this coach were free, I can’t see it being worth more than your labor to make it usable. Imagine how big the landfill would have to be to contain every disposable POS RV ever built. In all my years as an elementary school student (6), I don’t ever recall a BlueBird bus leaking.

[@deanh7190]

"Maybe my standards are too high". No. The only thing high in this video was the unfortunate purchaser of that mess. Keep your standards where they are 👍

[@cullenmiller8170]

Wow what a mess. I have never seen you look that discouraged. I hope the customer realizes that there will be extra charges on their simple roof replacement.

[@sherianderson-e7b]

Ha I was so hoping u were going to do the inside. No one ever shows putting up new luan.

[@RebeccaRaven]

Dang. So James, is all the delamination on the top and sides due to the roof failure? I do find this fascinating, though.

[@Kevin-bz7hj]

All I can say, is wow!😮

[@goththicus]

You have to wonder if it would be best to junk the RV and cut your losses (owner of course). I can’t imagine the repair cost on the roof but the other problems inside and de-lamination of the side wall.

[@billkrill4656]

Seems like everything is going to break in future. Ugh.

[@loydalexander154]

James you get to old for that stuff you could definitely put on classes be an rv tech instructor for sure. Really know your stuff I love the videos. And I like eternabond tape also it is good stuff 😊

[@danmadden1080]

Great video - very informative !

[@clvshyted]

I need to start working on the roof on my 1992 champion ultra star cumins diesel pusher. No idea what to do or where to start so I’m viewing all your videos to gleam some hints and tips. There seems to be nothing on the ultra star, maybe because it’s so old.

[@therealjayseh]

If you don't have any leaks right now just go over your roof with QUALITY bed liner. Roll on, then spray underneath all around the roof vents and AC/s. (You're welcome 😀)

[@clvshyted]

@@therealjayseh it does have at least three leaks. No idea where they are from I've removed all the headliners and the roof inside is now just the insulating foam and the steel frame. I did think a rubberliner may be the easiest option. Rolled the entire length of the roof and over the edges to completely cover it.sealing with glue.

[@therealjayseh]

@@clvshyted if you already have a rubber roof membrane, just coat it with bed liner. If it's a fiberglass roof and it's cracked at all, you'll need to have plenty of time to remedy the issue. The bed liner could seal the leak issue you're having, even on a fiberglass roof. Just make sure you test a small spot for adhesion. And prep it all really good. Super clean. NO DUST. I'm not afraid to experiment on my own stuff. But I wouldn't try anything like that on a customers, unless they understood it was a cost savings experiment, $1800 vs. $18,000

[@clvshyted]

@@therealjayseh thanks so much for the advice. I'll have a look into it. It does sound like the best option. It's not a rubber roof it's fibreglass so bed liner sounds ideal. Thanks

[@therealjayseh]

@@clvshyted no problem. Just buy quality material. Do not try to cut corners with off brand cheaper materials. You get what you pay for in this world.. Bed liner coating is expensive, but it's an ultra durable material. 🥂 Cheers

[@joegeorgia8989]

I'm surprised you still took the job after seeing all the damage. I would have considered this a parts RV...

[@therealjayseh]

Hurting for business in 2023. That's the only reason why. Obviously

[@joegeorgia8989]

@@therealjayseh I honestly think he's to kind of a guy. He knows someone else would just hose them, and he kept his word saying he'd do the job. The customer didn't relay the severity of the damage properly..

[@therealjayseh]

@@joegeorgia8989 the customer doesn't know the severity of the damage, I'm pretty sure any good RV technician worth his weight in salt would know the severity of the damage when they see that 2×4 wall frame bracing the roof so it doesn't collapse. But thanks 👍🏻

[@rbnhood39]

James, that roof looks pretty rough. It's going to cost more than it's worth to fix it.

[@therealjayseh]

Pretty sure they're hurting for business or they wouldn't even have taken on the job.

[@jrambo7495]

@@therealjayseh pretty sure he's not hurting for business at all. James is such an expert, he can pick and choose what he wants to take on and turn his nose up at any project he doesn't want.

[@therealjayseh]

@@jrambo7495 lololol ok thanks for the clarification!

[@leonardh8269]

I hope you keep us posted and show us Finnish job

[@TakkiMann]

I hope you called the owner in NC and let him know this is not a simple roof repair

[@hoppy2515]

I know this looks like a terrible job for you. However, I know this sounds counterintuitive but this was actually one of your best videos. There was so much wrong with this I learned a lot😂😂😂. And NO, your standards are not too high. You're like me you don't want the work coming back on you. OMG what was the budget on this job? Did it Exceed the value of the vehicle?

[@therealjayseh]

It's going to be about $18,000. They'll end up getting a Mechanic's lien on the motorhome and selling it. The original owner will come to his senses when he browses craigslist for other alternatives.

[@ThePeasantsCottage]

Wow! I'm in NC & Looks my '98 Chieftain I wanted you to see! Same Only the outside tho. This one looks like sell for parts. Finally Bought a 2005 Rialta from original owner in Phoenix. Pristine, but it is a Winnebago coach AND no one out east wants to work on VW or coach part. So now I have a '98 Chieftain for SALE CHEAP. It has the V10 and cranks right up & runs like a champ. Low milage. The coach? Not this bad, but...I don't have you to look at it.🤷🏼‍♀️

[@mitchstott4004]

Hi again James,can you tell me how much of the Stabond E-183 and the T-440 adhesives you use on average during the repair of a 33 foot Winnebago roof. Also can I use the E-183 on both the wood/foam and the wood/filon. also what is the total width of the filon material when you get from All-rite Thanks again for the videos,I watch them all.

[@jessejames1395]

What sealant should I use to go around and behind my trailer lights when I replace and reseal them, thanks in advance

[@brianfurlotte5574]

So so SO glad I got a Beaver Patriot after hearing you talk about Beaver coaches. How does a company get away with craftmanship like this? Winnebago is a big name too. Just sad. Oh, we need more videos on your coach. Fuel filter maintenance. Air filter maintenance. If you want to go over seams on the roof or the gutter, what is the best material to use? What about cleaning the interior of the coach? Removed some of the window valances and found some staining where rain came in at some point. All coaches need maintenance, but Beavers are AWESOME!

[@dadedubbledee]

Facial expressions can say a thousand words lol. I can definitely tell thats one of them jobs you wish you never took on lol. That said I know it will be done right and be the best part of that coach. What they gonna do about the side panel de-laminations?

[@mikesw214]

Wow, that's a project. Let's talk roof coating. I have a '91 Dynasty. With a one piece filon roof. Nothing wrong no leaks but I am just north of you in Las Vegas. I thought about a roof coating to help keep it cool in the coach. I do a lot of travel up north Ely in the Elko area. And you hear a lot of drum Type noise in rain. Is there a coating that would help insulate in and reduce noise?

[@JeffinTD]

So… the roof is trashed, the decking is falling apart, the walls are delaminating, end caps damaged, interior panels rotting…. Huge respect for your skill and I don’t like to see things treated as disposable, but if this was mine I’m not sure it’s worth saving.

[@therealjayseh]

It's only worth it if you do the work yourself. If you can't do the work yourself don't even bother owning an RV. Unless you're going to buy a brand new one and trade it in every 2 years.

[@JeffinTD]

@@therealjayseh There is a great deal of truth in that. Also taking care of little things in a timely manner might have prevented a lot of the rot and delamination.

[@therealjayseh]

@@JeffinTD I always want to be honest and not mislead people in life. Although there are those times 🥂

[@therealjayseh]

Neglect is worse than the actual leak or condensation issue. The moisture gave you the problem, neglect is what ruined it. When I first got my RV I thought I had a leak for two years, it was condensation, not a leak. Live and learn. I try to share with others what I know and what I have learned. Money is not as important to me as being a humanitarian. The problem is, everybody is so used to being lied to and misled or they believe the lies they were told because it was some fancy schmo who told them. . Sometimes the only way people learn is by experience. You can't tell anybody anything.

[@leonardh8269]

I hope the people who did this work....is watching....and seeing what they did wrong

[@jrambo7495]

*are watching

[@cwshumate914]

This is exactly why you should get a used RV inspected. Caveat Emptor completely defines this purchase.

[@therealjayseh]

I'm pretty sure a five-year-old could have told them not to buy that. Inspection definitely not needed on this one lol 🤣

[@Tony_in_AZ]

wow , holy smokes. Ruff shape.

[@jeffmill6683]

He should've wrote the unit off. The repair is going to be more than its worth. This is why I only buy full one piece roof.

[@therealjayseh]

Lol that was a one piece fiber glass. They trap condensation. They're worse that rubber roofs. But the RV industry doesn't want you to know that.

[@barrysmith2697]

I follow your channel religiously, thanks for the great content. I was wondering if the roofs on the winnebago Navion and View are also a problem.

[@SpykersB]

I wouldn’t trust any roof Winnebago makes! 🍻

[@billkrill4656]

Cannot believe someone purchased this mess. 😢

[@jeffhenley9851]

Love you videos. Are you saying all roof coatings are bad?

[@jrstar1439]

Wonder if the owner will want to continue after what you found? That's looking like a 20k roof and no telling how much damage in the sides. Looks like it needs to be strip out and then a good bonfire.

[@therealjayseh]

I'd skin the roof with metal, gut & sell everything on the inside and make it a moving truck. It's over with as fas as being a good motorhome goes. Mold spores everywhere. IT'S A PILE OF JUNK.

[@jrstar1439]

@@therealjayseh Exactly, total loss cause.

[@therealjayseh]

@@jrstar1439 it doesn't even have roof trusses, it's not even worth fixing. Even a 1990 bounder has roof trusses. So does a Fleetwood flair. Winnebago is just pathetic I can't stand that company. Even when I was a kid, I couldn't stand looking at their RVs they were so ugly.

[@stuartstuart866]

I had always heard wood frame RV’s are susceptible to leaks and rot, that’s why I bought a molded fiberglass trailer. I wonder who makes aluminum framed trailers.

[@therealjayseh]

Lol get a dehumidifier Good luck 🤞

[@stuartstuart866]

@@therealjayseh I have one, but rarely need it since we camp mostly in the Southwest. Ventilation is also helpful

[@therealjayseh]

@@stuartstuart866 I live in the southwest and in the cold winter months, you do need a dehumidifier. It doesn't matter how dry the air is outside. It's like sitting in a car and you can watch all the condensation buildup on the windows till it rolls down the glass like dripping water. Same in a vehicle home or RV. Most RVs suffer more condensation damage than leak damage. There's a lot of stuff that motorhome technicians don't like to talk about. Of course they have to protect their income.

[@loydalexander154]

Boy oh boy you better leave that tape alone that's good stuff 😅

[@williamabramo9100]

So whats your opinion on 100% silicone roof coatings? Like Henry Tropicool.

[@fitfifties]

I believe you said this was going to take longer and cost more than your quote because of the hidden damage. In a case like this do you go back to the customer and explain this and attempt to modify your quote? I would hope a decent customer would be willing to negotiate a new cost.

[@markstench4470]

All I can say is wow

[@smittys19daytona]

What point do you tell them its not worth fixing ? Getting for free sounds about right, even then would it be worth it ? Curious what your going to do with all the interior stains?

[@kevinbarry71]

I don't know how jobs get quoted in your industry; but it seems like nothing should be final until it is opened up and you see what you were dealing with

[@terry3193]

Wow….that really sucks for everyone concerned. I hope the buyer got it for $1.00 because it’s pretty much cost prohibitive to repair on a 25 year old Winnebago. I’m assuming this roof job will cost a small fortune, far more than the rv is worth. God knows what else is wrong with it. Sorry you had to deal with this!

[@Original_SJB]

Part it out ❤

[@KevinCoop1]

There was only one good thing about that coach! It got sent to the right guy! Did the owner pay your customer to take it?

[@shrconstruction]

Should have just parted it out. I bough one almost that bad years ago.....you learn about what to walk away from after you buy something like that the first time.

[@timmyers3428]

Wow, I have seen a lot of your Winnebago roof repairs this looks like a rough one. You nay not want to share, but if you do what os the oeder of magnitude with a normal roof replacement, just wondering if it is worth the expense on this one.

[@clvshyted]

Wow thought I was first viewer then!!

[@glendelcounts210]

That age motor home is a fix and repair daily

[@divadyrdnal]

I know ANYTHING can be saved, but that Coach has deteriorated past what makes sense…

[@tomandlisaminor507]

Wow.. you can fix anything!!!! 😳😳🤣