Winnebago's Roof Mistake Required New Roof: 2009 Journey

[@EdwinValentinRev]

Nice job 👍

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@ChristianTravelers]

You've made the point to us in many of your videos that Winnebago fiberglass roofs may not be all that well built. We have a 2012 Itasca Class A built on a Sprinter chassis. We are not enamored with the cost of repair & maintenance of the Mercedes-Benz chassis anyway, and we are about to need new tires and we are now wondering about our 11-year-old roof. So, the question is, would you think that it would be a good idea to trade ours in for another newer but used RV? If so, of the three big manufacturers; Thor, Forest River & Winnebago; who makes the best roof?

[@AZExpert]

Please don't make me say Thor roofs are the best, but one piece gel coat fiberglass are the ones to look for if it's not metal.

[@savannahb5068]

12 years and it's already needing to be fixed. You think they'd make the A classes better. It's disheartening to say the least. Great to watch you do qualify work.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@charmark75]

You can work on my Monaco Windsor anytime....Great workmanship...

[@AZExpert]

Thank you!

[@opinionmatters7119]

I did not know Winnebago would put out such low quality work directly from Factory until I seen you’re videos. Thank you

[@AZExpert]

I was surprised too

[@gabrieluribe1852]

4:45 My Class C has way to many Staples in the front cap ceiling, I reinforced it with screws and liquid fome insulation it really made everything much tighter.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip!

[@tombeilman5579]

You make the impossible possible, my 06 Monaco feels delaminated but it’s not buckled up like that

[@michellebarlondsmith6243]

Paint looks good ...

[@AZExpert]

thank you!

[@fw1421]

It amazes me that these multi hundred thousand dollar RV’s have plywood and fiberglass roofs. Do they use the same techniques on the million dollar plus RV’s?

[@AZExpert]

Some have metal roofs

[@jkurub13d96]

I have a 2004 Winnebago brave that needs a new roof. I’d like to schedule the replacement with you. Thanks

[@AZExpert]

[e-mail]

[@dianewolfe3056]

Oh and btw you guys do great work from what I see and especially in that heat.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you!

[@mashley57]

I have a 2018 Winnebago Sightseers. After seeing this video I went and checked the roof out. All good now, but if ever a problem I'm on the way to you guys at AZ Expert for repairs. Amazing what you guys do and good to know your out there!

[@AZExpert]

I'm glad to hear it's in great shape. I really like Sightseers too

[@gtfg3800]

Kinda late but when you're cutting paneling on a flat, critical surface (like yours loaded with wiring) throw a chunk of 1x4 or similar wood under the piece you're cutting so you don't cut through wiring or something you can't see underneath. If you nicked a wire you'd never know. Ask me how I know !!

[@francishagen8508]

I’ll never trust Winnebago again. Creepy workmanship....

[@AZExpert]

They do still make a good product that is good, don't give up on them yet.

[@loriwise3177]

Winnebago has a good product...you just got to keep up the maintenance. I have a 2011 Tour and we love it and take good care of it.

[@InChristalone737]

Love it. I really like seeing how these coaches are put together

[@AZExpert]

I love seeing how things are built

[@yippphee]

Yeah, poorly!

[@johnswan9123]

Good thinking on the plywood open seam. Its the same with houses; on a seam you need solid back.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for the tip!

[@ripper9362]

Bro these videos are absolutely incredible

[@AZExpert]

Glad you like them! Thank you!!!

[@derstuka96]

Watching this makes me hesitant to purchase a production coach.

[@AZExpert]

I understand

[@jeffmill6683]

I was wondering what kind of glue is used?

[@Reaglesracing44_]

funny thing is james used to be a finance guy at my work till he went there

[@AZExpert]

me? I've never been a finance guy

[@Reaglesracing44_]

@@AZExpert no the other james . i used to work with him at luxury

[@brettlamont5266]

Please excuse my ignorance newbie to motor homes. The plywood why can't it be swopped out for aluminium?

[@ronmelliad7327]

Hope getting some relief from the heat! My 2003 Winnebago's recently purchased roof has big bubbles but half of the filon on top is gone along with the radiuses on sides (which is part of the roof) The wood part looks OK because CO is dry like Arizona. I am going to lay down PVC roll as roofing material but don't know what to use on missing curve sides. I ordered aluminum flashing which looks OK but we get hail in Colorado often and afraid it get dented. I'd like filon but all I see is in 8 1/2 foot but I need strip of about 10" wide by 28' long.

[@AZExpert]

All-rite.com has the width you need. You could also look into having a sprayed on roof installed. I'm not sure what your plan is on the termination molding on the side is though with a PVC or membrane roof. I would be very interested to see.

[@ronmelliad7327]

@@AZExpert Sure, I will keep you posted as I progress. Thanks

[@orvjudd1383]

Have you considered using aircraft grade up protection to the Luan roof? Stewart Systems uses a water base UV no protection that gives a 30 year protection.

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

Fantastic job ,,,,

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much!

[@BusyBeeCompany]

I remember doing a delamintion removal on a whole floor at glaxosmithkline...little larger then this...lol...amazing how gluing becomes an issue through just lack of quality effort, took vibrating chisels to get maybe 3/4 up but just lifting for the other quarter...should never have been that simple...two weeks for 3/4...3 minutes for last 1/4.

[@AZExpert]

That's crazy!

[@mruofacat]

The customer must have been adamant about the roof a/c because you really discouraged me from doing that when you did the roof on my 2004 Suncruiser. Of course, we do not live in ours full time so the cost/benefit was iffy. I see you have a lot more help these days. Good for you.

[@AZExpert]

Oh I tried to talk him out of it too, but he was up for all the risks I warned him about.

[@elcaminomant]

It's good to see you and your guys pester each other, makes the day go by faster. You know mine has the delam issues too but until it becomes an actual issue, I'll just be keeping my eye on it. But when it does need to be replaced, guess who's getting the call ;)

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much. I hope the roof stays together for many more years, As long as the radius stays secured it should retain the weatherproofing.

[@hayyarbrough]

Well I sure glad Andrew introduced us on KZbin... great work we still live a little closer i your Channel .. looks like ya'll guys are a real good at what y'all do and very honest

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much. We just try our best mostly.

[@mrmudstud5980]

Excellent Video James........You are getting better with your editing and style........Enjoyed it.......

[@AZExpert]

Wow, thanks!

[@timmyers3428]

Love your common sense approach to fixing these beasts. Wish you weren't so far away with me in Ohio. In your world have you run across any shops local to me that di quality work like this? My first challenge with my 07 Journey is failing headliner

[@AZExpert]

Just Google it, Im sure you can find someone

[@joelshaw1961]

Thanks for the info on the correct sealent for Winnebago roofs. I just finished a Winnebago roof today by pulling and cutting the old sealent and the wrong "stuff" that someone used on top of it off and putting the right sealent on. Could you PLEASE tell people that the stuff you watch on T.V. that claim you can use this "stuff" to make a screen door into a boat should NEVER be used on any camper or RV! I'm SO TIRED of pulling that stuff off after it fails to seal peoples leaks! AND THANKS AGAIN!!

[@AZExpert]

Yes, all the "as seen on TV" products are rarely good and cause more issues. I'm glad you were able to get the right stuff on. Honestly, few technicians know about the correct Winnebago sealant either.

[@lutomson3496]

I have a 2009 View 09 was the lowest production year due to the recession so the poor quality when they were not that busy in the first place is compelling..

[@AZExpert]

Im sorry to hear that. The Views are my favorite sprinter chassis rv

[@0johnny082]

what is lauan made of, is it different than cedar/poplar utility plywood? I'm in Canada and my local homedepot only has 2.7 mm (.3125") utility plywood that has cedar on the outer plies and poplar on the interior ply

[@AZExpert]

Luan is named after the wood it's made from Luan. This is three layer and should be 3.18mm thick.

[@hillbillyrv]

Another quality roof job from AZ Expert. I got rained out today, but at least I had some good entertainment. I think all of the manufactures should use your videos as training guides for new employees. Oh yeh, Yea !!!!!! another roof video.

[@AZExpert]

training? Do manufacturer's do that? :)

[@hillbillyrv]

@@AZExpert sorry. Brain fart on my part.

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

Nice work. I know who I’ll call if mine goes bad.

[@AZExpert]

Hopefully, nothing goes bad. That's always my desire!

[@ronniecardy]

Looking better than new

[@AZExpert]

thank you!

[@ronniecardy]

@@AZExpert You are very welcome 🙏

[@charleshall2419]

I love your videos but scares the hell out me about what’s wrong with my 2012 Bounder that I haven’t had a problem with?

[@AZExpert]

thank you.

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

I have seen busses with newer caps on them to fake out the buyers. But I never seen one pulled like this. Filon, thats been around 35+ years? I guess that wood is too thin for buscuts?

[@AZExpert]

Definitely too thin for biscuits. Thanks!

[@pault1964]

Spends a lot of time in the sun why no solar

[@AZExpert]

I think mostly because it does not drycamp or boondock.

[@pault1964]

@@AZExpert thank you for replying, full hook ups the way to go

[@dianewolfe3056]

It seems to me that Winnabago has been sticking it to many folks with all the BS they put out about their Great innovative roof applications. It does not matter in my opinion how great the concepts and engineering of a roof application are if your RV Tech does not put glue on the component’s or leaves a breach somewhere In applying the roof.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@Fix-it-tony]

How much was this replacement?

[@rogerstruthers3799]

Seeing how these roofs are made makes me really leery of screwing anything into the roof like a bracket for a solar panel. Panels are not very thick and there are lots of wires to hit. I'm guessing the best anchor is 3m double sided tape.

[@AZExpert]

I don't trust tape personally. Keep the screws under 1 inch and you'll be fine

[@Tom-Fisherman]

Wow, that's a fun video to watch. Your guys do excellent work too.

[@AZExpert]

I very glad you enjoyed it. I never know what to include or edit out.

[@ourvlife1]

I’m a little confused that the roof condition wasn’t evaluated before the AC was installed. Or did I miss something in the translation.

[@AZExpert]

That's how the problem was discovered when we got on the roof to remove the vent.

[@ourvlife1]

AZ Expert Ah..gotcha! 👍

[@LanceBruce]

My thought too. Why install the new ac when the roof needs work? I know you said you saw it when removing the vent, but why not stop at that point and talk to the customer before adding the ac. Not a complaint, just a legitimate question

[@bounderchris]

If I owned a Winnebago I would take all these videos and sue them… their incompetence caused this… at least Fleetwood has an aluminum structure!

[@DentTastic]

love the video , great job as always. did you make a video of the roof top ac add

[@AZExpert]

No, the job was quite time sensitive as he lived in the unit and needed the roof closed off as quick as possible in the heat.

[@ynAMe6Aj]

Any way to detect leaks like you showed before they cause bigger problems? What is the ball park cost for a new roof like that?

[@AZExpert]

The motorhome can be pressurized with air and then the outside sprayed with soapy water. The industry uses a fan called a Seal-Tech. Many larger dealerships should have one. Thanks!

[@stea2494]

Amazing work

[@AZExpert]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@chrisonishi6060]

From all the roof replacements you have done and said how important yearly inspections are. Have you or do you know of a video on the proper way to inspect a roof?

[@AZExpert]

I don't know that I have a dedicated video to roof inspections, but that is a good idea. I'll try to put one together. Thanks!

[@chrisonishi6060]

@@AZExpert Thank you for all your expertise and mentoring. I sometimes just can't get enough.

[@enjoyingretirement4846]

Another expert job by one of the best. Love your videos.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much!

[@hatenlebron]

Great job. I love seeing inside of these rigs.

[@joelshaw1961]

In one of your videos you said that there is a special roof sealent that Winnebago's use , could you please tell me what it is I have a leaker coming my way soon and I want to use the right stuff.

[@AZExpert]

Winnebago uses NuFlex 311 self leveling silicone I think Heng's is the name brand now. Thanks!

[@craigmueller2192]

I have a 2002 Monaco dynasty and when sealing the roof note that most of the “fiberglass” is bubbled. Should it be laminated and what is the risk of I don’t have it replaced?

[@AZExpert]

seems strange the fiberglass would be bubbling...are you sure someone didn't coat it and the coating is bubbling?

[@safffff1000]

I have a 2003 Endeavor, it has an aluminum roof, it seems great. What would you consider the best kind of roof covering?

[@AZExpert]

Metal is the best for durability hands down. Gel-coat fiberglass is next best

[@safffff1000]

@@AZExpert Thanks

[@garryturner7605]

Is there rv insurance that covers a roof repair like this?

[@AZExpert]

Its complicated. Most insurance will cover "physical" damage to the roof like branches or storm damage. However, many will not cover wind damage from neglect or factory defect. So if the roof is torn and the radius sealant is obviously not maintained, they will not cover the roof and they are looking for that. Of course if you hit something......they would have to cover it.

[@jxcalibur5625]

Masterful video! Where do you purchase the filon from?

[@AZExpert]

the easiest is All-rite.com

[@jxcalibur5625]

@@AZExpert thank you!

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

I'm sure this has been covered somewhere in your videos but, why don't you use a pvc material instead of the wood?

[@AZExpert]

Mostly because I am not a materials specialist or engineer, so using an unknown product or method could mean my shop has to buy RV we broke....and roofs are not something I feel comfortable switching materials on. Thanks!

[@mauricioortega5018]

Mine needs to b done! Same problem here How much something like that cost?

[@AZExpert]

I am sorry to hear that. In general it is around $250 a foot. Thanks!

[@JC-ok7qd]

What does a roof like that cost for replacement?

[@AZExpert]

about $250 a linear foot

[@TONYANDBRENDA1969]

Great job! Actually better than new!

[@AZExpert]

in this instance yes. Thank you!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Stellar work indeed!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you, I thought it turned out pretty nice too.

[@robertthompson6958]

Awesome video James. So the delamination is because the original installers joined the filon over a channel? That mistake cost this owner what $5-7 thousand bucks. That’s terrible! Good news is we got to watch you fix it.

[@AZExpert]

It's likely time caused the glue to let go, but having a flexible underlayment joint looks like it allowed the material to flex more than it should have. Thank you!

[@jimanderson4132]

A LOT more than that, well over twice that much . . . trust me, I know, IT'S MY WINNEBAGO!. Not complaining about the cost or the job that James, Chad, Micah, et.al. did, my issue is with the manufacturer and the sloppy manufacturing process!

[@itsme78932]

@@jimanderson4132 Well the positive is, your roof should be good for a VERY long time now

[@earlribaudo4807]

Good job, fun to watch. Good help. I never see how to get in touch with you. We come to AZ, Apache Junction for the winter, I know you are somewhere around there, maybe Mesa. Maybe you could tell your viewers where you are and give a phone number. Thanks and again fun video.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you. I have the email on the channel home page [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@mikehamilton9536]

Another great roof job

[@AZExpert]

thank you very much!!

[@mfhairstream6812]

winnebago is off my list

[@AZExpert]

I am sorry to hear that, I do like Winnebago overall.

[@dewholdingsllc1050]

So from your Expert post the roof could have been saved, it’s life extended, and water leaks remediated. De-lamination can be repaired correct? It was the owner insisting on replacement? Have you counted all of the OEM Winnebago roof defects you have corrected? Have you ever videotape repair to delaminated sides? Seems to be common issue. Some people like to waste money and do just to be doing.

[@AZExpert]

Its possible we could have tried to re-laminate, but the deformation of the filon would have caused an issue for sure, and the only savings at that point would have been the filon, as the labor and other components would have been the same, but with a much less appealing finished product and no way to warranty the work. Thanks!

[@JohnNguyen-iw8qn]

What tool tip do you use on your multi tool?

[@JohnNguyen-iw8qn]

And what is 'your best method' removing sealant on a epdm roof and fiberglass. Thanks in advance!

[@AZExpert]

On fiberglass I use a razor scraper, on membrane roofs, I carefully use a putty knife to get the majority of the sealant off sometimes you can peel the sealant up cleanly by hand.

[@JohnNguyen-iw8qn]

@@AZExpert thank you for responding and I appreciate the information I love seeing your work and learning something new specifically the names of things.

[@AZExpert]

I was using a wood/metal cutting tooth blade, but I also make a scraper blade from worn down tips by grinding and sharpening where the teeth were.

[@scottwall4669]

What a nice gentleman. What was the rough cost here??

[@DentTastic]

who do you use to paint your rv work?

[@AZExpert]

Mostly Cassone's RV in Mesa, AZ

[@4toes1nose]

Thank you

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome

[@1bizvip]

Looks expensive

[@AZExpert]

It's relative I guess. Thanks!

[@gd4u422]

Is it my imagination or does it seem like you've been doing a lot of Winnebago roofs?

[@AZExpert]

I rarely did Winnebago roofs until I posted videos, I'm not sure if it's a chicken and egg thing, or "you build it and they wil come" thing. Thanks!

[@gd4u422]

@@AZExpert Well you do a fantastic job on all the work you do! I'm glad Andrew introduced his audience to you!

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Yeah I’d have you do my roof too. Nice job as always.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks 👍

[@13yearsaprepperr.jtilbury.51]

BTF = Better than Factory ,,,,, great job

[@AZExpert]

Thank you very much!

[@jasonknowles5643]

Have you had any problems with a 2020 Rockwood Signature? I bought one back in April of this year and I am have all kinds of problems with it. Like it has to have a new roof for start.

[@AZExpert]

I've had issues with every RV if that helps. Many times, new RVs take a few months out of the first year to shake out and repair the factory's blunders desite assurances of extensive Quality Control. I'm sorry to hear about the roof, seems like a more common problem then I thought.

[@jasonknowles5643]

AZ Expert how about problems with the auto leaving systems on travel trailer. I have one and it will automatically leave one time then the next time it will not. The dealer ship can not figure what is going on with it. The roof has came apart twice now and is in for repairs again.

[@janebray9392]

A happy customer!!!

[@AZExpert]

He was a very happy and nice owner.

[@BusyBeeCompany]

Ok reminder, never buy a 9 year old winnie....cos its going to get expensive in 2 years...lol.

[@AZExpert]

Well at least inspect the roof before hand, might be able to get a better price ;)

[@pault1964]

Saying better than factory doesn’t mean much,the factory work was sloppy

[@AZExpert]

I think it's more to motivate ourselves mostly.

[@bigbandguru]

Buy a motorhome is a pig-in-a-Poke. Looks that the companies are not doing the job. Cheap crap that could do so much better being a little slower in the construction...

[@AZExpert]

I was surprised to be sure the seams were aligned so poorly. Winnebago is one of the few manufacturers that use computers and lasers and CAD so you would have thought the panel layout would have accounted for the joints.

[@pault1964]

Please let the owner know the others did most of the work you just filmed it

[@AZExpert]

That's why I hold the camera, so I can record only me working! :)

[@jimlove4394]

That was the perfect response 😀😀

[@pault1964]

A lot of editing required

[@TairnKA]

Looks like a piss poor design and lazy (Monday or Friday) assembly.

[@AZExpert]

I am surprised, Winnebago uses CAD for layout with lasers even, seems strange the computer didn't catch it.

[@TairnKA]

Do you mean cardboard aided design? ;-D

[@tyflesh]

I've been looking at older Winnebago's early 2000's models is this a mistake?

[@tomedgar4375]

I own a 2004, the roof is in perfect shape

[@tyflesh]

what do you have for sale on your lot?

[@AZExpert]

I don't sell RVs

[@tyflesh]

@@AZExpert I meant are any for sale by owners at your shop