What to Look for in an RV Roof Inspection Most RV owners know that it’s important to conduct regular maintenance on their vehicle in order to ensure it runs in tiptop shape every time they hit the road, but they may not know what exactly “regular maintenance” entails. Engine inspection and tests of propane and generator systems come to mind, of course, but what about the other components of your vehicle those that aren’t so simple to see? One of those components on an RV that often goes unnoticed is the roof. The RV roof is a vital portion of the vehicle that must be properly maintained to prevent issues such as water leaks that can cause serious damage outside and inside. Experts say you should complete an RV roof inspection at least twice a year to make sure the roof material is not delaminating or starting to deteriorate, and the all the sealants are in good condition. This lesson will walk you through a step-by-step RV roof inspection for a 5th wheel unit. Safely completing an RV roof inspection

To help you figure out the best way to complete an RV roof inspection, RV expert Dave Solberg gets up on the roof of a 5th wheel unit to show you what you should look for when checking the status of your RV’s roof. He teaches you how to safely navigate the roof of your vehicle, remaining wary of fragile areas near vents and AC units, and introduces each of the things you should check during an RV roof inspection. With Dave’s guidance, you’ll be able to tell at the end of your RV roof inspection whether you have minor issues that require simple fixes or major problems that need expert assistance. He explains how to look for gaps in sealant at the edges of your roof and around important components such as vents, AC units and TV antennae. In this sample RV roof inspection, you’ll also discover the proper technique for clearing out debris, spider webs and other blockages from vents, and learn important advice for dealing with punctures and tears in the rubber membrane of your Rubber roof.

With some basic preventative care, you can make sure your RV roof is in proper working order and lasts as long as possible.how much should a 3 ton ac unit cost installed 8,192 posts, read 23,724,630 timesac unit technician 3,040 posts, read 8,930,309 timesac units for tent Originally Posted by Racelady88 115V x 15A = 1725 Watts Due to inrush (starting) current, you will want to go at least 25% bigger. I would recommend one even larger than that, probably something around 3000 Watts, though you could probably get by with 2500 Watts. These are for peak load ratings. Sustained load ratings should be around 2000 Watts. Don't forget that with a window type A/C unit, you will need to mount the shell of the unit outside the van for proper venting of the hot exhaust air.

This will most likely need to be out the rear of the vehicle so it doesn't protrude beyond the sides of the vehicle into an adjacent lane. Also keep in mind that if the inverter is being run off the starting battery that it wouldn't take long for the battery to drain to the point where the vehicle won't start. You will most likely want to be sure that there is a separate battery for the inverter, and that it is isolated from the starting battery so the ability to start the vehicle isn't compromised. You'll also want to be sure that the vehicle's charging system is adequate. Also remember that in order to keep the batteries charged in the vehicle, the engine will need to be run long enough to recharge them. 4,515 posts, read 17,060,880 times Originally Posted by jdavid93225This is what I needed to know. I have a brand new deep cycle RV/Marine battery to push the inverter. The unit is going to take the place of one of the rear windows. He is going to be so excited to have A/C.

3,020 posts, read 20,105,444 times 19,446 posts, read 36,978,478 times 3,460 posts, read 3,731,105 times 1800 Watts at 12 volts would be 150 Amp draw on the alternator/battery....ouch I'd look at one of the RV units runner mentioned. They should already be set up to run on 12 volts. A ROOM AIR CONDITIONER WILL ONLY WORK FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES OR LESS ON BATTERY POWER FROM TWO BATTERIES. A single battery might not even provide the amperage to start the AC after the first couple uses. Originally Posted by harry chickpea Boy times have really changed... When I bought my Statpower 1500 I paid almost a $1 a watt all those years ago... If you are really serious about finding the most efficient A/C... you need to look at some of the marine units... start at a place like West Marine... I think they have several offerings in the Master Catalog...Beat the Summer Heat in Your RV “I think a lot of problems can't be diagnosed due to being out of shape, Stephen's a good ol'boy that can get it done quickly and correctly.”

“When replacing the roof they cleaned up everyday and left the yard spotless.” “He fixed my leaks the first time and yesterday he came out and fixed the new auxilary batteries that the shop had put in backwards and blew up one battery...got my generator running and my outlets.”RV / Camper Air Conditioners, Vents & Fans Trailer Parts Superstore offers a wide selection of Powered and Non-Powered Roof Vents, Plastic Air Vents, Replacement Domes, Exterior Vents and Ventilation Accessories for RV, Motorhome, Camper, Travel Trailer, Cargo Trailer or Horse Trailer applications. RV Roof Mount Vents & Fans RV Vent Dome Covers & Replacement Lids RV Wall Mount Vents RV Vent Insect Screens Copyright © 2016 Eastern Group, Inc.Just about everything attached to the roof of an RV is a potential entry point for water. The TV antenna, vent fans, satellite dish, plumbing vents, solar panel mounts or anything else screwed into, or transitioning through the roof to the interior are places that invite leaks.

The main line of defense against water damage is vigilance — periodic inspection of the Dicor waterproof sealant. Dicor self-leveling lap sealant is ubiquitous in the RV industry, sealing roofs on everything from pop-up trailers to diesel pusher motorhomes and everything in between. The best way to avoid ever developing a leak in your RV is to check the roof at least a couple of times a year, looking for any cracks in the Dicor. One of the surest signs that an owner is meticulous in caring for their RV is to look for the tell-tale signs of Dicor patching on the roof. Dicor develops small cracks over time, and the periodic application of fresh Dicor to cover those cracks leads to the patchwork look of a well-maintained roof. Dicor is available at just about any camping supply store or RV dealer, and requires only a standard caulk gun to apply. Before applying new sealant, just clean the area to be patched with mineral spirits. We have a fiberglass roof but if you have a rubber (EPDM) roof, it’s OK to clean the Dicor with mineral spirits.

Just go easy on the quantity, being sure not to soak the rubber. Products Shown In This Video (available on Amazon): Dicor self-leveling lap sealant We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk. We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, and we participate in the Amazon affiliate program, which provides a means for us to earn a small commission by linking to products there. But our opinions are our own and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.We’re handy “Do-It-Ourselves” RVers, sharing what we’ve learned in over a decade of full-timing.