New Roof Pictures
After noticing signs of roof sag on my one-piece ABS roof, I returned to the Coleman dealer in February, 1999 to have the roof replaced while the camper was still under warranty. The dealer cheerfully replaced the roof after checking it out. Here are some pictures of the new roof. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures of the old roof before it was removed.The main problem with the original roof was a sag, or dip, along each side right about at the midpoint of the camper. The original roof had molded channels along the top at the sides that were supposed to provide a gutter path for water to drain off the ends of the roof, on to the vinyl bunk end tops and then off to the ground. With the sag on the side edges of the roof, the water pooled there and ran off the side of the roof on to the sides of the camper, where it cascaded down like a miniature waterfall. On a very rainy night, a good bit of this water ended up coming in the camper through Velcro on the glide-out dinette and screen door. The other problem was with the roof gasket seal along the front edge of the camper body. Some warping had occurred here, creating a slight inverted "U", and leaving a small gap in the front middle no matter how hard the roof was clamped down. Nothing like retiring to a wet, gritty bed after a long day of driving through the rain.
The new roof appears to be a much better design. The sides of the roof now bow upward in a slight arch, which almost guarantees that water will never pool and run off the sides. Instead of a molded channel, the gutter design is more of a raised edge. The original roof was much different, with no arch at all along the sides. Even a little bit of sag made side drainage a near certainty. The front edge seals perfectly.
I've had some requests for pictures of the roof from other Coleman owners who are curious about what has changed with the new design. Email me if you have any questions.
Coleman/Fleetwood Folding Trailers and Restless Wheels (our dealer) should be commended for standing behind their product and making things right without any hassles at all.
Notice the upward arch that peaks in the
middle along the side of the roof.
Closer view of the arch.
Other side - the arch is seen at the awning
channel and awning too.
The rain gutter is now more of a raised
edge than a molded channel.
The air conditioner brace backup plate and
nuts are now covered with a small rectangular cap.
