benrogers
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Post by benrogers on Apr 8, 2015 15:37:08 GMT -8
So someone in an effort to be up with the times has installed an antenna through the roof of my 65 Shasta Compact and installed speakers and a radio in the cabinet just to the left of the door when you walk in. You know, the one designed to rip your head open?
Well the antenna has been heavily caulked with silicone on the outside. At this point I'd like to say that, IT WAS NOT ME. With the heavy rains we've been having in Ohio it is now leaking around the antenna and under the skin into the ceiling of the trailer.
My question is what type of epoxy would be best to patch this hole, say it's 3/4". Then, now the the ceiling panel is damaged, how can I get that panel out and replace it and what should I replace it with?
I'm hoping to do this Saturday (at least the hole in the roof) since it will be dry.
I appreciate all your help,
Ben
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RJ
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Post by RJ on Apr 8, 2015 16:12:13 GMT -8
Hey Ben, sorry to hear about your dilemma. Until the really smart cats chime in, I'll throw a few things out. 3/4 is a pretty darn big hole and not really something that is "patchable". If you've removed the antenna, I suppose you could use several layers of waterproof tape over the hole as a stop gap until the weather gets nice enough to work on your trailer (maybe even tarp the top 1/3 of the little gal). The news gets worse, there is no easy way to repair the ceiling panel. More than likely, you'll need to remove (or at least peel down partially) the side skins, remove the top skin, assess roof frame damage/repair as needed, replace the affected roof panel (matching what is current in your trailer as best as you can) and quite possibly, replace the roof skin in its entirety if it is compromised in other areas. Of course, this all entails redoing the roof vent and cleaning up all the roof to side edge seams, re-stapling, re-butyl putty taping, etc. That said, you could try some waterproof tape under the roof skin hole and Proflex the top but I'm not sure that'll hold for such a large gap. Standing by for the experts to chime in (JP, Ten, Bigbill, VK, Mobiltec, etc.).
RJ
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 8, 2015 17:01:25 GMT -8
Ben, do you have a pic of that hole?
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Post by vikx on Apr 8, 2015 20:52:05 GMT -8
Our Loliner had an antenna hole and then patch with at least 10 screws. I removed the patch and found the hole... There were 3 in the ceiling as well. Since the roof skin was loose, I used waterproofing sticky tape on the underside, on every hole, including the large one. I cut a new patch and had plans to putty and screw it in place, then seal. First, I used Proflex (paint on, NOT the caulk) and covered over the old patched area. 3 coats later, it looked very good. I decided to wait on the patch and see if the Proflex does enough. I think it will. The owners are aware of what's there and will keep a close eye on it. NOTE: Do not use other sealants recommended by RV dealers. They are not the same.  A small patch can be done inside on an otherwise GOOD CEILING. Most of the panel must be in sound condition to do a partial repair. Cut the water damaged area out with a multitool; try to keep the cutout an even size, such as 12 x 12, 12 x 16, etc. You will be able to see if more work needs to be done. If most of it is OK, glue backers to overlap the cut out. (part of it glues to the ceiling panel, part provides support for the new insert) Cut the insert to fit and glue onto the backers. If a handy rafter is nearby, attach to that as well. Hope this helps, patching isn't what we usually do. If the ceiling panel is ruined, the only proper repair is to pull the roof skin. We can help with that if you like. |
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Apr 9, 2015 3:11:44 GMT -8
I'm stickin' my neck out here, I know, BUT if the framing and other structural aspects are in decent shape and all you have is a 3/4' hole in an otherwise sound roof...that is a "small" hole to me. I'd get a roll of Eternabond tape and put about a 3" piece on the hole and be done with it. Just check it from time to time.
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Apr 9, 2015 3:19:51 GMT -8
Sorry, I didn't have enough coffee, missed the part about replacing the panel.
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benrogers
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Post by benrogers on Apr 9, 2015 6:16:16 GMT -8
The good news is the leak is relatively new. At this point I don't have a picture as the antenna is still in place but I guessed 3/4" to be on the bad side. IF it's smaller I plan on using the epoxy for now simply because I will be stripping the camper down in a year or two to rebuild/repair and turn the insides into what I want for fly fishing.
The interesting thing is this was supposedly overhauled a few years ago. They sure did an ..... interesting job of it.
I'll let you know what I find.
Ben
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RJ
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Post by RJ on Apr 9, 2015 7:00:52 GMT -8
Fly fishing... fly fishing? Now I'm really interested in your project. Mrs. RJ and I plan on fleeing the high tax state of WA and moving to my old home state (MT) or even ID in the next few years when I finally have enough pesos in the bank to retire. Fly fishing will be a big part of my weekly schedule  Will be interested to hear how you set your little trailer up. |
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benrogers
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Post by benrogers on Apr 9, 2015 7:25:00 GMT -8
Ours will be to escape to the Adirondacks RJ.
What about butyl tape and a piece of aluminum pop riveted in place?
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Post by vikx on Apr 9, 2015 21:43:15 GMT -8
If it's an RV antenna, there are several screw holes as well as the cable hole. Here is the Loliner antenna footprint:  You can see two larger holes and multiple perimeter screw piercings. The planned patch:  After the Proflex, we decided to wait:  Far from ideal, but might save the Loliner roof. The rest is in pretty good shape, other than dents from a fat PO crawling around up there. Of course there was silver slop and more to pick and scrape... I'm thinking modern rivets have holes. If you use rivets, I would definitely seal. Another product that might work is Dicor self leveling lap sealant. It is removable (irritating, but can be done) if you decide on another repair. |
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Post by bigbill on Apr 10, 2015 5:23:27 GMT -8
Fly fishing why would anybody want to catch flys?  Seriously that sounds like a great retirement plan. As for the 3/4 inch hole if you are removing the antenna completely, I would buy a roll of coax seal(available from two-way radio dealers)it is designed to keep moisture out of connections on an antenna system it stays flexible even in direct contact with the sun. Then I would cut an aluminum patch about 4 inches square, next clean the entire area around the hole of all roof coating, caulking, or anything else. Next cut strips of the coax seal slightly longer than the patch and cover the entire area under the patch with two layers, running the second layer at 90 degrees to the first. the I would pop rivet the aluminum patch on with the rivets spaced about an inch apart. Finally i would coat the entire patch with a self leveling sealant. I would use a heavier gauge alum than the original roof, probably .065 to .125 thick. Option two if you plan on reinstalling the antenna then increase the patch size to at least a foot square out of at least .125 aluminum then drill and reinstall antenna. A stock aluminum roof will not maintain a leak proof seal because of the flexing of the thin aluminum, most of these antennas are designed to be mounted on a steel fender. |
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benrogers
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Post by benrogers on Apr 10, 2015 6:29:41 GMT -8
Is it possible for the leak at the antenna (halfway up on the door side on the roof) to have water make it all the way to the back of the trailer? Would it run down the aluminum?
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Post by bigbill on Apr 10, 2015 7:29:28 GMT -8
When it comes to water any thing is possible. A lot of it depends on the angle the trailer, but water basically runs down hill by the path of least resistance.
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benrogers
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Post by benrogers on Apr 10, 2015 7:56:49 GMT -8
When it comes to water any thing is possible. A lot of it depends on the angle the trailer, but water basically runs down hill by the path of least resistance. BigBill the hole is the size of an antenna cable (like coaxial). Why wouldn't I just use some JB Waterweld to fill the holes? |
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benrogers
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Post by benrogers on Apr 10, 2015 9:19:05 GMT -8
So the little black stick on the right is the antenna. The RV awning is coming off this weekend and being replaced with C-channel for the awning we have. It's a tiny antenna that's why I'm confused about having to apply patches and such.  |
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Will be interested to hear how you set your little trailer up. 
