Help us fix a pop-up camper cracked roof so we can camp!
June 8, 2018 9:34 AM Subscribe
How can I fix the top shell on my 1997 Coleman pop-up camper? Is there a tape or glue/epoxy that would do the trick? Also the rubber stripping is coming off around the seam edging. What glue would best hold that back in place? Quick fixes would be great we can use it ASAP.
Pictures
That is a pretty sever crack. I think you will need epoxy and fiberglass tape to mend it, that should give some strength to the repair. You could try roof seal tape and lap caulk, but it would lack strength.
posted by tman99 at 9:44 AM on June 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by tman99 at 9:44 AM on June 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
If there's a West Marine store near you, they will have loads of fibreglass and epoxy resin and hardener. I've had good luck with West Systems epoxy, not the cheapest stuff, but not easy to screw up. I would avoid any polyester resin (e.g. some of the cheapo fibreglass repair kits at home depot) as the ratio of resin to hardener for that stuff is like 50:1, so if you're a little bit off, it's a big problem, and it needs to be super thoroughly mixed, plus it smells terrible.
posted by smcameron at 10:21 AM on June 8, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by smcameron at 10:21 AM on June 8, 2018 [3 favorites]
Silicone tape. Boating supply places (chandleries) should stock it.
posted by bricoleur at 10:40 AM on June 8, 2018
posted by bricoleur at 10:40 AM on June 8, 2018
If time constraints mean that you have to do a quick-and-dirty fix, Sikaflex 221 is your jam. Crazy good for bonding and sealing all things camper-related. An RV supply place will have it.
Agreed that fiberglass and epoxy is what you really need though.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 11:48 AM on June 8, 2018
Agreed that fiberglass and epoxy is what you really need though.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 11:48 AM on June 8, 2018
It may be plastic rather than fiber glass. Coleman has sold tent trailers with ABS roofs and the repair is radically different.
posted by Mitheral at 12:59 PM on June 8, 2018
posted by Mitheral at 12:59 PM on June 8, 2018
mitheral maybe correct as fiberglass would not break cleanly like that is.
posted by tman99 at 1:24 PM on June 8, 2018
posted by tman99 at 1:24 PM on June 8, 2018
Ok, (plz don't ban me:) but if it's ABS the tv tape my be an option. They have a really wide tape that should seal and reinforce. Seems to get reasonable reviews. amazon link.
If it's fiberglass, prep is everything and that means sanding so invest in good respirators and have work cloths you can change out of and toss. But working with the West System is easy and very effective.
posted by sammyo at 6:50 AM on June 9, 2018
If it's fiberglass, prep is everything and that means sanding so invest in good respirators and have work cloths you can change out of and toss. But working with the West System is easy and very effective.
posted by sammyo at 6:50 AM on June 9, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:42 AM on June 8, 2018