RV Insurance Question

[BowSlayer]

I'm looking at a 5th wheel trailer to purchase. Today I was going over the trailer looking for any problems before paying for it and I opened an outside storage compartment and found water damage. Looks like it has been leaking for a while in the back corner. The seller told me he has full coverage insurance on it and he will knock whatever they pay off the price. Will insurance cover a leaking roof and the damage it caused? Seems like a neglect problem to me but he thinks insurance will cover the damage.

[Etxbuckman]

I'm looking at a 5th wheel trailer to purchase. Today I was going over the trailer looking for any problems before paying for it and I opened an outside storage compartment and found water damage. Looks like it has been leaking for a while in the back corner. The seller told me he has full coverage insurance on it and he will knock whatever they pay off the price. Will insurance cover a leaking roof and the damage it caused? Seems like a neglect problem to me but he thinks insurance will cover the damage.

If indeed he's got comprehensive, yes it should.

[BowSlayer]

If indeed he's got comprehensive, yes it should.

Ok thanks. I figured I was wasting my time waiting to see what his insurance says. Might be worth waiting to see.

[careybirdwell]

I have seen some insurance companies refuse covering this because lack of maintenance

[BowSlayer]

I have seen some insurance companies refuse covering this because lack of maintenance

I got on the roof and the roof itself looks fine but it's obvious the seams have never been resealed and it's a 2007 model. All the sealant is cracked.

[Etxbuckman]

I have seen some insurance companies refuse covering this because lack of maintenance

If the seller did something that could be construed as contributing to the loss then that is a possibility. If I was looking to buy the RV in question it may still be worth having the seller file a claim. If it's that bad the seller may be well advised to have it fixed anyway.

I got on the roof and the roof itself looks fine but it's obvious the seams have never been resealed and it's a 2007 model. All the sealant is cracked.

That may present a problem as far as the insurance is concerned.

[careybirdwell]

I got on the roof and the roof itself looks fine but it's obvious the seams have never been resealed and it's a 2007 model. All the sealant is cracked.

Well, that sounds like a lack of maintenance. Also, look at it this way. Most rubber roofs on trailers have a 10 year life span if properly taken care of. So the roof has actually lasted its intended life

[BowSlayer]

Well, that sounds like a lack of maintenance. Also, look at it this way. Most rubber roofs on trailers have a 10 year life span if properly taken care of. So the roof has actually lasted its intended life

What makes them bad after 10 years? Will they leak even if there are no holes or tears?

[careybirdwell]

What makes them bad after 10 years? Will they leak even if there are no holes or tears?

The rubber just generally breaks down from sun, rain, and dirt. I'm not saying that in automatically starts leaking at 10 years old, just be aware that it has served its purpose. My trailer is a 2006, I just make sure that I keep it sealed and a fresh coat of runner roof coating on it

[BowSlayer]

RV Insurance Question

The rubber just generally breaks down from sun, rain, and dirt. I'm not saying that in automatically starts leaking at 10 years old, just be aware that it has served its purpose. My trailer is a 2006, I just make sure that I keep it sealed and a fresh coat of runner roof coating on it

Ok thanks. I didn't know you could coat a rubber roof. If I get it I'll coat it and seal the seams good. I appreciate the info.

[KNEE DEEP]

Be careful. If it's leaking already there is probably lots of damage you can't see. Been down this road before. Lots of headaches.

[flywise]

Find one that does not have a leak

[justletmein]

The rubber just generally breaks down from sun, rain, and dirt. I'm not saying that in automatically starts leaking at 10 years old, just be aware that it has served its purpose. My trailer is a 2006, I just make sure that I keep it sealed and a fresh coat of runner roof coating on it

You just spray/roll it over the top of the old stuff or what?

[careybirdwell]

You just spray/roll it over the top of the old stuff or what?

I use Dicor over the seams applied with a caulk gun. It the old stuff is not torn up or loose, I just fill in the cracks (it is self leveling)

As far as coating a roof, I just clean roof & apply with a paint roller over everything

[SPDKLZ]

You'd be surprised at what the insurance will cover. My parents use theirs quiet a bit due to dads job and last year a rat/mouse got in. Ended up chewing holes through lots of pipes causing all kinds of damage. Insurance paid to have it all fixed.

Best thing is insurance is cheap too. Mine for my 34' Avenger is about $120/yr.

However, like others said, you may want to look deeper because there may be mold and other issues beyond what you can see.