Jayco Camper Trailer ceiling replacement
Hello all,
first post here so trust my post/queries are to the correct protocol.
My 2004 Jayco Finch has developed a roof leak near the rear internal light and either another leak or condensation problem near the front light resulting in damage to the veneered roof sheeting. The 2004 model had the two part aluminium sheet roof with joint down the centre. We had found small mould spot near from light in April this year when camper sued for a 2 week trip which we cleaned up and thought to be condensation ( also some black mould on lower part of the metal door frame). Everything else was still good at that time. This is my third camper over about 20 years and never had leaks or other serious problems in that time.
Water at front light may be from a leak at the rear as it has been parked up for a year with the front low and facing north so solar panels on roof are directed better towards the sun. Just moved into new house in June and camper now parked with rear to north and had the front slightly higher so water may have stayed near leak entry point.
Deliberately left the camper up and level in heavy rain last night and some water on ceiling inside behind rear internal light but dry at the front light area – hence thoughts that front deterioration may be from condensation or water running down hill rather than roof leak at the front.
I have been taking out a few of the internal roof mounted fitting each evening. With lights and curtains/valence removed, I can see some polystyrene foam in corners of the roof and at holes for cables to lights. Last night that work included the inner part of the skylight/vent hatch assembly. It has timber framing around the opening and low and behold, the 12 Vdc wiring to the rear light is looped in and out through that timber framing. Water wise at the hatch opening, the front and side timbers are dry but there was some water/dampness at the rear timber. No sign of rot in the timber so seems I have got in early enough. Getting more access and drying out the timber (maybe once dry also a coat of varnish to help seal timbers for future (did that on all seat and cupboard internal plywood and timber from day 1).
In the past on various campers I have pulled back the aluminium sheeting on front face of roof and wall on first camper years ago to do some mods for pole carrier, did some minor wall mods for vents in second camper and wall rear mods to add AM/FM/CD stereo in current camper. I know earlier campers had timber roof frame and no insulation in roof so sheeting likely just glued to timber frame. By 2004 there was advertised to be “roof insulation” which may be polystyrene foam sheeting glued to metal roof with ceiling sheeting glued to foam (but then again 1991 models were claimed to have roof insulation but mine had no foam). Accordingly, as money is currently tight with recent purchase of new house, prefer to look at repairing myself . I am relatively handy at camper mods – have added larger water tank, 3-way tap and elect water pump, extra wiring and 12 Volt power outlets, added stereo system into rear wall, mods to internal cupboards, totally rebuilt front seat to gain more storage space, etc, for the current camper.
Obviously first task is the find the source/location of the leak and reseal.
In searching this and other forums seems Bunnings stock some Sikaflex adhesive sealant products (seems Sikaflex 222 has been recommended elsewhere) and also seems one must avoid silicone type sealants. Also found the name of the adhesive sealant used by Jayco themselves. So will purchase some suitable adhesive sealant rear to fix outer roof leak and then on the weekend look to removing the outer part of the roof hatch and roof centreline seal, clean up the parts and reseal.
Then it will be down to how best to repair the now damaged (stained, bubbled paper coating near lights, and some mould spots on inside) ceiling sheeting. With most other items removed now, I can see staples at the sides and along (under the sheeting joint trims) the but the big question remains is there polystyrene foam in roof cavity (2004 model) and is the plywood glued to the foam.
If glued, might warrant using some oil of cloves to “kill” any mound spores (apparently exit mould etc do not kill the spores) and partially sanding back (belt sander) the existing ceiling then glue and staple new sheets over existing.
Still early days into investigations and repair however ,any advise/information/photos of Jayco Camper from members who know how the roof is assembled and how the internal ceiling sheeting is secured for mid 2000’s models greatly appreciated.
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Jayco camper roof leak and ceiling replacement
Originally Posted by Big Shed
