If you communicate with other RV enthusiasts, you’re likely familiar with the Forest River brand of RVs. Forest River RVs are some of the most popular options because they’ve spent years revolutionizing the RV industry.
However, even though Forest River RV’s are extremely popular, there are some common roofing problems you can expect when you purchase this brand. Understanding these roofing problems will help you resolve them before they create more problems during your camping trip.
Troubleshooting Tips For Forest River Roof Problems
Please continue reading to learn everything you need about Forest River roof problems and how you can fix them. Our guide will walk you through the most common problems RV owners experience with their roofs and whether or not you can get a replacement.
1. Gutter Problems
The gutter on your RV roof greatly affects how well your roof drains water. Whenever you have problems with your gutter, it can cause too much weight to end up on your roof and create leaks. Unfortunately, these gutter problems are more common for Forest River RV’s than for other brands.
How To Identify
It would be best to inspect your RV gutter as soon as you purchase it to avoid any problems. The last thing you want to worry about when you drive through inclement weather is gutter issues. Follow these steps to inspect your gutter for any damage.
- Climb on top of the roof of your RV
- Find your gutter system
- Follow the length of your gutter, inspecting it for dents
- Contact the RV manufacturer if you notice any gutter damage
The sooner you inspect your gutters for damage, the more likely you will receive a replacement from the manufacturer. If you wait too long to perform this inspection, you might have to go through your RV insurance company instead.
How To Resolve
Before you replace your gutter independently, you should call your manufacturer to see if they can cover any costs. Some Forest River RVs have gutter issues that are uncommon for these vehicles. Many manufacturers understand if you experience problems before getting a chance to enjoy your RV.
However, if you’ve had your RV for a while and you’ve just now noticed gutter damage, you should replace the gutter entirely. You can go to your local RV shop or order a replacement gutter online. Unfortunately, you can’t bend the RV gutter back into place because once the damage is done, you need to replace the object.
2. Roof Leaking
RV roof leakage is a common problem that any RV owner can experience. However, this is not a problem exclusive to Forest River RV’s, so you should bear that in mind when purchasing your vehicle. Unfortunately, several things can cause damage to your RV roof that causes you to spring a leak.
How To Identify
Have you suddenly noticed puddles on the ground as you walk through your RV? You probably have a roof leak if you notice suspicious water puddles after a rainstorm. Unfortunately, many people don’t notice these leaks immediately because they start small and worsen as time progresses.
You can also identify potential roof leaks by climbing on your RV roof once every six months. This helps you avoid the problem before it arises. If you drive through areas that experience inclement weather often, you’re more likely to spring a leak.
How To Resolve
Forest River RV roof leaks are a common occurrence. Fortunately, these problems are affordable and easy to resolve. Follow these steps to fix your roof and resolve any leaks to prevent mold.
- Climb on top of your Forest River RV roof
- Locate the damaged portion of your roof
- Apply a waterproof sealant to the damaged area
- Take your RV to a covered area until the sealant dries
The dry time you can expect for your sealant depends on the brand of sealant you purchase. Read the instructions they provide you to ensure that you apply everything correctly. After you apply the sealant, your leaking roof will stop.
If you notice a leak, you don’t want to wait too long to buy sealant for your roof. These leaks can cause mold to occur in your RV, which affects your health and is difficult to remove. Waiting too long to fix your leak can also cause water damage to the interior of your RV.
Water damage in your RV can severely impact your resale value. So, taking care of your roof is crucial if you don’t plan to keep your RV forever.
3. Manufacturing Problems
Even though Forest River is a popular company for RV manufacturing, not every RV they produce is perfect. Even when you purchase products from the most reliable companies in an industry, you will have a few bad batches, and the RV industry is no exception to this.
Fortunately, if you can prove a manufacturing issue with your Forest River RV, the manufacturer will likely replace the product. Unfortunately, proving something wrong with RV manufacturing is the difficult part of this task.
How To Identify
If you experience problems with your RV roof as soon as you purchase the vehicle, there’s likely a manufacturing issue. Sometimes, parts can get dented or receive damage during the building process. Always call the manufacturer whenever you experience problems with a brand-new RV.
How To Resolve
The best way to solve manufacturing problems with your Forest River roof is to call the manufacturer. However, when you purchase your vehicle, you should also get a warranty and insurance to keep yourself safe. Many people purchase used RVs, which are more susceptible to roofing problems.
If you have a warranty for your RV, you’ll need to contact the dealership instead of the manufacturer. If you receive roof damage due to an accident, you need to make an insurance claim instead. Whenever you call customer service, they will direct you to the right people to speak to about your Forest River roofing problems.
If you’ve exhausted the above methods, you’ll need to bring your RV to a mechanic to fix the issue. They can give you a quote for how much it would cost to fix your RV roof and fix it right the first time, so you don’t have to worry about it.
4. Poor Maintenance
A huge part of RV ownership is maintaining your Forest River roof. Most RV owners understand that these vehicles require maintenance but usually focus on oil and fluids and forget about the roof. Fortunately, roofing problems due to poor maintenance are easier to resolve than engine or fluid issues.
How To Identify
You can identify whether or not maintenance is the culprit of your roofing problems by considering how often you climb on top of your roof and adding sealant. Applying a sealant to your Forest River RV roof is recommended annually to avoid any leaks or damage.
You can also identify this problem by paying attention to where you purchase your RV. For example, if you are dealing with a used Forest River RV, there’s a chance that the previous owner didn’t maintain the roof. Unfortunately, this is a common mistake among new RV owners.
How To Resolve
If you struggle with Forest River roof problems due to poor maintenance, the good news is it’s easy to get on the maintenance wagon. Follow the steps below to properly maintain your roof and minimize any damage received due to lack of care.
- Purchase a roof sealant from a reliable company. Paying attention to reviews is the best way to pick the right sealant.
- Follow the instructions on your sealant package.
- Hire an RV roofing company if the damage is severe.
- Maintain your RV roof annually to prevent further maintenance problems.
It would be best to set a yearly reminder on your phone calendar, so you don’t miss any maintenance appointments. Taking care of your Forest River roof is the best way to increase your longevity.
5. Drafty Camper
If your Forest River RV doesn’t hold in enough warm or cold air, you likely have a hole in your roof. Weather damage is a common reason people must fix or purchase new roofs for their Forest River RV.
How To Identify
You can identify a drafty camper by paying attention to your thermostat. If you find it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature, there are holes in your RV. You’ll likely find these holes on your roof because it receives the most impact from snow, rain, and hail.
How To Resolve
Follow the sealant process we discussed in the previous troubleshooting option. Sealant is your best friend regarding Forest River roof problems, and it’s affordable compared to replacing the roof entirely. However, there are situations where you need to purchase a replacement roof instead.
Final Thoughts
Most of these Forest River roof problems are issues you’ll face with any RV purchase. The exception is the gutter problems, a common manufacturing problem among Forest River RV’s. Fortunately, the manufacturing company understands when it comes to these gutter problems because there have been so many reports of them.
