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Pop Up Truck Camper Repair

Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 6:37 pm
by skampercamper
I have an early 90s Skamper Pickup camper with some water damage in the roof. A previous owner mounted a roof rack and didnt properly seal the bolt holes and water has rotted out about an 8" square area in the roof. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these campers. The exterior of the roof appears to be a seamless textured vinyl.
It has a small crack opening up where the roof rack bolts through. If I can get a solid backing under the roof rack then I think I can seal up the crack with some rv roofing tar or equivalent.
I want to cut out the rotted material from inside, if possible without disturbing the outer vinyl but I,m not sure exactly what the roof is made of. Im guessing plywood or OSB.
I'd like to know what Im gettting into before I start ripping things up. Any clues or suggestions?

Re: Pop Up Truck Camper Repair

Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2014 3:21 pm
by techman
Its hard to advise without photos. But these things are made pretty simple. You need to find a roof repair material that will not harm the vinyl roofing. Be very careful what you use to patch the hole. Most stuff on the market will eat up your roofing. This requires a special roof patching material. I would check with RV shops for the right thing.

The rest is easy. Find some thin paneling that matches the interior of your camper first.

The camper is made using 2x2 framing and light weight paneling. Outside may have a bit of plywood for strength if it was designed to be walked on.

Hope this helps some.

Re: Pop Up Truck Camper Repair

Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2014 6:27 pm
by skampercamper
Thanks for the info. I drilled a pattern of small holes through the interior paneling across and around the spongy area. I used some curved disposable dental syringes to pumpa a good pint of marine "get rot" in there. I'm hoping that stops any further deterioration.
On the exterior I used marine grade silicone to temporarily seal up the roof rack mounting plate and the small crack in the roofing material raising from one of the bolt holes.
I'mhoping this gets me through this camping season without any further problems.
I'll have to check at the rv supply/repair store to see if they can identify the roofing material.