Sealing Popup Camper Roofs: Diy Guide For Owners

Owning a pop-up camper can be a fun and exciting experience, but it also comes with its fair share of maintenance. One crucial aspect of keeping your camper in good condition is ensuring that the roof is properly sealed. A well-sealed roof will protect the interior of your camper from water damage, dirt, and insects, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. There are a variety of products available on the market, such as the Coleman/Fleetwood roof seal, Palomino Pop-Up Camper White Roof Seal, and RV Camper Pop-Up Roof Seal, each designed to effectively seal your camper's roof and protect it from the elements.

Coleman/Fleetwood roof seal

If you have a Coleman or Fleetwood pop-up camper with a sagging or deteriorating roof seal, you can replace it with a new ABS roof seal. This will better protect your camper from the elements.

The first step is to put your trailer roof/top up by 6–12 inches (15.2–30.5 cm) so you can work on it. Then, remove the old rubber seal. Usually, you can just pull it off, but sometimes you may need to use a putty knife to separate it from the roof. Next, scrape off any remaining glue residue with a putty knife or razor blade, and clean the roof edge with acetone.

For the Coleman/Fleetwood popup trailer, you will need about 41 feet (12.5 m) of new seal. As you go along, put a 1/8" bead of adhesive into the groove of the new seal. One recommended adhesive is 3M 3008 Super Weatherstrip Adhesive. Starting from the center back of the trailer, press the new seal onto the roof edge. If needed, gently tap it into place with a rubber mallet. Continue until you meet back at your starting point, then cut the remaining seal so that it fits flush. Finally, let the seal dry for 24 hours and lower your roof.

You can find the Coleman/Fleetwood roof seal online at websites such as Amazon, eBay, and colemanpopupparts.com. The price for a 41-foot roll is around $189.95, but it may vary depending on the seller.

Rubber gasket

If the rubber seal on your pop-up camper roof has deteriorated, it's time to replace it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to seal your pop-up camper roof using a rubber gasket:

Step 1: Raise the Roof

Start by raising the roof of your pop-up camper by about 6 to 12 inches to create some space to work with. To remove the old rubber gasket, simply pull it out of the track. If it was glued in place, use a tuck tool to gently pry it out. Most old adhesives should give way easily, but for any stubborn spots, use the tuck tool to scrape against the seal and loosen it.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

Once the old gasket is removed, clean any remaining adhesive from the surface. Use a clean rag with adhesive remover to wipe down the entire perimeter of the pop-up camper roof. It's important to ensure the surface is clean and dry before installing the new rubber gasket.

Step 3: Measure the Perimeter

Measure the perimeter of your pop-up camper roof to determine the length of the rubber gasket you will need. This will help you order the correct amount of gasket material. Remember to account for any corners or curved areas that may require additional length.

Step 4: Install the New Rubber Gasket

When installing the new rubber gasket, you have two options: with or without adhesive. If your gasket has a self-adhesive backing, simply peel off the protective layer and press the gasket firmly into place along the perimeter of the roof. For gaskets without adhesive, you can use a weatherstripping adhesive to ensure a strong bond. Apply the adhesive to the surface, then press the gasket into place, working in small sections at a time.

Start from the center back of the trailer and work your way around until you reach the starting point. Cut any excess gasket material to ensure a flush fit.

Step 5: Allow the Adhesive to Dry

If you used adhesive, it's important to let it cure completely. Lower the roof and allow the tension to help adhere the seal in place. Refer to the adhesive's instructions for the recommended curing time, which is typically around 24 hours.

By following these steps and using a rubber gasket, you can effectively seal your pop-up camper roof, ensuring it is protected from the elements and ready for your next adventure.

RV seals

When it comes to sealing a pop-up camper roof, there are various products available in the market, each designed to meet specific requirements. Here are some options to consider:

Rubber Gasket Seal

This type of seal is commonly used for pop-up camper roofs. It is made of flexible PVC trim with a rubber bulb and is designed to fit specific models of Coleman/Fleetwood pop-up trailers with ABS roofs. The rubber gasket seal measures 41 feet in length and features a U-shaped attachment with a bulb. It is recommended to use an adhesive such as 3M Black Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive for a secure installation.

ABS Roof Seal

The ABS roof seal is designed for Coleman or Fleetwood pop-up campers with ABS roofs. It comes in a 41-foot roll and features double-sided adhesive tape for easy installation. The seal measures 1-1/2 inches tall, with a 3/8-inch wide channel that accepts the bottom edges of the roof. This product offers advanced seal technology to better protect your camper from the elements.

Palomino Pop-Up Camper White Roof Seal

This white roof seal is designed for Palomino pop-up campers and comes in 42-foot sections. It is used to replace the seal around the roof, ensuring a watertight seal to protect your camper from water damage.

RV Camper Pop-Up Roof Seal

The RV Camper Pop-Up Roof Seal is a gasket seal that measures 1" high by 1/2" wide. It is made of nitrile rubber, which is resistant to chemicals and temperature changes. This seal is soft and flexible, making it easy to install. It can be used for various applications, including sealing slide-outs, exterior doors, hoods, and boat hatches.

When choosing an RV seal, it is important to consider the compatibility with your camper's make and model, as well as the specific requirements of the sealing job. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and ensure that the surfaces are clean and dry before applying the seal.

Adhesive tape

To use Eternabond tape effectively, you should first remove any old sealant, caulking, or silicone from the area you wish to seal. You can use a product like Goo Gone Pro-Power to help remove any stubborn residue. Next, clean the surface with a suitable solvent, such as acetone, to ensure a good seal. If you are sealing a centre seam, you may want to mark the area with chalk to help guide your application.

Once the surface is prepared, apply the tape in small sections, smoothing it out with pressure to ensure a good seal and to activate the adhesive. You can then paint over the tape to match the colour of your roof, if desired.

In addition to Eternabond tape, there are other types of adhesive tapes available for sealing pop-up camper roofs. For example, double-sided adhesive tape is used to install the Coleman/Fleetwood top seal, which fits any Coleman or Fleetwood pop-up with an ABS roof. This type of seal stands 1-1/2 inches tall, with a channel that is about 3/8 of an inch wide at the opening that accepts the bottom edges of the roof.

Using adhesive tape to seal your pop-up camper roof can be an effective and relatively inexpensive solution, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and prepare the surface properly to ensure a good seal.

Installation

To install a new seal on your pop-up camper roof, you will first need to remove the old seal. This can be done by simply pulling it off. Once the old seal is removed, you can begin installing the new one.

It is recommended to clean the surfaces around the edge of the camper roof before installing the new seal. This can be done using a drill with a rough pad. Ensure that the roof edge is completely dry before proceeding.

If you are using an adhesive to attach the new seal, apply the adhesive to the groove of the seal and/or the edge of the camper roof, following the instructions on the adhesive product. Some seals come with double-sided adhesive tape inside the seal, which means you won't need to apply additional glue.

When installing the new seal, start by aligning it with the edge of the camper roof and pushing it up into place. You may need to use a mallet to tap it into place and ensure a tight fit. It is recommended to have a helper who can straighten out the seal and apply adhesive while you work.

For the corners, you will need to cut the seal at a 45-degree angle to ensure a proper fit. Make sure that the barb on the "U"-shaped attachment component is on the inside of the roof to ensure a watertight seal on the outside.

Finally, check that all sections of the seal are securely attached and that there are no gaps or loose areas.

Frequently asked questions