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Old 06-12-2022, 11:50 AM   #1
coralcruze
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Default Reinforcing the front cap

So my 2720 TM has the mach ac unit and seems to be too much weight on that front cap. Especially that TM cut such a huge hole in the roof right on the seam to installbthe AC unit. There seems to be a slight sag right under the AC. What I wpuld like to do is reinforce that area to give it extra rigidity.

Has anyone done anything like this? What I am thinking is to use plate aluminum to keep weight to a min. Then push up on the top half and screw in some screws through the aluminum into the wood behind the seam bag.

This is purely preventative but figure it can use a little reinforcement in that area. So it does not worsen.

If anyone has done this or can offer any suggestions wpuld be great.
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Old 06-12-2022, 01:04 PM   #2
Shane826
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I don’t know what year your TM is but if the roof is sagging, it’s not really fixable. Someone came up with an exoskeleton to re-lift the roof crown but the bracing was permanent. If you’re looking to screw anything into the wood behind the bag seal make sure it’s still wood and not mulch. That wood is very prone to water damage.
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Old 06-12-2022, 01:18 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shane826 View Post
I don’t know what year your TM is but if the roof is sagging, it’s not really fixable. Someone came up with an exoskeleton to re-lift the roof crown but the bracing was permanent. If you’re looking to screw anything into the wood behind the bag seal make sure it’s still wood and not mulch. That wood is very prone to water damage.

You don't happen to have that thread link, do you?
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Old 06-12-2022, 02:23 PM   #4
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Found it. I don’t think Bruce is around anymore, I think he sold his TM for an upright camper.

https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...ght=Roof+crown
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Old 06-12-2022, 04:42 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Shane826 View Post
Found it. I don’t think Bruce is around anymore, I think he sold his TM for an upright camper.

https://www.trailmanorowners.com/for...ght=Roof+crown
Thank you Shane... that is one way to do it, I guess. But it's no where near the extent of my roof but do t what to wait unit I get there.

I also read your thread that you had the same issue. Have you attempted to fix it?
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Old 06-12-2022, 07:09 PM   #6
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Yep. All new roof sections from the factory, along with torsion bars, lift arms, and a few other odds & ends. She’s pretty much like new now.
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Old 06-12-2022, 08:49 PM   #7
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How bad was your sag? And am I understanding that you didn't attempt a fix?
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Old 06-14-2022, 08:57 AM   #8
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Sag was pretty severe, like visibly noticeable that it was sagged below horizontal. We sketched out a couple ideas but nothing seemed like it would support the weight.
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Old 06-15-2022, 08:15 AM   #9
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Wow, all new roof sections and assorted hardware!! Whew. I would have thought that would cost more than a new trailmanor but obviously not or you would not have done it. Nice to know that it is possible.
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Old 06-15-2022, 09:25 AM   #10
coralcruze
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jagizzi View Post
Wow, all new roof sections and assorted hardware!! Whew. I would have thought that would cost more than a new trailmanor but obviously not or you would not have done it. Nice to know that it is possible.

You have a point to a point. True it's nice to know that it's possible to get the caps replaced at a cost. However, these issues we are seeing are occurring for a reason. Obviously the roof ac is too heavy for its placement in the middle of a seam. And to have another skylight on the same seam without any framing and being a unibody construction is the issue and reason this happens.

In cars unibody is reinforced by bends in the sheet metal at key locations. I am unsure why these bends or folds or framing are not there at least to reinforce the opening cut for the AC and skylights through a seam. Or bends specifically on the outer edges on the caps so sagging is held to a minimum. For me purchasing two new caps would cost way more than what I paid for my TM used. Thankfully I only have one cap to deal with and thankfully it does not sound as bad as some others. However, if nothing is done about it now it will probably be just as bad in time. Not to have a factory solution for a sag or one that is developing is not a good thing though.
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