Roof Crown Repair

[Shane826]

Has anyone had any luck restoring the crown to a TM roof? My front roof has a bit of sag and the rear roof is flat. I saw Bruce’s repair but I’m not sure that’s in my wheelhouse...

[Larryjb]

Shane,

I didn't want to reply because I have never had to deal with this. But I've had some ideas after reading other posts in the past.

I don't know if this would work or not, but this is just an idea that you might be able to develop into a solution. If you removed the crown molding and added some aluminum strips that were about 1/16" longer than the inside width of the trailer, this would provide about a 2" lift as the aluminum strips bow upwards.

Now, I don't know if the sidewalls can support this stress, but there are probably workarounds for this.

Bruce's idea might be the best, but I thought I'd suggest an alternative just for the sake of another idea.

[Shane826]

Larry- I’m kinda thinking the same thing but trying to figure out how to deal with the side loads. Also have some leads on permanently bowing the pieces of aluminum.

[Texastrailerguy]

I don't know if this will work or not. How about a strip of alum 2"w x 1/4t x length across the width of the trailer. Bend to arch, form fit from another trailer if possible. Tig weld a strip down the middle of the arch strip 1/4"thick x 1/2tall(makes a T shape). Remember alum only bends one time before it starts losing how strong it is. Have 2" x 1/4" sides welded on ends pointing down on both sides for side loading. Build one arch top piece for the top with a center strip for strength only 1/4" high. No down runners.
You may have to build 4. 2 with side loads(rear shell), 2 without(front shell).
May have to have a buddy help you jack up the shell to fit the straps in before you start screwing/bolting them in.
This is just my idea, if you got a real bad shell you got nothing to lose by trying it. If someone has a old junk shell laying around would be a great experiment. If you see any holes in my logic, please let me know because I have a flat shell (2005 3023) myself and this is what I am looking at doing this winter.

[Larryjb]

I like your idea. I don't think you have to worry about matching the original crown, as long as you have a crown. I could measure mine so you have an idea.

Now, the crown is probably fixed at the end wall, so you could probably check the crown there as well, then match it throughout the shell. That would probably be best.

This leads to other interesting possibilities. If you welded an I-beam instead, you could drill small holes in the bottom of the I-beam and then screw a sheet of melamine to create a true flat ceiling. You could run hidding wiring, or even AC vents through this void to create cool air vents throughout the shell and possibility both shells. This is probably more work than is desired, but hey, if you have the time and inclination....

[Shane826]

Larry- What do you mean by “the crown is probably fixed at the end wall”? Do you mean the open rear edge of the front roof? That’s where I can see it sagging. It’s smiling.

[Larryjb]

What I meant is that the end of the shell with the wall and window in it has to hold the crown.

The other end of the shell (where it is smiling at you) is the open end with no supporting wall.