Trailer roof leak repairs on used trailer

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by audax81, Apr 23, 2020.

  1. audax81

    audax81 Bobtail Member

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    I'm considering buying a 2015 Vanguard dry van. I have read the mixed reviews of Vanguard on this forum, but the thing giving the most pause on this particular trailer is a few holes in the roof. The dealer will be repairing those. But how effective are roof repatches or repairs? Is having a couple holes a sign that more will follow? I'm in the PNW, so rain is certainly is an issue.
     
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  3. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    What caused the holes? If they were caused by damage, shouldn’t be a problem. As long as it’s fixed right. Patch with good sealer, made for trailers. And plenty rivets. I’ve got an old trailer from Penske with 8 repaired spots. No leaks.Otherwise, holes appearing for no apparent reason. I’d be Leary if that one.
     
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  4. audax81

    audax81 Bobtail Member

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    Besides damage, what could conceivably cause holes to appear?
     
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  5. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    I have no idea, must be from damage, either forklift or trees.? The way you asked the question made Me wonder. Obviously if you don’t damage it in the future, you shoudnt need it repaired.
     
  6. audax81

    audax81 Bobtail Member

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    Gotcha. I am entirely sure of the cause, but it's a question to ask I'll bring up with the dealer. If I had to guess, I would say trees because we have lots of them up here in the PNW.
     
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  7. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    They have some super sealer, usually grey or black, if they use plenty of it, till you can see it squishing out inside. The patch won’t leak. Might want to keep some quick patch aluminum foil/ sticky sealer stuff? Don’t know what it’s called, Lol. Good for emergency repairs.
     
  8. mover man

    mover man Road Train Member

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    Doing household getting a hole in roof is not a common all the time thing. But it's also not big deal. I've had hole fixed both by truckstop and trailer repair place. I've also helped other guys seal it ourselves with a patch and roofing tar from lowes. So I would say if hole is from trees and not accident or topping a bridge. No big delays fix it and go.
     
  9. tommymonza

    tommymonza Road Train Member

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    Clean up the suspect area good with some Soft Scrub and a brush and hose off good.

    I suggest marine 5200 sealant because I have used it for decades and it is bullet proof .
    If it's raining and you see a leak you can pump it into the crack and it will stay being its thick and will cure being that water actually speeds up the curing process.

    You can buy the little tubes at Home improvement stores. The cartridges online or West Marine.
     
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