[Archived]

James Stallings of Xtreme Paint and Graphics (936.560.5888), an advertizer on this forum and one of a handfull of Prevost Approved Painters in the USA would be a very good person to discuss this with. He has a 2001 Prevost. There are several roof coatings he likes and a bunch he does not like.

Foretravel uses one of the ones he likes the least. I trust James’ opinion way more than the factory that built my motorhome. Hope this helps you.

[AL]

Hello B-n-A,

I had a fellow P.C. member tell me he wanted to have it done in Texas for a cost of $25000. He said he was told it would make a huge difference in the heating up of his coach. He has XLV 1999 Marathon.

My clear coat is pealing so I thought about having it applied also. I am sure someone on here can give us both some insight on it. Welcome to the group too. It has been very very informataive for me..

Steve

[Archived]

Marathon Fort Worth applied Hydro Stop to my coach in Feb of 2014 and did a great job. James at Extreme is also top notch. I went with Marathon because Prevost was doing my delam repair, Marathon is very close to Prevost Fort Worth and I had not met James yet. James then did the paint for Prevost and did an awesome job. I wouldn’t hesitate to have James do the roof, paint, or any of the services he provides. My coach has always been easy to cool so I can’t truthfully say it’s better in that regard but it makes sense there would be a benefit. The installation is quite a production and takes several days. It also cured a leak problem the prior owner had warned me about. My coach is a forty footer and the cost was $2345. I did some research on the products and if I’m not mistaken James will discuss the products with you and help with the decision. The Prevost body shop manager recommended the Hydro Stop and that combined with the facts above were the basis of my choice.

[Archived]

I had mine completed at Marathon Florida last year and spent the winter in Naples florida. We had our share of 90+ degree days. Its hard to judge, but it appeared to me the A/C units cycled less and I didn’t need to run all of them when the humidity and heat were oppressive. This year, I only had to run 2 when last year, I had to run 4. The back of the coach, which is a closet on my Marathon is where the Crestron and stereo systems are mounted, gets very hot during the day. This year it was definitely cooler. So as far as I’m concerned, its well worth the investment and the roof looks great. The only question or concern I would have is the new surface is not smooth, and the tops of the slides are also coated in the process. I wonder what long term effect the “not so smooth” surface has on the slide seals (I know the seal deflates but the roof is still “dragged” across the deflated seal and scraper molding) and can the new surface on the slides withstand the many slide cycles of going in and out.

[Archived]

To Rick’s comment about a rough surface on the top of a slide………..I think that is asking for trouble.

I don’t see any issues with the main roof, but the slide roof as well as the sides and bottom are in direct contact with the channel in which the slide seal bellows is contained. If you watch the slide when it is in motion you will see the inner and outer legs of the slide seal are “wiping” the outer skin of the slide room. I am less concerned about the inflatable bellows being damaged than I am about how a rough surface under the wiper portion of the seal creates a heavier load on the slide motor, and how the rough surface eventually impacts the wiper and prevents it from adequately functioning as a squeegee so moisture is not carried into the coach interior when the slide is brought in on a rainy day.

[Larry & Diane]

Thanks for everyones input, I never considered the fact they would seal the top of the slides, I agree with Jon and Rick about the rough service. Again thats what great about this site. Its alway good to be able to talk to someone else that has been there and done that. Thanks again everyone.

[Ronald]

B-n-A Lily, welcome to the forum. You have access to an unparalelled resource and at times some great entertainment also.

[TERRY]

We answer all questions on the forum.

On certain rare occasions we actually will provide the correct answers.

[Archived]

Thr roof of my coach was coated by Marathon Floroda shortly before I purchased it. They did not do the top of the slides. My opinion: the coach stays cooler and is much quieter during rain storms than my previous coaches.

[Brady]

thanks for your input Grizz, I would not do top of slides either.

[Archived]

What material is the roof of a 1998 XLV chassis made of? Fiberglass? Composite? or Aluminum? I ventured up on the ladder last week and it looks like there a couple of unique looking bird dropping stains or stuff that might have dropped from a tree on the roof. Reddish-orange in color. First I thought rust. But I was able to rub one with my finger and I I could see paint underneath it. I presume the roof is something that doesn’t corrode very easily.

How long does this Hydro Stop stuff last? Does it have to be one periodically? Or is it a permanent solution?

[Brady]

I think the roof of X models of that vintage was a continuous sheet of aluminum.

What is with the roof fascination? We are not having a contest for the prettiest roof that I know of, but I could be wrong.

FWIW my 97 XL had the roof painted a gold color which was part of the paint scheme. That coach was not as easy to keep cool as my current coach with a white roof. But the XL had single pane windows and I know that was a huge source of heat inside the coach. I am sure a white roof is more energy efficient but my concern with adding a coating or another coat of paint would be long term adhesion. There has been a lot of issues with the clear coat on roof surfaces and adding something on top of a clear coat that might be flaking off doesn’t seem like a good long term solution.