Ceiling panels
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15359
Printed Date: 08 Jun 2025 at 2:30am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Ceiling panels
Posted By: Rpodrrr
Subject: Ceiling panels
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2022 at 9:44pm
| Turns out my 172 had a roof leak through the spoiler screws. Not sure why they didn’t properly seal them? My ceiling has no bulged out and I’m wondering where I can get that ceiling panels to replace it? It appears to be a melamine service on thin plywood. Before I remove it I was wondering if it would make sense just a scrape out the small area that has delaminated and Bondo it. Then paint over. Any suggestions? |
Replies:
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2022 at 4:32am
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You are far from unique there have been many leaks in the spoiler attachment holes reported here.
If you watch this video you can see how the curved roof sections are constructed. They are laminated ply interior sheeting stapled to 1x wood stringers, with insulation batts dropped in. So one problem is going to be getting the insulation dried out. It might be easiest and best to just remove the trim around the damaged panel and pull off the interior sheet so you can get at the insulation and also insect the stringers. Then staple up a new ceiling sheet with similar appearance and replace the trim. Patching some type of sandable filler like Bondo and then painting could work too if you're comfortable that things have gotten dried out and there isn't internal damage that will show up again later. Or maybe just remove the bulge and glue a patch or a photo/piece of art over the bad spot. Up to you. https://youtu.be/QXNYA73rCNE - Construction video ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2022 at 1:59pm
| The video sure shows the cheap construction. Ill be working the outside first and replacing the spoiler screws with stainless ones and using some 5200 sealant. Once thats sealed Ill debate the patching or replacement. I see on the web that RV suppliers sell the 4x8 sheets of material that is specifically made for RVs. Sigh..........I bought the trailer thinking it would get me out more,but it seems like I end up working on it like a house..........Thanks for the reply and info and Ill take photos of the work for later uploading |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2022 at 5:05am
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5200 is great stuff. just be aware if you aren't already that you will probably never get that apart again. The stuff is tenacious.
The issue with interior panel replacement will be matching the appearance, assuming that's important to you. Otherwise it probably doesnt matter what you use as long as it conforms to the curved surface. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2022 at 6:16am
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If I recall correctly, the spoilers, at least the one FR provided to us in their recall of our 172, are made of soft plastic. Sealing it with caulk doesn't provide a very tight closure at the points where water can enter. There are a couple threads in the archives in which this topic was discussed. Several of us sealed the spoiler's upper and side edges with Dicor seam tape, leaving the bottom open for condensation to escape, and eliminated the leak danger. Also, if you ever need to remove the spoiler, it is much easier than fighting a permanent bedding compound like the 3M 5200. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2022 at 11:50pm
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Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2022 at 11:51pm
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Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2022 at 11:53pm
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Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2022 at 11:55pm
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Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2022 at 11:57pm
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Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2022 at 12:01am
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Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2022 at 12:07am
| So today when I took the spoiler off I discovered that during construction they used foam tape. The foam tape soaks up the water and the water heads through the cracks and the gelcoat from the screws. I took the foam tape off the bottom edge of the spoiler and areas where the screws go through on the top side of the spoiler. I then used 5200 permanent caulking to seal underneath the spoiler. I also used new stainless steel screws with 5200 then covered the entire area with endurabond tape. While I have the spoiler off are used and Eurobond over the wiring hole to secure the area better from leakage. I did not use foam tape or caulking on the bottom edge of the spoiler and actually notched out small holes so water could drain out if it ever got in there again. On the underside when I replaced my ceiling I noticed the screws from the spoiler do not even go into solid wood underneath. Pretty poor construction! Anyhow my hope is to get out camping more instead of working on the trailer now that I have it all fixed up. I was able to get new ceiling panel material from the local RV sales company for $40 8x4 foot sheet and use a razor knife to cut it. With a little bit of patience I was able to get this boiler repaired and the inside insulation dried out and a new ceiling panel put in place. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2022 at 3:23am
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Looks great, thanks for posting.
Any photos of the interior work, we have other members facing similar interior repair issues? ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Rpodrrr
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2022 at 8:46am
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