RV clinic & performance

Straight Talk From the TL TF Team

Slammin' Ram Van

We have a 1998 Dodge Ram van powered by a 5.9-liter V-8 that we use to tow a 24-foot travel trailer. The van only has about 5,000 miles on it, and it's had a clunk or knocking sound in the front end since it was new. It happens when the steering wheel is turned to full lock either way, like when I'm maneuvering into a tight space. It doesn't happen all the time, but is more likely to do it when going over bumps. My dealer hasn't been able to find or cure the noise. They said everything checks out fine. Any suggestions?

GENE THOMAS,JR.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Inspect the position of the steering idler arm relative to the front stabilizer (antisway) bar. Some 1998 and 1999 Ram vans built from May 20 through August 3, 1998, have an interference problem between these parts that will cause the symptoms you describe. This should not cause a safety hazard, so there's no recall, but is covered by the basic warranty. Have your dealer refer to TSB 0208-98 dated August 21, 1998.-IZ Ff

Rubber Roof

Repair & Cleaning

After three winters of using an RV cover on our fifth-wheel trailer, the bber roof is showing significant wear at the edges of the roof where the rubber wraps over the edge to meet the siding. The white coating has worn through and the black substrate below shows visible signs of thinning.

I'm told there's no way to repair the edges of the roof, and that the entire roof must be replaced (for about $1,800). Do you know of any repair method available that will work in this case?

BRIAN BANG

RENTON, WASHINGTON

How do you get those ugly, black mildew stains off the roof of a fifth-wheel trailer? Not one product advertised or recommended by RV dealers or advertisers works effectively! We've treated, washed, scrubbed, retreated and repeated everything, and nothing works.

Please tell us what really works, but doesn't destroy the paint or roof, or plastic or vinyl or anything else but the ugly, black mildew stains!

BRIAN TRATNER

LIVINGSTON, TEXAS

What's the best way to remove black streaks from a metalsided 1997 Terry Expo with a rubber roof? We've tried Starbrite Black Streak Remover and Formula 409 cleaner, but we're also open to other commercial or home-brew solutions.

FRANK M. HELFEN

VIA THE INTERNET

Rubber roofs, like any other roofing material, have their own specific maintenance and repair issues. For streaks on the sides of the RV, the commercial products available for that purpose are the best you're going to find. You can also use a commercially-available concentrated cleanser such as Simple Green, but care must be taken to avoid damaging self-adhesive graphic stripes and decor Painted-on graphics are more durable, but check first in a small area to make sure you aren't going to damage anything.

It shouldn't be necessary to replace an entire roof due to damage at the edges alone. Dicor sells a rubber roof repair kit-available at RV service and accessory stores-that includes a roll of 12-inch-wide rubber patch material with a self-adhesive backing. This material can be applied directly over the damaged edges, after cleaning the existing rubber roof per the kit directions. Dicor also includes some liquid adhesive that's then applied to the edges to help secure the rubber in place. This should be afar less expensive solution to your edge wear problems.

Topic suggestions are invited. Write to: RV Clinic & Performance, Trailer Life, 2575 Vista Del Mar, Ventura, California 93001 (no phone calls, please). Selected letters will be printed, but unfortunately time does not permit individual replies.

Copyright T L Enterprises, Inc. Feb 1999
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