Skamper Roof Sagging

[Willymutt]

I picked up a Skamper Pickup Camper last summer and went about the task of fixing it up. The roof was leaking really bad so I pulled all the old rotten insulation out and put new in. The problem I have now is the roof sags really bad. I tried to put some stiffeners in but they didn't hold at all. I'm short of redoing the whole roof but want some advice on where to start. I've searched some of the other Skamper threads and there was some good info on there but not exactly what I was looking for. I'm seriously thinking of just completely redoing the roof with new boards and all but not sure how to make sure the roof doesn't sag again.

Thanks

 

[sheep1499]

hello, ive been looking at skampers aswell and the one im currently looking at has a hole in the roof from the vent having water damage and dry-rot. im thinking about taking on the task of doing a roof rebuild aswell and i was thinking about getting some 1"x.25x12' flat bar and turning it sideways and useing that as roof suport aswell in the middle of it in two sections aswell as good framing with wood with a aluminium roof panel. or i was also thiniking about making the whole roof out of 2x2 aluminum box that would be really strong and light also but i havent decided what route yet. mabey with our heads and some skamper owners on here we can come up with a really good idea for a roofing system.

 

[Willymutt]

I think I've decided to go with similar construction to what was there but improve on it. I would have loved to do Al for the frame but the cost and the fact that I don't have a way to weld it made it tough. My old Fiber Kraft was Al and that thing was great, just too small for the family now. I bought the wood last night and need to source the sheeting now for the top. Not going to do any insulation right away until I decide if there are any changes I want to make or add any extra vents or lights. I'll try to get some pictures as I start.

 

[sheep1499]

yeah im thinking the same idea. i weighted the cost of Al vrs. wood and the weight of the two and decided to build wood. but i am going to spend a pritty penny on a whole sheet of AL for the roof instead of a seam down the middle. i was thinking mabey an 1/8th" thick i think it will be strong enough so i can cut down on the build design and still be able to walk on it if needed or storage racks.. i saw a roof online with a long skylight in it that was about 4'x1.5' in size that i thought was a really cool idea!! but probly alot of added weight (not needed). hopefully your build goes well im eager to follow it and see how it comes along! and with pictures it will be great!!!

 

[Ponyracer]

I'll be redoing my roof with 1x1 ally box tubing, .63 wall and .32 sheeting this winter. I would DEF NOT use 1/8 for a roof. That will be very heavy and compl overkill. Figure most flatbeds I've looked at have 1/8 ally decks.....

 

[Willymutt]

I got some 26 ga steel for the roof. Should be light enough and didn't kill the budget. I'll have almost as much into the roof when I'm done as I do into the whole camper!

 

[Willymutt]

Well, got the roof almost finished. Figure a little more sealing tonight and I'll have a leak free roof for the first time since I've owned the camper. I didn't get any pictures during the build since I wanted to just get it done but I'll take a couple finished ones soon. Not the cleanest job but I had limited tools for this and was working outside so had to get done quickly. I did end up with a couple of the Skamper corner pieces if anyone is interested in them. $30 shipped to your door.

 

[Willymutt]

Oh yeah, 26ga is a little too flimsy for the roof, I had to add some extra supports in. Still sags a little.