Penthouse Tape now being installed?

[johnolden]

We are on our 2nd SMB. The 1st one, 2012 E-350, got totaled. It came with tape on the metal roof where the PH touches the roof when PH is down. I understand the purpose of the tape is to keep the PH from rubbing paint off the metal roof. Our new SMB, 2017 Transit 250, Fresno build, does not have tape.

My question is, if you have a recent build, did SMB install tape on the roof?

John

[Fitz]

My year-old Austin build did not include it, I installed it myself.

[tlg]

Our build was 2014. No tape installed. Highly recommend getting the tape. In our case, it kept the gasket from sticking to the roof which for some reason kept happening. The sticking occurred despite our efforts to keep the gasket clean and lightly lubricated. The additional anti-rub benefit is a bonus.

[boywonder]

The tape is readily available from SMB....

https://www.sportsmobilestore.com/pe...otective-tape/

It's Avery UHA (Ultra high adhesion) tape....I haven't been able to find it anywhere else, although it's been years since I tried.

[Glider]

I have had tape on my rig for a year, and it is starting to lift. This is creating pockets that collect moisture and debris, which I do not like. At some point in the next year, I will pull the tape and Line-X the roof instead.

[Youngster]

I'd stay away from using the tape. Here's what can happen:

Originally Posted by sdwindansea

It turns out the rust was most likely due to moisture being trapped under the tape. I can see other areas of tape with bubbles forming. I will be removing/replacing the tape. I had the repairs done by a private shop. They cut out the rusted metal and welded in the repair then painted to match. They did a fantastic job, cannot even tell a repair was done.

[Twoxentrix]

Originally Posted by Glider

I have had tape on my rig for a year, and it is starting to lift. This is creating pockets that collect moisture and debris, which I do not like. At some point in the next year, I will pull the tape and Line-X the roof instead.

I just thought I did a poor job applying the tape I purchased about a year ago from Sportsmobile - it was decidedly thicker than the original tape I removed, which provided a high level of confidence for protecting the roof line. Initial application went on nicely and I cleaned the area extremely well for maximum adhesion, but within a couple months mine too began to buckle, creating pockets.

My intentions are also to Rhino line or Line-X the top, Unfortunately I have not found a shop anywhere on the East Coast that will touch the removal of the roof rack & accompanying Solar and auxiliary Light wiring.

[bidgoodr]

My penthouse was installed on 5/2017 without tape

[Klompen]

My penthouse was installed 7/17 at Fresno on my Sprinter and it came with tape. Our tape started lifting within 6 months. We were just at Fresno 2 weeks ago and they replaced it under warranty.

[MrHenrietta]

I had some wear on my roof since mine did not come with tape. My fix was por 15 on areas where the paint rubbed off then I applied gorilla tape over that.