Stuff happens.
It seems like stuff happens more often when you live in a home on wheels, but that’s just our perspective.
Some of that stuff can cost you a pretty penny… and that’s exactly what happened to two RV YouTubers recently. Let’s dive in.
The YouTubers Behind Liz Amazing Make a $10,000 Mistake
When you live in an RV full-time, mistakes are bound to happen. From the normal dents, dings, and scratches of every day wear-and-tear to costlier damages from accidents and carelessness, it’s just something RVers have to be prepared for.
Liz and Paul, the full-time RVers behind the YouTube channel Liz Amazing, made one of the costlier mistakes… estimated to cost around $10,000 to be exact!
Who Is Liz Amazing?
Liz and Paul are full-time RVers who have been on the road for two and a half years. Both Liz and Paul started their RV lives solo, met while they were on the road, and are now together.
They travel full-time in a 2020 Grand Design Solitude 310GK.
The Liz Amazing YouTube channel documents their travels, RVing tips, and more. Recently, Liz and Paul made a costly mistake that did some serious damage to their brand new RV.
The $10,000 Mistake
So what was the mistake that caused $10,000 worth of damage in less than 5 minutes? Pulling the RV into a campsite just a bit too close to a tree!
This is something everyone who drives an RV or pulls a travel trailer does at some point, but we probably aren’t concerned with anything more than a few scratches.
As it turns out – driving too close to a tree can cause a lot more than just a few small scratches!
Paul explains that while pulling the RV up to some trees will push the branches away, this particular tree had no give at all.
As a result, the branches of the tree left a 20ft gouge down the side of the TPO RV roof. Paul estimates a bill of $10,000 to replace the roof… but RVers are resourceful. Here’s how they fixed it.
Fixing a 20ft Gouge In a TPO RV Roof
Luckily, the couple did not have to pay to replace their entire roof. But it is very likely that the DIY repair and the gouge itself will knock several thousand dollars off the RV’s resale value.
There are many roof-patching options on the market today, but for gouges in TPO roofing material, Eternabond tape is one of the best ways to go.
Luckily Paul and Liz noticed the damage right away, before any rain, debris, or bugs could get under their roofing material.
With Eternabond tape on hand already, they got right to work patching up a 20ft gouge.
How to Patch With Eternabond Tape
Eternabond tape is a microsealant tape that will seal and waterproof virtually any gouge or scratch in minutes. It’s called Eternabond because it literally bonds forever – once you get this tape on, it’s never coming off.
We think Paul and Liz made a smart choice patching with Eternabond. Here’s how they did it.
Clean the Surface with Acetone or Other Solvent
Make sure the surface is clear and clean from any dirt, debris, grease, etc. Using acetone will prime and prep the surface to get the best adhesion with the tape.
Work in Small Sections
Eternabond tape is super sticky, and it’s pretty expensive too. So, working with smaller sections ensures proper and clean adhesion and makes sure you aren’t wasting any material.
Overlap Seams
For the best waterproofing, overlap the seams of the smaller tape sections that you’re working with.
Be Prepared To Handle Anything On The Road
While mistakes can’t be avoided, you can do the work to arm and prepare yourself to be ready in case of anything.
In Liz and Paul’s case, they already had Eternabond tape on hand. There are some items, like lap sealant and sealant tape, that you should always keep handy in your RV toolbox.
You just never know when you’re going to need them, and you don’t want to have to wait to get necessary supplies delivered… especially if you need it right away!
Common supplies to keep in your RVers toolbox include:
- Normal household tools
- Lap Sealant
- Sealant tape
- Acetone or other solvent
- Duct tape
- Zip ties
- Flashlight
- Thread seal tape
This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it will definitely get you started at a solid RVing toolbox. Keeping essentials on hand won’t prevent you from making costly mistakes, but they will help you contain the damage.
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Tried many items to repair holes and seams. Dicor, Henry’s (+), GE’s best silicone. (+) Eternabond tape is super! Sold my old moho after 10 years and Eternabond never let go. Accidentally put a screw through a new fiberglass roof. Eternabond. (2004 TT) Bought a new awning and it sat for 8 years. A hole developed on a fold. Eternabond. Happy Travels. Stay safe.
A better alternate to duct tape is gaffer’s tape. It sticks longer, and will come off without leaving adhesive. This is also sold under other descriptors: “racer’s tape” et al.
I believe that Liz and Paul parted ways quite a while ago.