Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-06-2010, 09:25 AM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
1996 34' Limited
Mt Vernon , Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 8
Sagging ceilings

We have a 96 34' classic ltd but we have a problem with the foam backed ceiling coverings sagging. I tried 3M spray adhesive,little luck> Best results have been double sided tape > some luck help!!
moore41 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-06-2010, 09:55 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Aviator's Avatar
 
1997 34' Limited
1970 27' Overlander
South of Atlanta , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,709
Images: 2
This is caused by the adhesive breaking down under temperature. Believe it or not, at 90f it starts to fail. It is very expensive to have it re-glued, but can be done with a better adhesive. We had Warren Fore our WBCCI unit Pres. put short screws with caps in. The result is an upholstered look which we like, and we don't have to worry about it ever sagging again. (While in storage here this summer, the inside temp has reached 118f according to our thermometer). I know a couple of other people do similar types of work. If you are interested in Warren, he can be reached through the "Top of Georgia" website.
__________________
Craig and Carol
1997 34' Excella 1000
1970 27' Overlander, International
2009 Ford F150 5.4L
ProPride hitch with 1400# bars

AIR 41028
TAC GA-8
WBCCI 10199
Past President Southeastern Camping Unit (12)
Aviator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-06-2010, 11:17 AM   #3
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
ceiling covering sag

The problem is bad adhesive.

The Feds made Airstream use water based adhesive.

You "CANNOT" install a good adhesive over the bad and make the covering stay in place.

The new adhesive will pull away from the old adhesive.

If you want to use new adhesive, you must remove "ALL" of the old matreial from the walls "AND" from the foam that's on the backside of the vinyl wall covering. Anything short of that will not work.

However a few owners have been innovative and use screws or moldings to hold the original wall covering in place.

More often than not, all of the covering that was removed, will need to be replaced because the foam on the backside pulls off the vinyl material in small pieces, which makes the covering look lumpy if reused.

If someone is looking at a coach that has the covering "droop" it's a question of facing the "music" or passing on the deal.

It "IS" expensive to correct, if a shop does the job. Definitely a DIY project, or pass.

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-06-2010, 11:33 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
2010 27' FB Classic
N/A , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,809
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aviator View Post
This is caused by the adhesive breaking down under temperature. Believe it or not, at 90f it starts to fail. It is very expensive to have it re-glued, but can be done with a better adhesive. We had Warren Fore our WBCCI unit Pres. put short screws with caps in. The result is an upholstered look which we like, and we don't have to worry about it ever sagging again. (While in storage here this summer, the inside temp has reached 118f according to our thermometer). I know a couple of other people do similar types of work. If you are interested in Warren, he can be reached through the "Top of Georgia" website.
I have a 2010 trailer so I don't have the sag problem, but I am interested in the solution you used in your trailer to solve it.
When you have some time, could you post a couple of pictures of the handy work done on your ceiling? It sounds like it would look really cool!
Bluto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-06-2010, 11:36 AM   #5
3 Rivet Member
 
LuvRVing's Avatar
 
1995 31' Land Yacht
Clovis , California
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 131
Please post photos. How close together did he put the screws?
LuvRVing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-07-2010, 08:11 AM   #6
1 Rivet Member
 
1996 34' Limited
Mt Vernon , Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 8
Thanks for the info on my sagging ceiling!! I suspected the problem was the heat!! I am going to try the screws and I to am interested i seeing some pictures to help with the placement. Again thanks to all the helpful replies. Jim Moore
moore41 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2010, 08:30 AM   #7
1 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 8
does anyone have pictures of how the sagging ceiling was screwed in place? I am on a trip and my ceiling started to drop down, I tried to use double sided carpet tape but that didn't seem to work.
bfwoz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2010, 08:48 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
maxandgeorgia's Avatar
 
1995 30' Limited
Ashland , Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,610
I have no pictures, but we did this several years ago. We used 5/8ths inch stainless steel self-tapping screws, made sure we stretched the foam so it fit again under the plastic strips that run across the ceilings, ran a row of screws along that to secure the foam edge, then we worked out a "quilt" pattern (make it simple, any spaced out lines will do. We tried to keep our spaces about 6-8 inches apart.) Our pattern is somewhat irregular, but who sits and studies a ceiling when on the road?! We used screw covers to keep the design "white" to match the foam and make the whole thing less noticeable. Remember, AS did this themselves on some of their trailers in the center twin bed areas, so you are continuing a tradition! Putting in the first screw was hair-raising, but you soon can drill away without concern about punching through. A word of caution: we did study wiring diagrams for the trailer and determined where wiring ran (along center ceiling down length of unit) and avoided that area for setting in screws. Best wishes on your solution of your droopy ceiling. This is an ongoing project for us as each spring we find more sections have let down so we have to go back to attach the foam in new areas. No problem ~G
__________________
maxandgeorgia
1995 Airstream Classic Limited 30' ~ Gypsy
1978 Argosy Minuet, 6.0~Minnie/GPZWGN
Chev Silverado 2500HD Duramax/Allison, 4X4, Crew Cab
WBCCI #5013 AIR #2908
WDCU
Go, Mizzou...Tigers on the prowl!
maxandgeorgia is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2010, 09:21 AM   #9
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
 
Inland RV Center, In's Avatar
 
Corona , California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
Images: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by bfwoz View Post
does anyone have pictures of how the sagging ceiling was screwed in place? I am on a trip and my ceiling started to drop down, I tried to use double sided carpet tape but that didn't seem to work.
Screws or batten strips are the only thing that will keep your ceilng panels in place.

Anything else is a waste of time and money, since the problem is the water based adhesive that the Fed's made Airstream use, That adhesive will release anything that may be attached to it.

Andy
__________________
Andy Rogozinski
Inland RV Center
Corona, CA
Inland RV Center, In is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2010, 10:52 AM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Wingeezer's Avatar
 
2005 30' Classic
Burlington , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In View Post
Screws or batten strips are the only thing that will keep your ceilng panels in place.

Anything else is a waste of time and money, since the problem is the water based adhesive that the Fed's made Airstream use, That adhesive will release anything that may be attached to it.

Andy

Andy,


Have you seen this problem in newer trailers as well? Ours is a 2005, so far I don't think we have the problem but wonder if it is likely to be in our future?


Brian.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell

2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
Wingeezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2010, 11:43 AM   #11
Rivet Master
 
1977 Argosy 24
Currently Looking...
Milltown , Wisconsin
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,087
The older they get the more stuff sags! That applies to the owners also.
ventport is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2010, 01:22 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
Aviator's Avatar
 
1997 34' Limited
1970 27' Overlander
South of Atlanta , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,709
Images: 2
Bluto and all,

I just saw the request for pics. I need to put some up of our trailer anyway. I will be back in the States this weekend and will take some photos and post them if I can figure out how I need to add some to the PP user guide thread as well. I stopped by to check on out trailer last week and the ceiling still looks great with the upholstery pattern in the ceiling. The peak temp reached inside this summer has been 118f (47.8c) and there is no evidence of additional sag. I am convinced that had we not had the ceiling screwed up, it would now all be hanging to the floor!

Pics to follow next week.
__________________
Craig and Carol
1997 34' Excella 1000
1970 27' Overlander, International
2009 Ford F150 5.4L
ProPride hitch with 1400# bars

AIR 41028
TAC GA-8
WBCCI 10199
Past President Southeastern Camping Unit (12)
Aviator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-06-2010, 02:47 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
2010 27' FB Classic
N/A , Texas
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,809
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aviator View Post
Bluto and all,

I just saw the request for pics. I need to put some up of our trailer anyway. I will be back in the States this weekend and will take some photos and post them if I can figure out how I need to add some to the PP user guide thread as well. I stopped by to check on out trailer last week and the ceiling still looks great with the upholstery pattern in the ceiling. The peak temp reached inside this summer has been 118f (47.8c) and there is no evidence of additional sag. I am convinced that had we not had the ceiling screwed up, it would now all be hanging to the floor!

Pics to follow next week.
I'm sure the pix will be worth the wait. Just post them on this thread when you get the chance.
Thanks!
Bluto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2010, 03:17 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
Aviator's Avatar
 
1997 34' Limited
1970 27' Overlander
South of Atlanta , Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,709
Images: 2
OK, finally home from Sydney and awake. I snapped some pictures of the ceiling. The first two are looking aft from the front couch. Picture one is without flash and picture two is with flash. The third and fourth are laying on the floor next to the fridge looking forward, again without and then with flash.

The ones without flash are much more realistic as to what you see with the naked eye. I used the flash in order to get it to stand out more. The screws/caps are spaced approximately 11 1/2" apart, and the rows are 6" apart. Warren has learned over time just where to start the sequence in order to miss all of the in ceiling wiring.

After a couple of days we didn't even notice the pattern anymore, just that our ceiling didn't sag any longer! As I mentioned in an earlier post we are very happy that we had it done. For us it provided a permanent and visually pleasing solution to an ugly problem. When we originally solicited quotes to fix the ceiling by removing the original material, cleaning off the old glue, new material, and glue, it was $1000 per panel. With three panels drooping and one which had come loose at the seam and was hanging way down, $3000 was more than we could afford.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	P1010845.jpg
Views:	464
Size:	37.3 KB
ID:	112861   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1010846.jpg
Views:	621
Size:	204.9 KB
ID:	112862  

Click image for larger version

Name:	P1010850.jpg
Views:	407
Size:	207.1 KB
ID:	112863   Click image for larger version

Name:	P1010851.jpg
Views:	438
Size:	212.8 KB
ID:	112864  

__________________
Craig and Carol
1997 34' Excella 1000
1970 27' Overlander, International
2009 Ford F150 5.4L
ProPride hitch with 1400# bars

AIR 41028
TAC GA-8
WBCCI 10199
Past President Southeastern Camping Unit (12)
Aviator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2010, 09:11 AM   #15
3 Rivet Member
 
LuvRVing's Avatar
 
1995 31' Land Yacht
Clovis , California
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 131
Thanks so much for the photos. I am just starting to work on mine and it's nice to know ahead of time exactly how it will look.
Myrna:
30'MH
AIR 42225
TAC: CA-3
LuvRVing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2013, 01:49 PM   #16
3 Rivet Member
 
Jim & Mitzi's Avatar
 
1987 32' Excella
1990 29' Land Yacht
Vintage Kin Owner
Americus , Alsrural Bristol Tn.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 170
Just bought 97 25' Safari. Thanx for the pics. Gives us hope for the sagging situation. Merry Christmas
Jim & Mitzi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-20-2013, 09:27 AM   #17
3 Rivet Member
 
Jim & Mitzi's Avatar
 
1987 32' Excella
1990 29' Land Yacht
Vintage Kin Owner
Americus , Alsrural Bristol Tn.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 170
Wonderful job. Will attack our ceiling early 2014. Gotta ask. What screws were used. Length, size and head type ? And additionally what screw covers . I've looked at many sites / stores. No luck so far. Your info is greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas
Jim & Mitzi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2014, 05:33 AM   #18
New Member
 
1995 34' Excella
Findlay , Ohio
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1
The other way is to have Airstream cut out the ceiling aluminum and replace it with new, then install new ceiling material. Looks great, costs $1000 per section.
Wigster1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2014, 04:13 PM   #19
3 Rivet Member
 
dougandlori's Avatar
 
2004 28' Classic
Fresno , California
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 150
I just completed my sagging ceiling fix on my 95 Excella, with guidance from this list. Went to Lowe's, bought pre painted white lattice strips, inch self-tapping screws and white screw covers. The strips are spaced 13 inches apart, blend into the ceiling and the ceiling will never fall again. About $20 total and an easy fix.
__________________
Doug & Lori
Fresno
2004 28' Classic
2007 Ram 2500
dougandlori is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2014, 04:31 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
1999 28' Excella
New Orleans , Louisiana
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 883
Images: 2
Something I have been considering..met a guy who had a younger trailer than my 1999. Only noticed it when pointed out to me. A guy in Georgia has a little business of putting covered buttons in the ceiling to prevent the fall down. Anyone know who this is? Maybe head of a Georgia unit?
badkat is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Headliner Sagging alscottfree Upholstery, Blinds, Walls & Interior Finishes 79 04-29-2022 09:53 PM
Have you used this on your walls and ceilings? mello mike Upholstery, Blinds, Walls & Interior Finishes 14 09-28-2014 10:33 AM
Droopy Ceilings alscottfree 1997 - 1999 Safari 5 04-22-2009 11:24 AM
Suspended Ceilings tamis General Interior Topics 5 10-03-2005 09:13 PM
Sagging Shower w9det 2000 - 2004 Safari 1 09-12-2003 01:28 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.