Concur...but honestly if FWC does not, will not step up, how would I or any FWC owner induce them to:Wandering Sagebrush said:Ted, thank you. I too believe this problem will continue on some campers until the builder changes how the roof is constructed. What I don’t understand is why the “fix” is left to the owners, or why the owners are willing to accept this.
#1 Acknowledge there is a problem with the design, material or installation of the single piece top sheets and;
#2 Remedy the oil canning issue through repair or replacement of the top sheet once the exact nature of the deficiency is determine.
Most recently I have closely examined the top sheet on my Hawk with low angle back lighting and the waves or slack is prevalent in all areas of the sheet. Also I can tension that slack by putting pressure on adjacent area on either side of a roof stringer/strut; however to stop sections from flexing up and down direct pressure is required over the distorted areas.
Basically I believe any material placed over the slacked areas will attenuate the up and down oscillation of the top sheet that produces the oil canning racket. This material must have sufficient mass to eliminate or slow down the flexing in these slack areas enough to stop the sound produced by the up and down flexing of the tops sheet aluminum. I have experimented with different materials in lieu of the aluminum bars I have purchased and wood strips will also dampen the movement and noise.
My 3 " wide and .313 " thick aluminum flat bars could have been .250" thick and been adequate; BUT the reality is that the entire top sheet has slack and I certainly can't cover all the waves in the tops sheet to lessen or stop the noise.
Lastly....Adding thicker insulating foam between the top frame member MIGHT lessen or stop the distorted areas from flexing up and down...issues with that approach would be how thick does the foam need to be to work in all areas, how can that foam be inserted/attached and would the thicker top insulation and reduced inside headliner height inside allow the end boards to function and still have sufficient space to sleep in overhang area.
Still experimenting with external means to stop the flexing of distorted wavey top sheet....will post if I have a break through...don't hold your breath!
Phil
Ps...STAN...I know you are not the person who has the clout to prompt FWC to get off the dime and take this issue on...but please bring it to the attention of the "Powers-That-Be"...ignoring this defect will only hurt sales and confidence in FWC.