Forum Discussion

smladybird's avatar
smladybird
Explorer
Jun 26, 2013

First RV. Water damage?

I bought a pre-owned 5th wheel last week from a local elderly couple.
This is my first RV. Everything seemed to be in good condition until after we had purchased it, and transferred the title.
I believe there was a small leak on the roof. We applied rubber coating to the roof a few days before a big rain storm...nothing has gotten inside after that!
However, our bedroom wall paper in the closet, and a small area on the ceiling have some rippling that appeared 24 hours after the roof was hosed down(prior to the rubber application).

My question is, what can/should we do about the possible water damage? Here are some pictures...





  • mountainkowboy's avatar
    mountainkowboy
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2013
    Our unit had some water damage when we got it, but we knew it and we paid accordingly. Since we are aluminum, fiberglass, and foam, the only wood is in the interior and is an easy fix.
  • rattleNsmoke's avatar
    rattleNsmoke
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2013
    Hmmm....that's a tough call because once you start to 'explore', things can quickly evolve into a 'mushroom project' where as before you know it you have half he trailer torn apart. If you're handy and have the time that's the way to go for a good long-term repair. If you want to get out and go camping, leave well enuff alone until late fall or early spring when you can set aside a few days or weeks to mess with it. Perhaps open it up enuff to pull out the soaked ceiling insulation an put a de-humidifier in the trailer for a few days to help dry it out.
  • smladybird's avatar
    smladybird
    Explorer
    Jun 28, 2013
    I sliced open the wallpaper today, and a small bit of the ceiling. It's definitely very wet. Especially on the closet walls- the wood is actually crumbling. At least the good news is that there is no mold. I'd like to attempt a DIY repair...any suggestions for where to begin?
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 27, 2013
    Since they use fiberglass insulation it will eventually dry out and be OK.
    My last TT leaked a number of times but I never got any mold. I would let it go and enjoy the trailer. If you get smells or obvious signs of mold then you can dig deeper. It's been my experience though that a short term leak does not lead to a mold issue - especially in the warm ceiling where it dries quickly.
  • smladybird's avatar
    smladybird
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2013
    Thanks! I am worried about mold...but if there isn't any, couldn't I just remove the wall paper and dry it off, and hope to never have any problems with mold related to this leak? I am somewhat handy...but am nervous to get knee deep with repairs in an rv since this is my first.
  • rattleNsmoke's avatar
    rattleNsmoke
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2013
    It depends how involved you wanna get with the inspection\repair. If there's mold under the paper that's gonna be dangerous and smelly eventually. You can take a razor knife, slice the bubbles and peer in and see what's what. If all looks good, take some wallpaper glue, smear on the backside of the paper and press\roll it back into place. I'd prolly go that route. Or, you can just bag it and use a hair drier and smooth the bubbles out and forget it. If you decide to open it up and find it's in need of plywood repair, your in for some major work and $$. Good luck.

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