Fixing water damage on the old Dodge (pics)

I found a used fridge on Craig's already, Found a guy advertizing some other RV stuff and just asked about it. He said he was going to swap the 3 way out of the junk RV to his good one that still has a 2 way. I told him I'd make him a deal on the old 2 way. I better email him and see if he's done the swap yet..

Spectramac wrote:
The fridge is another problem, it has a short in it somewhere and the P.O. said it didn't cool very well last time they used it.

There was a thread, in the past couple of days, that talked about replacing the propane/electric refrigerator with a regular electric one. You might want to consider that...and save some money. It would also allow you avoid one additional vent on the roof.

The theory being, you can run the genset when you need to run the refrigerator. My guess, you wouldn't have to run it often, and once you got to a CG, you could plug in. And a bonus would be that it's probably a better refrigerator...keeping things colder! Of course, if you really enjoy boondocking, that might not work for you guys. Just something to think about....and I know, it's a long ways away in your thoughts....but maybe you could keep an eye out for a nice use unit....maybe post on Craigslist or something, in the "wanted" sections. Also, if you decide to replace, you'll want to know before you finish some of those repairs, which might be un-needed (roof vent)with a different refrigerator.

As Ron had mentioned earlier, it makes more sense to try and go new on things that will require a lot of time on your part. The new wood will be stronger too. I'd guess that anything that comes off easy, and still has all it's structure, will be usable again...if it's questionable at all, you probably should just use it for a template, and replace it. The few hundred bucks you'll spend in extra wood, will be a huge savings in time....as well as give you the satisfaction of knowing it's built right!!

Keep the faith, it's looking good!!:C

As far as I know, pretty much everything worked before. The tub/shower combo is solid fiberglass and it looks to be in really good shape. The stove, oven, rooftop A/C, and water heater all worked when I tried them. There was a water leak under the toilet when I hooked up the hose to it. I figure I'll find a cracked hose back there. The fridge is another problem, it has a short in it somewhere and the P.O. said it didn't cool very well last time they used it.

I started out tonight thinking I could just add a bunch of screws to the right corner, but who was I kidding? :B



I decided right off the bat that I had to make a new big panel, cuz that old multi piece one had a rotten bottom and it wasn't square at all. That'll mean a trip to Lowes for my 3rd piece of 3/4 plywood. I have some left overs from the first 2, but nothing quite big enough. The first 2 pieces only had a few screws in them so I pulled them out to re-level them and put a lot more screws in.

PapPappy wrote:

You never mentioned...how is the shower, toilet, stove, etc. Do you think you'll be replacing any of that stuff, or is the dry rot the only problem?

That's what's killing me in my repair. The Water heater worked, but was rusted out... both holding tanks where stress cracked everywhere, and nearly split in two, and with the floor rotted out, and nothing to support the tub, it was split all along the bottom from flexing.

The toilet was OK, with the exception of a valve. the problem... it was old enough, I couldn't get the parts anymore and had to buy new...

The wood, nails, etc is relatively cheap. But each holding tank cost MORE than the new water heater! Would be nice if I coulda reused SOMETHING! lol. (cry)

Yeah, I'm trying to balance what is worth replacing with what will put up too much fight. I left in the portions of floor I did because those pieces had factory bolts that I knew were too rusty to ever come out. I was able to re-use parts of the piece I removed to fill in other areas, so that worked out nice. Tonight I get to start over on the passenger side cab adapter. I hope to just re-attach it better. I only see a couple old screws that are pulled out. I know I can improve on that. I can do chin ups on the one I fixed on the left! :)

When rebuilding walls, floor & ceiling, reuse versus replace. Don't spend too much effort in reusing old wood when starting fresh is easier, faster and stronger. Use the original stuff as a guide to reconstruct and improve upon.

It seems this is your strategy where applicable, but at times I am not sure. Maybe in areas, removing old but good wood is much more work, making reconstruction too much to handle.

I know, I know.....We have to "Be There" to understand the decisions much better.

I'm really enjoying your project!!!!

Yeah, I think I'd be trying to replace as much as you can afford to. You'll be reusing the siding, but as far as plywood, I'd replace it...or at least any pieces that have rotten sections. Wood that is rotten, seems to continue to rot, and since you've torn this thing down this far, why not replace it. Hey DW told you $1000, right? I'm guessing that you'll be way under that for the plywood and other things that will get the box back to looking like an RV.

Then, when it's time to refurnish and do the interior, she may just give you the green light to spend some more. Not sure about your wife, but mine needs to see things (can't quite grasp it when I show her plans on paper!)....if yours is the same, she'll see that you will still have a very nice RV for under $2K, and will get more involved with the interior....drapes, carpet, etc.

You never mentioned...how is the shower, toilet, stove, etc. Do you think you'll be replacing any of that stuff, or is the dry rot the only problem?

Keep those pictures coming!!

I wish I could just hit fast forward myself right about now. I got the left side floor finished...



Then I hit a wall, where do I go next??? I stared at everything for a long time, then decided the weather is still good, I better do some more demo-ing. I got the front half of the right wall down and the matching section of roof.



I'm hoping to re-use some of that side cuz it's still in fair shape, but still needs some help. Also, it's easier to build new rather than clean glue and rot off some parts. :)

Great challenge man!!! Can't wait to see the finished results.

Fixed tanks are generally larger than removables. I used to have a construction heater w 100lb tank and it was a real pain to take in to get refilled. On mine appliances are run with copper and black flexible hose.

I bought our MH out of province which is why the three safeties. Propane at that time was hooked up to run engine and appliances and that was illegal these days. The old flexible hoses were a green colour and really stiff which had to be changed. The Stainless steel pipe from rear of MH to rear of transmission was fine just needed to be fastened properly (they used nylon ties) From there to the valve of the propane system it is a heavy black flexible. Top part where it goes to the carb was rubbing on the underside of the doghouse so again had to be changed. Also had to put in an autostop valve on the tank and hydrotest it. I now have 2 20# tanks for appliances. Had to get a metal box made and lost some space in the bottom of the wardrobe for them. In the end it worked out with a new door on exterior with ventilation louvers.

Floor looks good and you are making pretty good speed. Right now I am finishing drywalling in our house and I took out all the old carpet and changing it to laminate flooring. I should have enough laminate to redo the floor in the MH.