newbie looking at 91 damon escaper, exterior question

You do want to go on the roof. Get a ladder and inspect. If they don't want
you to do this, pass on this rig. There are a lot of fairly good rigs for
5K. The best older rigs are the ones that were garage kept for most of there years.
Brian

jtracing919 wrote:
Couldn't get on the roof, the ladder is broken.
Asking $5k for it.

That is not a good sign. If the roof is leaking, it could be running down the side walls. If the roof is spongy, The caulk is old and cracked. Chances are, not only, are the side walls shot but the roof as well.

If that is the case, the rig is junk. Run away.
As for signs of leaks, look very carefully at the inside, for any type of stain.

Problem is many times these will not show up until the damage is done.

A dealer can do what is called a leak test for about $200, Basically they presurize the unit on the inside, spray soapy wate on the out side and look for bubbles.

Sidewalls on most RVs are laminated with the interior, insulating foam, exterior backing and the fiberglass exterior. The glue is set under heat and pressure. Delamination is when this starts to come unglued, usually from water getting in from a leak. Any wood that is in the walls will usually rot from the wet/dry conditions that keep repeating. Delam can be repaired for a high price or DIY if you have time tools, talent and space to do that kind of job.

Couldn't get on the roof, the ladder is broken.
Asking $5k for it.

What does the roof look like? That is a likely source for leaks, And How much are they asking for it?

It is old, may well have some water leak issues, Maybe the whole subscription.

But if it cheap enough, and you don't plan to own it forever. and use it lightly could be ok

Key to me is asking price. As in about 2k

So its not made of fiberglass laminated to wood? No sign of water damage on the inside. On the driver side it has small waves probably every 18 inches. On the passenger side it looks like its made of two long panels that span the length of it and it has a joining strip connecting the 2. At the joining strip close to the door it has a bulge that sticks out about 3/4 inch and has been sealed with silicone. Some points feel solid on the side and some have movement. Not sure if its points where it is attached to some form of upright support and its flexing in between, or if its some form of structural issue?
Thanks for the info.

Make sure to check interior walls for signs of water damage. Do they feel solid or do they have movement when pushed? Construction should be wood frame with fiberglass sheets over it.

Its all over the sides. I wasn't sure if it is constructed of sheets of glass that are attached over supports(if they even do that?) or fiberglass laminated to wood. I didn't see any external fasteners holding the sheeting on.

Sounds like delamination. Is this around windows or openings? Check over for leaks.