Hi RVers,Well, we purchased this RV 2 months ago and are now planning a trip for Oct so thought I'd go clean it out and this is where I'm at (see pics). The outside walls are loose and we were told that it's from sitting around the sun which didn't seem to affect it structurally. Yes, we were told there had been leaks but that they were repaired and it did not leak when we bought it (the hose trick). Anyhow, it's still leaking a tiny bit on the rt side of the cab over part. The real problem is all the damage that did occur w/the past leaks. Several questions, is this 'fixable'? I tend to say yes, everything is able to repair but it's gonna cost $$, but how much?. This could get much uglier before it gets better. I'm willing to do this work, of course I'm now roping my husband into it, he thought I was just cleaning the rig :B Any suggestions on where to start. What is the best stuff to use for these seams? My plan... First, seal the leak, I checked out Eterna Bond and that seems awesome but what about marine epoxy? Second, gut the cab over floor and walls? Third, sell it now don't mess with it? Four, do the work but how long will this take? Thanks for any input!

This photobucket thing is new to me but there are 4 pics on there of my 'project'.

What a mess.Well, to start with, let this be a lesson to everyone about getting a proper pre-purchase inspection before buying. As to your situation, obviously the first item of business is to determine the extent of the damage and remove all the damaged components. Second, stop the water leak. Obviously, I would peel up the roof in the upper bunk area to see how much of the wood under the EPDM is damaged. Might as well correct that while you are doing this. Finally, finish the rebuild.If you decide to have it professionally done, you're probably looking at between $3500 and $4000 for an upper bunk rebuild.All things considered, I'd probably cancel my October camping trip.

Mocoondo wrote:All things considered, I'd probably cancel my October camping trip.Wahhaa :E Really? You don't think I can do this in a week? I figured 40 hrs.? I hate being an example of what not to do but thanks for the response.

40hrs per day. yep you can do it in a week , get to it no coffee breaks and put the pedal to the metal. get a plan and stick to it. after all on tv they rebuild cars in 30 minutes. no kidding this is a big job, but I,d help if I was close.

Purchased RV leak over cab, now what? | Good Sam Community

cbsurfmom
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013
[img][/img]
cbsurfmom
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013
This photobucket thing is new to me but there are 4 pics on there of my 'project'.
Mocoondo
Explorer II
Sep 11, 2013
What a mess.

Well, to start with, let this be a lesson to everyone about getting a proper pre-purchase inspection before buying.

As to your situation, obviously the first item of business is to determine the extent of the damage and remove all the damaged components.

Second, stop the water leak. Obviously, I would peel up the roof in the upper bunk area to see how much of the wood under the EPDM is damaged. Might as well correct that while you are doing this.

Finally, finish the rebuild.

If you decide to have it professionally done, you're probably looking at between $3500 and $4000 for an upper bunk rebuild.

All things considered, I'd probably cancel my October camping trip.
cbsurfmom
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013
Mocoondo wrote:

All things considered, I'd probably cancel my October camping trip.

Wahhaa :E Really? You don't think I can do this in a week? I figured 40 hrs.? I hate being an example of what not to do but thanks for the response.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Sep 11, 2013
40hrs per day. yep you can do it in a week , get to it no coffee breaks and put the pedal to the metal. get a plan and stick to it. after all on tv they rebuild cars in 30 minutes. no kidding this is a big job, but I,d help if I was close.
Johno02
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013
couldn't see you other pictures on photobucket yet, but it all looks fixable, especially if you are handy.. Is the cabover part tgoing to be storage or a bunk?? Just make sure everything is waterpoof and no leaks to start, then its just a customizing job. Sure, it will cost a bit, better to spend a bit more and do it right the first time, than to take shortcuts and have to do it over again.

Edit: I did get to see your other pictures on PB. I think I would start on the outside and get all that fixed and leaks stopped.
Mocoondo
Explorer II
Sep 11, 2013
cbsurfmom wrote:
Mocoondo wrote:

All things considered, I'd probably cancel my October camping trip.

Wahhaa :E Really? You don't think I can do this in a week? I figured 40 hrs.? I hate being an example of what not to do but thanks for the response.

Perhaps your skill set permits that to be done in a week. I'm a professional and I couldn't get that done in a week.

Looking at the outside right upper bunk photo, all the signs were there that a major problem exists/existed. At least you knew what you were getting into. Bottom line is to get the roof opened up and see what sort of damage you have up there and then formulate a plan to fix it right. No use just calking up the roof and calling it good. You probably have a lot of water damage up there.
rbrand
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013
odds are it is the clearance lights that are leaking.
Gale_Hawkins
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013
2x on marker lights.
cbsurfmom
Explorer
Sep 11, 2013
So, I'm done with the demo part. I found the 2 leaks, pretty straight forward since it rained all evening and morning. One is coming in the side the other from the roof. See new pics I uploaded. What is the best patching material. Marine epoxy, eternal bond? Any suggestions appreciated. I figure if I can fix the leak, I'm home free. Instead of doing the cab over like it was done from the manufacturer we're reinforcing it by adding some more support beams so to speak and then adding some insulation and the plywood. It's a sleeping loft for my 7 yo. should work. We'll just have to watch our heads.[img][/img]