Forum Discussion

buylow12's avatar
buylow12
Explorer
Mar 14, 2016

Section of top of slide rotten

So we've just had the first long sustained all day heavy rain probably since we started traveling yesterday. This morning I noticed that the carpet in the front corner of the slide was wet. Tried to trace where it came from and that lead me to the outside corner which was soaked. I could tell that the water came down the exterior wall but luckily that was not rotted.

However when I went up on the roof of the slide it was a different story. There is probably 4x3 ft section which has rotted. It runs from the outside edge all the way to about an inch before the rubber seal. It has obviously been leaking for a while but wasn't noticed because the rain has been so infrequent and light. Fixing this is going to be out of the scope of my skills but I would like to know what are my options as far as fixing it. Can it be fixed with the slide in place? Just that section replaced, or the whole top portion? Could I install one of those slide covers and deal with it later?

If the slide has to be removed I expect I'm going to have to take it in to a shop. This would involve us paying for a hotel room on top of the likely thousands the shop would charge. Not a good morning :(

Anyone's experience with a similar situation would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Tim Czarkowski
TotalTravelers.Com

The rotted section :(

8 Replies

  • buylow12's avatar
    buylow12
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2016
    I found a YouTube video detailing almost exactly what you proposed. What's a bit crazy is the video was put out by Gulfstream, which is the make of my fifth wheel. In fact it looks extremely similar to mine. Not sure if that's a good thing or not ?? The video is here https://youtu.be/4whU18urXRI

    That's way more than I could pull off. I wish my contractor in Florida could take care of it or the guy in Seattle I had who talked about doing a lot of rot repair who charged $25/hr. Hopefully this mobile guy will have a clue and will be reasonable, having seen this video I should have a decent feel if he knows what he's talking about or not. Otherwise it's to the shop. I would guess it would take two guys two full days to make a similar repair, so maybe 3k. The shop is always $100 an hour minimum...

    I did a thorough check of the front wall again and there is some rot there also. Maybe a 6 inch by 4 foot section.

    I guess there is no way to properly fix it without tearing everything up ??

    Tim Czarkowski
    Totaltravelers.com

  • buylow12's avatar
    buylow12
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2016
    I like that idea, no need to remove the slide then(and no need to be in a shop).
    I actually was doing some googling and I saw someone do the same thing basically but they were replacing a section of flooring instead of the roof.

    It's beyond my abilities but I have a mobile guy coming by Wednesday. I'll see what he comes up with and maybe propose this depending on how I feel about him and his ideas.

    If not I've got an appointment at an RV shop to get my bearings repacked and they'll check it out out then. I imagine they're going to want to remove it for sure. Then I'm looking at a few days in a hotel. They said $350 to remove the slide but wouldn't even ballpark on the cost of the roof repair without looking at it.

    Tim Czarkowski
    Totaltravelers.com

    This is the inside, only thing in the way are the cabinets.

  • 3oaks's avatar
    3oaks
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2016
    Doing a repair/replacement of that sort is not for the novice. Tools, materials, logistics and last but not least necessary skills come to mind.
  • Dr_Quick's avatar
    Dr_Quick
    Explorer II
    Mar 14, 2016
    If it were my trailer this would be my approach. First find out where the leak is. If there is room to access the top and front side of the slide from inside the trailer, say 10" to 12", I would try this. Run the slide out about 1/2 or 2/3 of the way. Take off inside trim at top and front of slide. Now remove metal trim strips to get access to roof. You should be able to move slide in and out to access any fastener that are cover up by outside wall. Remove rubber roof using same method. Then remove wood deck by same method of moving slide for access. Now you cam access damage to structure. Replace damaged structure and any paneling on the inside. Cut new roof deck to proper size, using old deck for a template. Slide in from inside of trailer, again fastening in place and move slide in or out to accomplish this. Install new rubber roof and trim with caulk or Eternabond tape in same locations.
  • Jim-Linda's avatar
    Jim-Linda
    Explorer II
    Mar 14, 2016
    buylow12 wrote:
    I felt the sides and couldn't feel any real rot. It doesn't mean there isn't some there, just that it's not major and obvious like the roof.


    We have a campground we're staying at for the next ten weeks already(Wife starts new assignment next week). I would think it would be a multi day type deal in a shop to remove it, fix it, and replace it, hence the need for a hotel. What do you mean they could seal up the hole good enough to get a cg?

    Anyone have a rough idea on the cost to remove, repair, and replace a slide? I'm puckering up just thinking about it.

    Thanks,

    Only way to find this out is to contact the shop that will be doing the work. Different shops, different prices and repair times.

    Jim

    Tim Czarkowski
    Totaltravelers.com
  • buylow12's avatar
    buylow12
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2016
    I felt the sides and couldn't feel any real rot. It doesn't mean there isn't some there, just that it's not major and obvious like the roof.


    We have a campground we're staying at for the next ten weeks already(Wife starts new assignment next week). I would think it would be a multi day type deal in a shop to remove it, fix it, and replace it, hence the need for a hotel. What do you mean they could seal up the hole good enough to get a cg?

    Anyone have a rough idea on the cost to remove, repair, and replace a slide? I'm puckering up just thinking about it.

    Thanks,

    Tim Czarkowski
    Totaltravelers.com
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Mar 14, 2016
    its gotta come out, and find a shop who will do it,now also do some searching find a camp in the area.they could seal up the hole good enough to get to a cg, P.S look some place besides CW to do the work.past experiance,they lie alot.
  • mchero's avatar
    mchero
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2016
    I would think you would have to pull the slide to really get in their & clean up all that rod. I'm sure if it's rotten on the top it's most likely the same down the side.

    I'm sure you will get good input from others.

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,283 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 17, 2025