Happy Friday everyone,We've had a soft spot under the drivers side front window of our Lance. I noticed it early last year but just now getting around to fixing it. It's been stored in the barn for the last year to keep the rain off.I took the window out and have cut out the interior wall panel around the window. Looks like the window must have leaked around the front corner. I'll be pulling off the siding on the outside this weekend to see what all I'll need to rebuild. My question is what type of wood would be best to rebuild the structure? Is everyone just using good ole Pine or is there something else I should consider?Thanks in advance.

Poplar wood is a good hardwood that machines nicely and is widely available. That would be my first choice.

I would use something rot resistant like western red cedar.

I would use something rot resistant like western red cedar. Treated (green)lumber that is hem/fir or pine would be okay.

Cedar is really soft and has very little strength. Treated pine would be a better choice. But check to be sure what it is treated with. Some of that stuff is really dangerous.

Use a hardwood like poplar and coat it with a layer of spar varnish.

Fixing some rotten wood, what type of wood should I use ?

Mote
Explorer
Apr 18, 2018
We've decided to just go ahead and take all the metal off the front end and take out the front window. I'd feel better as then I'd know if any other wood needs replaced or repaired. I can order the metal thru a place in Elkhart. It's about a 3.5 hour drive to go pick it up.
This Saturday will be the tear it apart day. I'll try to remember to get some pictures of what I find once it's apart.
Eric_Lisa
Explorer II
Apr 16, 2018
Use whatever wood you find at your local big box store that provides the working strength you need.

After cutting, but before assembling, treat the wood to a couple doses of 'Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer' from the the Rot Doctor. Put it together and you won't have any problems.

-Eric
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Apr 15, 2018
Builders are using staples. Surprisingly with glued siding and glued interior paneling that holds quite well.
I cont that my generator was hanging on 6 staples + glue.
For repair you can use structural straps like this
bitster98
Explorer
Apr 15, 2018
Use what every rv builder uses , the most weak rot prone junk you can find in your local dumpsters !!! That's the industry standard . Sorry I have just owned too many rv's & boats , I couldn't resist.
Mote
Explorer
Apr 14, 2018
Oregun wrote:
When replacing the wood I would also get kreg pocket screw jig. This allows you to screw the wood into adjoining studs giving a very strong connection.

Kreg Pocket Jig

Thanks for the link. I was wondering if they made a smaller version. I'll pick one up tomorrow
Oregun
Nomad
Apr 14, 2018
When replacing the wood I would also get kreg pocket screw jig. This allows you to screw the wood into adjoining studs giving a very strong connection.

Kreg Pocket Jig
Walaby
Explorer II
Apr 14, 2018
Couldn't one replace it with aluminum studs?

Mike
rhagfo
Explorer III
Apr 14, 2018
Oregun wrote:
I would go with Douglas Fir/Hemlock as it is stronger than pine and readily available.

X3
I would strongly avoid using treated wood as it might react with the siding. I used fir/hemlock to rebuild our 1st 5er sand it worked well.
bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Apr 14, 2018
Grit dog wrote:

I'd say replace it in kind with what's there. And don't use Cedar.

Don't use Cedar - it's too soft and swells when wet.
Fir/Pine/Hemlock might be adequate are all too soft.
They've built chair frames out of poplar for over a century for a good reason - it holds up.
thundercloud
Explorer
Apr 14, 2018
Marine grade plywood could be a good choice too.

Forum Discussion

Fixing some rotten wood, what type of wood should I use ?

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Rotten egg smell, again???

Rotten wings

Rotten potato issue

Rotten floor

Floor Rotten