Fleetwood Elkhorn Construction
I am looking at buying a 2003 Fleetwood Elkhorn 9D. Are these wood frame construction or aluminum? Can't find much info on the Elkhorn campers. Any info I can get on it would be appreciated. Steve
Forum Discussion
Typically, the nose area leaks first, even more so if there is a window in the front and that window is set in the camper conventionally (rubber bulb gasket in an aluminum frame). The nose of any camper is a positive pressure area and when it rains, going down the road at say 60, the force is equal to a hurricane like torrential downpour. When they leak (and thsy do if the seals and caulk is neglected), the nose leaks first, either the window area or the roof at the first seam. If it's de-laminating, there is an intrusion issue under the spots it's de-laminating at. Be assured of that. Filon-Fiberglass don't lift without good reason and it's hard to repair. Roll formed aluminum sheathing is much easier.
If the inside paneling is soft, there is something rotten inside and most likely mold and soaked insulation (that is the real culprit in the rot / mold scenario, the batt insulation retains the water and keeps the process on going, one reason I like expanded foam, it don't get soggy.
You don't live far from me and in the same climate I live in. I'd try to obtain a new price on the unit and negotiate from there, pointing out the issues to the seller and explaining the cost of remediation (time and materials) and see where you can go price wise. 3500 bucks isn't a bunch but typically, older, unsupported units aren't worth much because of the potential issues they have and the cost to restore.
I basically sold my 2002 Lance for peanuts. I knew what issues it had and I was very up front with the buyer. I knew what he was up against and what it involved and priced it accordingly. Wasn't out to make a killing. I got my service out of it. and moved on to another unit.
If the inside paneling is soft, there is something rotten inside and most likely mold and soaked insulation (that is the real culprit in the rot / mold scenario, the batt insulation retains the water and keeps the process on going, one reason I like expanded foam, it don't get soggy.
You don't live far from me and in the same climate I live in. I'd try to obtain a new price on the unit and negotiate from there, pointing out the issues to the seller and explaining the cost of remediation (time and materials) and see where you can go price wise. 3500 bucks isn't a bunch but typically, older, unsupported units aren't worth much because of the potential issues they have and the cost to restore.
I basically sold my 2002 Lance for peanuts. I knew what issues it had and I was very up front with the buyer. I knew what he was up against and what it involved and priced it accordingly. Wasn't out to make a killing. I got my service out of it. and moved on to another unit.
