Forum Discussion

Mish73's avatar
Mish73
Explorer
Sep 25, 2016

What's that smell?

Just bought a used 2005 keystone outback. Only noticeable issues were soft spot near entrance and some caulking at front right roof. Seller had air blasting when showing. Noticed a smell but figured it was in need of a cleaning. Fast forward to some hot days with camper being closed. Smell is extremely strong. I describe it as a plastic smell. Hubby says chemical smell. Found a leak by the caulking outside and wall is saturdated but it doesn't seem to be coming from that. It always seems to be strongest by the front door. Have no clue what the smell is. Any ideas? Would mold smell like chemicals or plastic? Could it be the formaldehyde smell I've been reading about? Last owner says it's typical camper smell. Afraid of it being unsafe for the kids. Ideas? Thanks! ( we are first time camper owners)
  • mikakuja's avatar
    mikakuja
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2016
    Can't say for sure what the smell is but it could me mould.... I really do hate to say this, but your trailer may have alot more damage than you think. You probably would have been better off walking away from this one, unless of course you got a great deal and don't mind a project... If the wall is saturated the enclosed underbelly will more than likely also be saturated. This is likely what has caused the soft spot by the door. Unfortunately there will be more damage that you can not see, including mould. The best thing you can do is get things opened up that are wet and get them dried out. The inside of the walls and floor will only get worse if they are not opened and dried out. simply putting heat to the inside will not dry things. This is alot of work to take on.... I have been through this personally and it takes the fun out of the whole RV experience.

    Good luck
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2016
    It is probably something the seller did by the door to get the damaged trailer sold. It may be a ton of glue or other stuff under the vinyl by the door.
  • bdpreece's avatar
    bdpreece
    Explorer II
    Sep 25, 2016
    Assuming you keep the trailer the first thing to do is find all the leaks. Your best bet at this point would be to find a Sealtech dealer, they will pressurize your rig and find any leaks. The next step is to get everything totally dry. Your smell is probably not coming from where it is saturated but in areas that are only damp and mildewed. Next either buy or rent an ozone machine and run it inside the trailer for several days with all cabinet and closet doors open. Even then there is no guarantee.

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