Slide-out Floor Rot

[mr__ed]

I recently had my fiver towed to the company that manufactured it, for evaluation before sale (Nuwa Co.). They report that the 2 of the slides show some damage on the bottom portions due to water intrusion. Now, I'm taking their word for it. I know that the rug in the slide areas has never been wet (I've checked after every heavy rain). Since the bottom portion of the slides are never exposed to rain, I'm wondering how they could possibly incur water damage? Could rain have seeped in through any of the windows located on the slides? I can't think of any other possibility. Is this a common problem? This is my first RV with slide-outs. My next one may be without slides.

[rjf7g]

I have the same problem - water entered through the side at the bottom. Has anyone had the slide floor replaced? I have a superslide with dinette and couch and another with the head of a queen bed in it...I have a quote and want to check it for reasonableness.

[shepstone]

I was thinking that maybe a moisture meter might help in the usual checking routine. I feel around all the carpets but a cold carpet can feel the same as a slightly damp one.

[TrickyRicky]

Yes windows do leak and allow water to run down the inside of the wall to the floor. Some slides will leak at the bottom of the end areas. Some slides will leak around the seals at the top and sides. Most slide floors are made of OSB/chipboard whatever you want to call it and it does not take much water on this product to start it swelling and rotting. You state that you checked the carpet/rug after every heavy rain, how did you check it ? Did you get down and feel the entire carpet for moisture. It is possible there is a pad under the rug that would limit the moisture from coming up through to the rug. Keep in mind the water has probably ran down the inside of the walls and then out on to the floor. Did the manufacturer not provide an explanation where they felt the water intrusion was from ? I would think they would check for leaks as part of the inspection. It is necessary to find where the water has entered and repair before replacing any flooring else it will happen again.

[Peg_Leg]

My 06 FKTG had the floor in the bed room rotting on the edges. Of course the edges are where the walls fasten. I replaced it by myself. I did a write up on the NUWA owners forum. Once water gains a entry point the chip board starts soaking it up at any point where the wood has been cut or a hole drilled. It soaks in then along come old man winter to freeze it and make it expand so next thaw and rain it can soak up more water. It doesn't take to many cycles to do a lot of damage.

The bedroom slide was a simple job. Those 14' slides might be another matter. Guess I better check mine a little closer.

[fj12ryder]

If the slides have a caulked seam near the bottom with a piece of trim, that could be the problem. The trim on my Fuzion was caulked and looked fine, but the caulk had actually separated a bit from the trim and water got through and soaked the floor. Over the period of a couple years the floor rotted away.

It was just the bedroom slide so it was relatively easy for me to fix. A living room slide could be much more of a problem due to the size. But YMMV.

[CarlT100]

It could well be bad slide seals. I had a seal that leaked and damaged the floor of my kitchen skide.