Evidence of water - deal breaker?

[tmaxx]

I just found an RV that we really like the layout, but it has evidence of prior leakage of the roof at the rear end above the bed. The ceiling has ripples indicating where the water had intruded - about a 4' x 5' area. The dealer was upfront about it and said that they have re-sealed it. It's a 2004 Coachmen Freelander 31' and has a rubber roof - asking price $28500. Everything else about it we really like, but I am concerned about the previous leak. How much damage was done underneath to the wood? We haven't seen it in person, but the dealer has forwarded us pictures of the water leak area.
Should this be a deal breaker? It seems that most Class C's that I have looked at have had water issues.

[DaHose]

If you ask me, seems like the best idea in the world would be to make your own pressure testing rig (that can blow into a window) from an electric blower and use it to test the roof of any RV you are thinking of buying.

I have documented my experience elsewhere. Visible water damage in the cabover equaled a complete teardown and rebuild. I'm talking hundreds of man hours all by myself and many more with help when assembling larger sub-frame structures. If you are not ready for something that can result in that level of work, then do not buy something with visible water damage.

Jose

[Michigan_RV_er]

I found out after the fact that my roof had a leak. I bought it from a private seller and didn't have much recourse. He admitted that it "used" to have a leak but he paid a RV Dealership to fix it and seal the roof and it hadn't leaked since. I somewhat believe him because most of the time it doesn't leak. But it does bother me because I still can't find that intermittent leak! I've caulked everything! Seems like every RV should have a fiberglass cap or some kind?

[TriumphGuy]

I've heard it once said that the rule of thumb is that the damage you see is 10% of what's really there. After repairing leaks and delam on a 5er of my own I can attest to that.

If they can prove to you with pictures the rotted stuff was replaced (and I assure you there is rot in there) and you can verify for yourself it was resealed and it passes a pressurized leak test only then would I consider, and only after working them down seriously on price.

If it was the floorplan I really wanted with the options I really wanted then I'd think about it after verifying all of the above. But there are so many more units out there.

I had to sell mine below market value to get it to move. I was clear with the sales ad and had pictures to prove the repair, and evidence to show it was done better than factory. I must have done something right because it sold quick, but I knew not to go into la la land and think that my trailer deserved full market price.

Now I shop with a rubber mallet to test the walls / ceiling / floor inside and out 🙂

[littlemo]

tmaxx wrote:
I just found an RV that we really like the layout, but it has evidence of prior leakage of the roof at the rear end above the bed. The ceiling has ripples indicating where the water had intruded - about a 4' x 5' area. The dealer was upfront about it and said that they have re-sealed it. It's a 2004 Coachmen Freelander 31' and has a rubber roof - asking price $28500. Everything else about it we really like, but I am concerned about the previous leak. How much damage was done underneath to the wood? We haven't seen it in person, but the dealer has forwarded us pictures of the water leak area.
Should this be a deal breaker? It seems that most Class C's that I have looked at have had water issues.

RUN! Don't walk!

BTW All class C's don't have leaks. Get one with one piece fiberglass end cap and fiberglass roof. (And no window in front in cabover).

[time2roll]

Pass

[OFDPOS]

midnightsadie wrote:
ever found a dealer you beleave???????????

Nope and I even worked at two (automotive)

[Cobra21]

Too much $$$ for something that has water damage. Don't look back

[pianotuna]

Hi,

No way I would buy it.

[D_E_Bishop]

My DW and I looked at a Southwind at Canejo RV, she pointed out to one of the sales staff the ripples looked like water damage. As we3 were leaving another rig we heard the salesman telling a work type to replace the panel that was rippled. That was the end of looking at that dealer.

[ScottG]

I would walk away from any unknown water damage.
It's always many times worse than you think it is.

[scbwr]

Impossible to see total damage without removing ceiling and possibly more. Walk away. If you can't find an affordable motorhome, then look at another option such as a smaller FW or TT.

[midnightsadie]

ever found a dealer you beleave???????????

[Old-Biscuit]

But guy said it was just a small leak and had been repaired........:S

[tmaxx]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I was thinking this was probably a red flag. I'll keep looking.