Roof leak and damage. Fix or forget?

[afinepoint]

I’ve looked around the forums but can’t seem to find exactly what I need. We have a 2008 Adventure Manufacturing toy hauler with a roof soft spot of about 1’x1’ in a rear corner and corresponding swelling of garage vertical members directly below. A sunken soft spot has appeared in the floor. This leak was there when we bought it several years ago as I had the dealership replace the very same vertical member not knowing why it was so. Over the years the cancer has grown.

A Camping World in Ashland, Va wanted $16k+ for repairs. In reality I think they didn’t want to deal with it and priced the job accordingly. This far above the trailer’s worth.

Other than a tear in the linoleum and black tank level sensors everything else works. She looks nice inside and out.

Question for the group is this trailer worth a DIY repair? Or let it go. I’ve had it for sell in a motorcycle track forum but no takers. We had hoped to find a Diyer but seems it’s not something people want to deal with.

I consider myself an advanced handyman. I have done roof work, framing, major electrical household wiring - inspected and passed, gas water heater replacement, all manner of floor installation, plumbing, woodworking and major automotive repairs.

I know mostly what I’d be getting into - rotted roof plywood, rotted rafters, possible wall structural member replacement, flooring repairs. Removal of all roof fixtures, membrane replacement, unplanned “surprises “.

What do you guys think? And yes If she was 100% we would definitely be camping.

Reg

[Sagebrush]

Get that leak stopped first, how is the water getting in? Why haven't you stopped the leaking?

I've had roof leaks on on a few trailers, once the water was stopped things dried out nicely. My TH had a leak up front, the wood framing went back to normal size fairly good once the roof rack and windows got resealed. Wallpaper needs replacement, but the roof is firm now. That model should have a walk on roof. I own a RPM 5th wheel 295FB.

A full reseal was done, the entire roof coated and all penetrations caulked, windows, vents, lights etc. Everything has stayed water tight so far after three years.

Mine was built in 2005 and its needed continuous attention just like any other RV of similar age. Its best to touch them up with caulk and the self leveling stuff at least once a year. Had to replace all the plastic covers and vents on the roof too.

[agesilaus]

At the minimum and right away patch it with some eternabond tape. Hard repair to follow in due time.

[way2roll]

I'd be more worried about what you can't see. RV's aren't built well to start with and water is their worst enemy aside from fire. Mold is also likely a concern.

[valhalla360]

A trade in is probably your best bet. Don't lie about it but don't play it up either. They will likely give you a price sight unseen...

As is, it's probably worth very little SBO, if the damage is obvious and you don't try to hide it.

If you do the repairs yourself, either do it right or expect that it won't improve value much.

Now is a good time to trade it. RV's are selling, so the dealer is likely to give you a halfway decent price.

[Gdetrailer]

Depends on your plans.

Keeping it? Since you have knowledge and tools, if you have the time DIY is doable and for the cost of materials you can repair it correctly.

If you didn't have the knowledge or tools and needed to pay a "professional" to repair it $16K would not be outrageous when taking in account shop labor charges are typically $120-$160 per hr..

But, keep in mind, once you open up that can-o-worms you are committed to the project and a fair chance the damage will be far more than what you can see until you start pealing back the lemon rind.

Selling it?

Forget about repairing it to sell at top dollar, price it cheap and disclose there is water damage. Good chance your audience you shot for was wrong and/or you priced it way too high. DIY folks want cheap, as cheap as possible, that is the reason they buy used. Its old and has water damage, price it accordingly and it will sell. Try posting it on Craigslist rather than specific types of forums.

Wanting a new RV?

Use the existing trailer as a trade, sure, you won't get as much as if you were to sell outright, but hey, at least you get it out of your hair.