First let what I found be a warning to other Fleetwood trailer owners of similar models to mine that you need to check your floor adjacent to any wheel well that has a sheet metal underside. you need to check for soft spots and remove the plastic trim piece and check to see if the sheet metal was sealed where it was attached to the siding. Chances are it was not sealed or maybe I one of a lucky few.
I noticed a couple of years ago that, while washing the trailer, water was dripping from under the wheel well. I could feel water trapped above the metal. I should have removed the wheel well then but figured the waterproof undersheeting extended into the area and that water might be normal. I sealed it thinking no need to get anymore under there.
Well we picked up the trailer from itโs permanent spot in the California Delta to bring it home for a good cleaning and maintenance when I noticed a soft area in front of the door. I did the tub on the roof vent and leaf blower leak test and only found one small area at the bottom of a window on the opposite side. I started to suspect the wheel well area. We went on our June camping/fishing trip and had a great time thinking this may be the last trip in this trailer with the amount of possible damage that could exist. Hereโs a shot of our camp site near Graeagle, California.
When we got home of course a heat wave hit and stayed about 105 for a week and a half. Not knowing how the cabinets, stove and other items were going to come out I plunged in. First I removed the trim and sheet metal from the wheel well and found no sealant and major damage.
I then pulled the stove, disconnected the water and sink trap. The electrical went trough a cabinet brace and was too involved to disconnect the plugs so I cut the wire to later splice in a junction box. Next I hunted for all the screws holding the cabinet. My fear was some of the screws would be coming from the frig side but only found one which I took care of was a multi tool. Did I Mention it is still 105 out!
Fleetwood had a great idea to glue the counter top to the wall so a lot of grunting and a hack saw blade freed it.
Once the cabinet was removed I pulled a strip of carpet back near the TV cabinet and made a cut in the sheet vinyl and a cut under a support member near the frig and laid it back. After cutting the damaged OSB board out, removing and replacing the 2x3 joists that were damaged I drilled and soaked the areas with Git Rot (dark areas)where possible rot may still exist and to create a barrier to prevent future spreading.
Replaced the insulation and flooring with exterior plywood coated with exterior waterproofing. Laid the vinyl out to relax it
Itโs now fourth of July and weather prediction isโฆ..105! Got the cabinets back in, plumbing hooked up and wiring done. Time to hit the pool! Did I mention the AC in the house went out that day so it was a warm night.
Took the day off Friday and finished the floor and reinstalled the wheel well with tons of caulk. Reinstalled the trim and sealed everything. Ready to head back to the Delta on Saturday. Oh and the weather on Friday โ 70 with wind and fog. Thatโs California.
With everything done time to head to the Delta and relax, like it should be.
I noticed a couple of years ago that, while washing the trailer, water was dripping from under the wheel well. I could feel water trapped above the metal. I should have removed the wheel well then but figured the waterproof undersheeting extended into the area and that water might be normal. I sealed it thinking no need to get anymore under there.
Well we picked up the trailer from itโs permanent spot in the California Delta to bring it home for a good cleaning and maintenance when I noticed a soft area in front of the door. I did the tub on the roof vent and leaf blower leak test and only found one small area at the bottom of a window on the opposite side. I started to suspect the wheel well area. We went on our June camping/fishing trip and had a great time thinking this may be the last trip in this trailer with the amount of possible damage that could exist. Hereโs a shot of our camp site near Graeagle, California.
When we got home of course a heat wave hit and stayed about 105 for a week and a half. Not knowing how the cabinets, stove and other items were going to come out I plunged in. First I removed the trim and sheet metal from the wheel well and found no sealant and major damage.
I then pulled the stove, disconnected the water and sink trap. The electrical went trough a cabinet brace and was too involved to disconnect the plugs so I cut the wire to later splice in a junction box. Next I hunted for all the screws holding the cabinet. My fear was some of the screws would be coming from the frig side but only found one which I took care of was a multi tool. Did I Mention it is still 105 out!
Fleetwood had a great idea to glue the counter top to the wall so a lot of grunting and a hack saw blade freed it.
Once the cabinet was removed I pulled a strip of carpet back near the TV cabinet and made a cut in the sheet vinyl and a cut under a support member near the frig and laid it back. After cutting the damaged OSB board out, removing and replacing the 2x3 joists that were damaged I drilled and soaked the areas with Git Rot (dark areas)where possible rot may still exist and to create a barrier to prevent future spreading.
Replaced the insulation and flooring with exterior plywood coated with exterior waterproofing. Laid the vinyl out to relax it
Itโs now fourth of July and weather prediction isโฆ..105! Got the cabinets back in, plumbing hooked up and wiring done. Time to hit the pool! Did I mention the AC in the house went out that day so it was a warm night.
Took the day off Friday and finished the floor and reinstalled the wheel well with tons of caulk. Reinstalled the trim and sealed everything. Ready to head back to the Delta on Saturday. Oh and the weather on Friday โ 70 with wind and fog. Thatโs California.
With everything done time to head to the Delta and relax, like it should be.
