Forum Discussion

Tyandkate's avatar
Tyandkate
Explorer
Dec 16, 2017

Leaks!!

My adventure started when we headed to san antonio the jayco was in storage and while there a field rat found its way in.... and died.... upon searching for his entrance i discovered the previous owner must have had a blow out which busted the wheel well which is plastic when that happened it also busted the backer board around it. while i was uncovering this to repair i noticed daylight shining through around the outside electrical outlet.... and the wall so soft you can out your finger through it. I'm concerned the flooring is also rotten out. is there a way to just fix the leak or is it possible its at a point where some major rework needs to be done? I would post photos but cant figure out how.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Dec 16, 2017
    I think...you are screwed. Time (spring) to peddle it off on another unsuspecting sucker.... just say'in...
  • Tyandkate's avatar
    Tyandkate
    Explorer
    Dec 16, 2017
    Yeah I think I am too... I paid top dollar for the thing not knowing any better. I know now they saw me coming.. I just cant in good faith sell it to someone the way it was sold to me.. probably won't get 500 bucks for it.. The sad part is its probably leaked since the day it was new doesn't appear the factory ever even sealed that plug to the camper
  • Walaby's avatar
    Walaby
    Explorer II
    Dec 16, 2017
    That sucks... From the description sounds like major work.

    Thank you for having the integrity to not pass it on to another unwitting soul.

    Mike
  • NMDriver's avatar
    NMDriver
    Explorer
    Dec 16, 2017
    All Purpose Bondo will strengthen the wall backer board and stop any water intrusion. It will also seal around the electrical outlet and provide a strong base for re-attaching the outlet. It is rigid so can crack at joints that flex but can be coated with a flexible sealer like EPDM tape or paint where that is a likely water entry point.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Dec 16, 2017
    A good inspection would have discovered these issues but I guess you passed. NMDriver’s suggestions will work for a while. Major work or start over with another RV...your choice.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Dec 17, 2017
    Despite my first comment, I do feel your pain. Not just from the present condition but from the devious way it was sold to you and yes, if it's that soft, it's rotten and water logged underneath and fixing the outside, does nothing for the inside and yes, it's a major job that you may be up to but make no bones about it, it's involved and time consuming and the mold that is growing inside the walls is very unhealthy for you.

    patching the outside does nothing for the inside and will not remediate what is occuring under the outer skin.

    My last unit also had issues and I sold it for a loss and I was honest with the buyer as well. I went on to a new unit and believe me, I watch it like a hawk.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Dec 17, 2017
    Great Stuff expanding foam and Eternabond are going to be your friends.
  • Tyandkate's avatar
    Tyandkate
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2017
    Thanks for all the replies y'all, we got a huge rain storm here in texas today and I was really able to see the water entrance. It appears the factory never sealed around the outside electrical outlet. Mix that with the busted wheel well from the blow out (Fun fact I actually found a chunk of tire still just hanging out in the camper cabinet). I'm going to assess the damage seems like from the floor 6" up is soft on the wall about a foot wide. I know the camper is aluminum framed so maybe not too much rot. Main thing at the point is dry it in then dry it out!
  • DanNJanice's avatar
    DanNJanice
    Explorer
    Dec 17, 2017
    SidecarFlip wrote:
    I think...you are screwed. Time (spring) to peddle it off on another unsuspecting sucker.... just say'in...

    Probably right, the damage is most likely far worse than it appears. This is also why I will never buy a used trailer. Too many people willing to dump their stuff on other people and "forget" to mention it.
  • GrandpaKip's avatar
    GrandpaKip
    Explorer II
    Dec 17, 2017
    Really, folks?
    Without seeing a thing, you’re saying it’s hopeless?
    To the OP:
    Depending on your skills, almost nothing is unsurmountable. Take your time and deconstruct until all the rot is out, then access the total damage. At this point, you can now see what the actual repairs would entail.
    Whatever you do, good luck.

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