sawdust keeps showing up

[DwnSth]

New TT 3 months old. We noticed line of sawdust on bedside table when new, thought it was just left of from construction. Now, we keep seeing a nice line of sawdust every time we drive somewhere. I'm concerned this could be some kind of wood boring bug. Any ideas on how to tell what's causing this. If bugs, how can I get rid of or should I bring to dealer to check out? Have another trip in 3 weeks and had planned on bringing to dealer for other small issues after that trip.

[LVJJJ]

was recently working on an '85 Wilderness TT, and found sawdust and metal shavings under cabinets and such. The manufacturers cut and saw and leave the dust, they don't own vacuum cleaners.

I've had more than a dozen TT's over the years, they all leaked sawdust.

[Gonzo42]

Nothing beats a FREE tool, does it?

[Redterpos3]

Doug33 wrote:
Regarding finding tools left in the TT, I have found tools left in my car's engine bay after servicing on at least two occassions. Their loss was my gain! 🙂

Finally out mowing my lawn for the first time, look up on the roof, and see a roof hammer (its orange it doesn't blend well :B.) Left during winter by the roof guys fixing a leak. Now I've got to go get it!

[Doug33]

wrenchbender wrote:
Do not rule out termites

Unfortunately, I know what termites look like at home, because we've had to get treatments due to infestations. They are disgusting and creepy insects.

[wrenchbender]

Do not rule out termites

[Doug33]

I got under the lower bunk last year to winterize and I was amazed at how much sawdust and metal shavings were laying there.

Regarding finding tools left in the TT, I have found tools left in my car's engine bay after servicing on at least two occassions. Their loss was my gain! 🙂

[DwnSth]

Thanks for al the replies. Yep, sawdust is in some very odd spots. Also nice to find screws and electrical connectors in the cavities for slide mechanisms. I have spent time in several RV plants (consultant for computer systems). 25 years ago I was impressed with the quality coming out of the ones I was working with. Maybe quality is no better or worse but shear volume is much greater.

So looking at my table and wardrobe, there is an area under the wardrobe that allows for electrical wires and plug, it's fully enclosed and really is just a false bottom for the wardrobe. If I slap this area from below, sawdust filters out of gaps against wall. So, for now I'm buying the poor clean up and production dust.

[myredracer]

The photo shows factory original OEM sawdust created by Amish craftsmen. :M This was found in a cavity between the shower and bathroom wall in our TT. I've found plenty more in normally inaccessible places like the ceiling cavity and inside cabinetry as well as light fixtures, speakers and anything else that is screwed to the ceiling.

They simply don't vacuum up sawdust and debris. Where they hack a hole in luan, the cutout piece gets left in there. Have also found things like screwdriver bits, screws, cable clamps and bits of wire. Personally, I think it's shameful not to spend a few seconds vacuuming up as they go.

I doubt it's sawdust from ants, but not impossible. What you could do is go look for some OEM sawdust and compare it to what you have with a magnifying glass. You might find some under the tub (or shower) by removing the cover on the access hole. Ant sawdust should be much finer and consistent size.

[Dog_Folks]

Gonzo42 wrote:
You might have the world's first traveling termite colony.

It has happened.

[Community Alumni]

DutchmenSport wrote:
Interesting, mine has never dropped sawdust. Maybe my ceiling is glued down a little better?

It's not always from the ceiling as such. Many will drop stuff onto light lenses, or on the floor inside cupboards, drawers and other storage areas. Our HR coach which we bought new, was a much higher quality unit than our current TT but the TT has hardly dropped anything; the coach was like a sawmill!!

... Eric

[Mickey_D]

The sawdust is your insulation. Just kidding (a little). After six months, ours is still leaking it from the AC vents and under the slides. I used my phone to take a picture behind the couch and there was a LOT of it behind it too. Plus in the box under the bed, under the kitchen sink, under the bathroom sink.... The people who put mine together did not seem to have a strong belief in keeping your work area clean as you go along.

[Gonzo42]

You might have the world's first traveling termite colony.

[coolbreeze01]

I use my vacuum. I've sold enough sawdust to make 3 trailers.

[Mark_and_Linda]

I get stuff in my fridge compartment outside. I just cleaned it again this morning. Our trailer was used very little when we bought it, I pulled panels and vacuumed out what the factory should have.