How to tell if current or old leak

[wandering_]

I'm going to look at a used 2002 itasca suncruiser. When I asked about leaks he said there is some staining around the vent from the previous owner's tenure - but he had not had a leak. How can I tell if a leak is current or old?

When I pressed about windshield leaks he shared that in the windshield center strip there is a raised part that he siliconed and never had a leak from. Anything I should specifically look for?

Thanks,
Wandering b

[TXiceman]

Staining at a vent probably means a leak.

Ken

[wandering_]

Right, I understand that water stain equals water leak. What I am asking is whether there is a way to tell if the leak is old or recent?

I plan on checking for dampness and sponginess. But I don't plan on taking a hose to someone else's rig - he says it has been there for the four years he has owned it and must have been fixed by the previous owner. I'll proceed as planned plus climb on the roof and look for a repair there. That might be the best way to tell if the repair is old, new or nonexistent.

[Jim_HiTek]

It's pretty easy to tell if a repair on the roof has been done as the self-leveling caulking will generally have a different color then the original. Or there will be newer silicone or perhaps Eternabond.

I suggest a trip up on the roof. Best/easiest way to tell if it's been repaired or if it self sealed with filth.

[Bug512]

Originally Posted by wandering_

Right, I understand that water stain equals water leak. What I am asking is whether there is a way to tell if the leak is old or recent?

I plan on checking for dampness and sponginess. But I don't plan on taking a hose to someone else's rig - he says it has been there for the four years he has owned it and must have been fixed by the previous owner. I'll proceed as planned plus climb on the roof and look for a repair there. That might be the best way to tell if the repair is old, new or nonexistent.

OK, then tell the owner to take a hose and spray the motorhome down.

Or wait until there is a rain in the forecast and visit the motorhome then.

[free-to-roam]

You can tell pretty quick too, by smell. When you walk in, does it smell musty? Even a "little"?
ANY musty smell is evidence of a leak. If you go to the roof, special attention to, and around not only vents, but the AC unit. Be careful, if there has been a leak, and it is spongy, you could end up inside in one fell swoop!
Above all, have fun!

[wandering_]

Thank you for the pointers. The coach did not have any musty smell, but the owner wouldn't let me on the roof. He said he had never been up there and didn't 'want to risk starting new leaks'. He said I could get a ladder and look around the outside.

Deal did not work out....

[ARFFMAN]

I guess he didn't want to sell it that bad

[steelheadbluesman]

My 2 cts = If a seller won't let you get on the roof to inspect it, after seeing evidence of leaks, and after your assurances of moving around slowly and carefully of course, why would you even think of buying it? You should be able to inspect anything within reason. Roof integrity is a big deal in my book, and there had been a leak. Like I say, just my 2 cents.

[golfpro]

wood rot is a real good indicator of an old leak

[Pirate]

A moisture meter is a must. I wish I had used one when I bought my unit. You had the right idea with hose. If he says no, that unit is not for you.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by wandering_

Thank you for the pointers. The coach did not have any musty smell, but the owner wouldn't let me on the roof. He said he had never been up there and didn't 'want to risk starting new leaks'. He said I could get a ladder and look around the outside.

Deal did not work out....

Wonder how he re-caulked around vents, and skylights, if he never went on the roof ?