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Nell · 10-02-2011, 09:57 AM

We went over the camper yesterday. There's two soft spots on the floor-one by the door and another by the side window in the bedroom. Then there is water damaged by the doorside night stand and the whole wall has rotted underneath the same window where the floor is soft. This doesn't include repairs that are needed to the vent on the side that took a shot from a tree, vent that is broken from another tree branch(same storm), the front tank covers are shot and broken all up. It's going to need brakes too. Sigh. All this rain we had-over 28 inches since August, hasn't helped the issues of the leaks we are sure. The interior stinks of mold too now.

The camper is a 1999. I am not sure we are up to do all the repairs that are needed, nor is it worth it. We haven't been camping now since 2009. And I am not able to take vacation until next Aug-but can't then because it's when we are putting together the school bus runs for the new school year-I am a dispatcher.

Is it worth it at this point to put this much into this camper? Or just let it go to someone who has the time and can go camping-we've got two years still until we can. Maybe by then we could get another-we'll be better back on our feet at that time. Any suggestions? We've replaced part of the floor back in 2003-but that's held great since. It's the issues with the rotten walls that seem too much-and to find the leaks there-not even sure where to start.

Advice from those who've done extensive repairs like these are truly welcomed!

Nell

ncason · 10-03-2011, 08:14 AM

You won't like this answer, but it sounds like you need to plan on buying another camper when you are able to travel again.

Once they start leaking and are not being used/maintained the damage just keeps getting worse and worse.

We have a 5th wheel, we use it a lot and still had a $4,400.00 repair to the back end from a pin hole leak in the roof. It took 5 years for the damage to become apparent and then the entire backend had to be removed and rebuilt.

Good luck
Nancy

Nell · 10-03-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncason

You won't like this answer, but it sounds like you need to plan on buying another camper when you are able to travel again.

Once they start leaking and are not being used/maintained the damage just keeps getting worse and worse.

We have a 5th wheel, we use it a lot and still had a $4,400.00 repair to the back end from a pin hole leak in the roof. It took 5 years for the damage to become apparent and then the entire backend had to be removed and rebuilt.

Good luck
Nancy

Yeah, even with maintenance, they'll go on you. We'd done work on it since we'd not been camping. But when both of you lose jobs, you have to decide-fix the camper or pay a bill. Bills won-although we did what we could to prevent anymore damage along the way. We are the second owners of the camper-there was a good sized hole in the back-which the dealer fixed in the skin-but how long it was open to the elements-don't know. We still can't find the source of the window leak-he's done everything but take it out and rebuild it all.

Since the NADA is about $2k on it right now-we may end up selling it to someone looking for a cheaper camper to fix. We'll keep the Hensley for the next camper.

Ray,IN · 10-03-2011, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nell

Yeah, even with maintenance, they'll go on you. We'd done work on it since we'd not been camping. But when both of you lose jobs, you have to decide-fix the camper or pay a bill. Bills won-although we did what we could to prevent anymore damage along the way. We are the second owners of the camper-there was a good sized hole in the back-which the dealer fixed in the skin-but how long it was open to the elements-don't know. We still can't find the source of the window leak-he's done everything but take it out and rebuild it all.

Since the NADA is about $2k on it right now-we may end up selling it to someone looking for a cheaper camper to fix. We'll keep the Hensley for the next camper.

I realize it is going to be a hard decision. I think your last paragraph is your best solution. A depreciating asset can easily become a money-pit. If you decide you want to go camping for a weekend, TT rentals are available most everywhere.

ncason · 10-04-2011, 08:53 AM

The source of the leak is the hardest thing to determine. Our rig had a little water below the window upon delivery, the dealer could find no leak around the window. Five years later when the whole back-end was gone, I finally realized the leak was at the roof line.

I understand job loss, one daughter was out of work 13 months, the other daughter is desperately looking for a job. Both daughters are sole-supporting, or at least trying to be.

You can't spend money on other than necessities.