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Razorrick · 05-02-2017, 06:17 AM

Wondering if anyone has experienced flooding with their motorhome. I have a 13' aspire that took on 29" in my enclosed shop. No ext damage. Started right up but blew water out the tailpipe. Check engine light is know on and a beeping sound coming from engine area. Water got into batteries, generator, aquahot, front drivers side outside fuse bay, etc. main electric switch was off inside. Adjuster calling today. Ive not tried to turn anything electric on yet. Really concerned about long term electric issues even if some things work. Any suggestions on how to proceed. I'm not close to any Entegra dealers. Thanks

DebbieMH · 05-02-2017, 06:28 AM

Ouch ....so sorry.

brobox · 05-02-2017, 06:34 AM

What a shame!! As for the check engine lights, etc with the engine. I know from driving in heavy rains ( I won't do that anymore) the engine computer can get flooded out and causes all kinds of readings on the dash read out. Fortunately Cummins was able to fix mine with a heat gun.

I would be more worried about the basement floors, wiring etc. I would push for a total if the AH, generator etc got water damage. Get another MH and let the insurance company worry about the problems that will continue.

Matt D · 05-02-2017, 06:36 AM

Contact Spartan and see if the have a procedure for flooded chassis.

Barring that, here are a few items to consider..

The CEL is likely due to water inside the connections surrounding the engine. You could pull the code and highlight the affected system. Personally, I'd disconnect each connector, blow it out with compressed air, then hit it with some LPS4. I'd carefully do this and during reassembly apply a dab of dielectric grease to the contacts.

Do this at the fuse panel as well. Remove, and clean each fuse location.

The batteries should be replaced.

Do not start the generator until you have a chance to change the oil.

Speaking of oil, I'd change the steer and tag axle oil. I'd also change the differential fluid. I would change the transmission filters and have the fluid examined for signs of water. If any is present, change the entire fluid, not just the filters. Grease all suspension zerks including the driveshaft U-Joints.

In short, I'd closely examine and service anything below the frame rails. Probably your best bet would be to get a mobile lube service to come out and service everything.

Good luck and keep us posted,

-Matt

P.S. As Chuck said, the basement floors are plywood, so anticipate replacement.

jbhobbs54 · 05-02-2017, 07:44 AM

Ouch! We built our new RV garage higher than it needed to be just in case the water in the nearby creek flooded. But I'm not sure we could handle as much water as you guys got.

Good Luck!

JMonroe · 05-02-2017, 07:46 AM

The biggest problem caused for vehicles in water are to the electronics and electrical connections. As long as the intake was not under water, nor the oil fill tube, the engine is not likely damaged. The electronics that were under water will need attention. If the transmission vent was under water that needs to be checked too.

Of course our motorhomes are actually a marriage between a truck and a house. Those fuses under the driver's seat are house related. I'd pull every fuse and spray the panel with a dielectric water displacing contact cleaning product. An internet search will show many such products. Long term problems can pop up from corrosion caused by moisture not fully purged after the incident.

Flood damage can be challenging and frustrating. Every time you think you have a handle on it something else will pop up. Hopefully the adjuster you are working with has flood damage experience.

Good luck.

Busskipper · 05-02-2017, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razorrick

Wondering if anyone has experienced flooding with their motorhome. I have a 13' aspire that took on 29" in my enclosed shop. No ext damage. Started right up but blew water out the tailpipe. Check engine light is know on and a beeping sound coming from engine area. Water got into batteries, generator, aquahot, front drivers side outside fuse bay, etc. main electric switch was off inside. Adjuster calling today. Ive not tried to turn anything electric on yet. Really concerned about long term electric issues even if some things work. Any suggestions on how to proceed. I'm not close to any Entegra dealers. Thanks

Sure hope the insurance company's good,

Give them a call and follow their lead - all wiring - all bearings - new Aqua Hot - probably new basement - steps - locks - all new fluids - front end grease - drive train - Brakes - ....................................

This could get really big.

Best of Luck,

waterboy10 · 05-02-2017, 08:09 AM

If you have the correct insurance I see a new replacement coach on the horizon. Hopefully you have replacement coverage. A flooded car or coach most likely will be a continuing saga of unsolvable electrical issues and gremlins. If you have the correct coverage I would suggest lobbying for a new coach.

**JohnRR** · 05-02-2017, 08:17 AM

I'd consider contacting your insurance company as the first order of business.

BillJinOR · 05-02-2017, 08:44 AM

Shouldn't a flood of this nature be a total ? That is if the insurance company does the right thing Due to the continuing electrical problems and the cost of rebuilding the basement and everything in it. Repairs will be listed as flood damage making it difficult to sell
I'd be pressing hard for a replacement coach

brobox · 05-02-2017, 09:00 AM

Many of us have discussed "Full Replacement Coverage" for the first 5 years on our insurance. This is one of those times is would pay off and a new 2017 or 18 would be replacing the probably totaled coach. I live in an area that "could" flood from a hurricane and I make sure I have that coverage.

This is an excellent post of what could happen, just sorry that it did. I have had a couple of boats sink at my dock and it is not fun.

**TonyDi** · 05-02-2017, 09:03 AM

After a fire, the worst thing that can happen to an RV is flooding. Contact your insurance company and then the chassis manufacturer. The long term effects of water getting into electronic will go on and on.

Best of luck in getting it resolved and sorry for your problems.

Razorrick · 05-02-2017, 11:21 AM

Great ideas and things to consider. Meeting with adjuster tomorrow. I have replacement insurance and certainly will push for that. Any other thoughts to bring up to adjuster would be greatly appreciated!! Rick