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Jey · 03-15-2019, 07:26 PM

Hello all

I’m brand new here and just obtained my first travel trailer. It’s. 2012 coachmen clipper 16

It was owned by a couple in their late 70s who sold it to me dirt cheap.

The kicker was it had previous water damage. I was told the window had leaked and the floor and counter top were damaged. They told me the dealership fixed the floor and installed the stick on wood flooring instead of carpet this time (they gave me the leftover extra pieces of the flooring) but they didn’t fix the counter top (so the top had peeled up)

My first concern is that the 8 inches of wall between the bottom of the window and the top of the counter feels like there is no backing behind it, it’s very soft and clearly been exposed to water. The couple didn’t mention anything about the walls being repaired.

There is no visual indication of water damage like people told me to look for like mold or dark spots. Do I need to cut open the wall to check behind this? It’s almost like a wallpaper type panel I’m not sure how to repair it if I cut it open.

Now my biggest concern is I found water damage inside the “access panels” on the side of the trailer.

The wood has literally deteriorated. Right now the wood is soaked (we had a severe rain storm today) which tells me the rain is just pouring right in

When I remove the access doors I can see screw holes behind both doors that look like something was supposed to be screwed in there possibly to keep water out? I’ve attached photos with red circles around the screw holes that I don’t know what goes in them.

Now my big question is how do I tackle this and is it even something a beginner like me could or should even do? I’ve watched YouTube videos but this is literally at the bottom of the trailer and right behind the fridge. How would I even acces this to replace the wood? My dad seems confident we can fix it but he’s never own or worked on a travel trailer in his life so I’m concerned he may be too ambitious.

All that water damage freaked me out so I immediately started pulling up the vinyl flooring and I can confirm they did in fact install new wood in the floor however in one spot it almost dips as if they installed it right over the old wood?

I don’t know what this would cost to have someone else fix it but I feel like I got such a good deal on the trailer I’m just scared that I can’t fix it on my own.

Sorry for the long ramble just hoping someone can give me some hope

tuffr2 · 03-15-2019, 07:50 PM

The good news, if any, is a travel trailer is not anything special and your dad is right. With a few basic tools and new wood and maybe a whole new counter and some sealant you can fix any trailer and make it better than new.

The bad news is it will be like peeling an onion. Once you start tearing things apart you will find more damage is my guess.

A few months ago a iRV member replaced a bunch of things as he replaced his roof. I did not look but if you search 'roof repair' you might find it.

When you rebuild parts of the trailer you will use better wood. Maybe even marine grade wood. You will use screws instead of sending ect. You will become one with the trailer. You are lucky it is small.

steve52 · 03-15-2019, 08:23 PM

The standard advice concerning water damage is to run the other way, but that ship has sailed.

Do you and/or Dad have carpentry skills and tools? A place to park the trailer inside to work on it? Plenty of time on your hands? Spare cash and lots of patience?

If so, you're all set.

Make sure you find the source of the original leak--it may have started at the window. Maybe not. Roof leaks can show up in other places. There may be other leaks, it sounds as though the previous owner did little if any maintenance.

Jey · 03-15-2019, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve52

The standard advice concerning water damage is to run the other way, but that ship has sailed.

Do you and/or Dad have carpentry skills and tools? A place to park the trailer inside to work on it? Plenty of time on your hands? Spare cash and lots of patience?

If so, you're all set.

Make sure you find the source of the original leak--it may have started at the window. Maybe not. Roof leaks can show up in other places. There may be other leaks, it sounds as though the previous owner did little if any maintenance.

My dad has carpentry skills and tools, I will have to come up with a spot to work on it, My dad is retired so he has a lot of time, I’ll come up with cash, anddd I got patience when the end result will be camping.

Where I get fearful is knowing we have to unhook the pumps, plumbing and electronics and stuff followed by putting it back together. I have a lot of research to do

jim1521 · 03-15-2019, 09:44 PM

As you are disconnecting/disassembling things, take PLENTY of pictures to show how it reassembles - then take even MORE pictures. You can always delete them, but if you miss ONE correct view you’ll wish you shot more of them.

Good luck.

chaps2018 · 03-15-2019, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jey

Where I get fearful is knowing we have to unhook the pumps, plumbing and electronics and stuff followed by putting it back together. I have a lot of research to do

It’s all pretty standard stuff. Take pics of wiring and plumbing before disassembly so you know how to reroute and reconnect. Use tape or sharpies to mark mating parts, any trick to help you remember.

Bob_C · 03-15-2019, 09:51 PM

If you remove windows, use butyl rubber to reseal.....comes in a roll like tape does and isn't messy.....any squeeze out can be trimmed right off....

**Spdracr39** · 03-15-2019, 10:10 PM

Step number one is to stop the water from coming in. Until you do that everything else is pointless.

bizzerbiz · 03-15-2019, 10:51 PM

If that's black mold you need to educate yourself on remediation. It will all have to go. And make sure to where a mask.

keymastr · 03-16-2019, 10:27 AM

I would get whatever you can for it and put that towards a better trailer. This little guy will be a money pit, as well as a long term project. Were you looking for a project to take up your weekends for the rest of the summer?

Buy a tube of Dicor self leveling roof sealant, get a ladder out and scrape off the old cracked sealant from a vent or a seam and apply new Dicor to it. You can watch YouTube videos of how to do it. If you enjoy it go ahead with the rest of the roof as well as the rest of the trailer. If not you have found your answer.

tuffr2 · 03-16-2019, 11:22 AM

This is a great project for your retired handy Dad. Plus you can learn important things also.

Now if you have a wife and kids then this project will be too much. Just dump the trailer and focus on family.

Bob_C · 03-16-2019, 11:27 AM

I'd fix it!.....a lot of folks have no skills or drive to fix anything.....that's why so many buy new.....

Jey · 03-16-2019, 12:33 PM

https://youtu.be/ghT3Z5CQpEs

This is a video I shot today of the camper to better explain the situation. Sorry it’s so long but hoping for some pointers from you experienced people!

Bob_C · 03-16-2019, 01:08 PM

Everything can be removed for access.......I'd still fix it....like others have said, look over the roof area first, and if needed, add caulking to anything that looks iffy, then proceed...the fridge vent doesn't use any other fasteners, other then the ones that are in the door, mine has no seal around the opening either.....would suggest that every opening, like the backside of fridge door be screened off using aluminum screen door screening, even the A/C outside shroud....mud dubbers like to build nests in those places, and also the furnace, hot water tank outside areas....