This MASSIVE RV Problem Cost More Than You Think! | Super C: PT 1
At Leisure Coachworks, we never underestimate the power of water. We take the time to seal everything against nature’s most persistent invader. It will find every unprotected crack and crevice, seeping in and causing extensive, expensive water damage to RV interiors and exteriors.
This great big Super C motorhome is designed to pull a 50-foot trailer filled with race cars. The customer thought he had a small structural problem with the bunk over the cab so brought in the rig for a quick repair before hitting the road.
Unfortunately, that structural problem turned out to be completely rotted wood beneath the bed. A small crack near a clearance light turned into a big mess that needed to be cleaned out and rebuilt.
Jon shows us the damaged parts that have been removed from the Super C. We also get a glimpse at the structure of that usable space over the cab in a Class C motorhome. In this case, the manufacturer used several layers of plywood, sandwiched between two pieces of filon, to create the roof and walls.
When water got in from the side crack, it seeped into the plywood, which rotted. The damage was bad enough that when the team began the repair, the whole bunk area just fell apart.
The team cut away the damaged front, removing the rotten wood. They discovered that as the bunk deteriorated, it had rubbed on the cab roof.
The team found bare metal that needed the protection of a new coat of paint.
The remaining roof and walls are sound, but we can see right through the cab, all the way to the back. This Super C motorhome needs to be put back together!
The team is making new, waterproof panels with the same construction as the originals. The plywood and filon sandwich is made with high-quality materials and glue, and dried under pressure. These panels are strong and durable.
When installed they will support the roof over the cab to keep it from sagging and every gap will be sealed tight to prevent water damage in the future. From both the inside and outside, the goal is to make it look like this damage never happened. The finished repair will look just like the original front of this Super C motorhome/travel trailer.
The vehicle did have one other minor problem.
The original construction, using staples and plywood, was not strong enough to keep the slide-out walls from separating from the floor. The team used angle iron to secure the outer wall to both the floor and side walls, which will be hidden by a couch.
This repair is a great example of how the Leisure Coachworks team works within a customer’s timeframe and budget. The technicians devised a way to make the slide out structurally sound without the time and money necessary for a more elegant, hidden solution. This works for the customer and keeps the vehicle safely on the road.
This project makes a good case for regular inspection and maintenance of your motorhome or travel trailer. Catching a leak early can prevent this type of extensive damage and save you a lot of money and hassle.
Contact us today to set up a maintenance schedule for your RV. Water is always looking for a way in, and your best defense is a professional team with the skill and experience to keep it outside where it belongs.
