New member!

[carol14113]

Hi,
I am a new member to this forum. I have come with a specific objective. i am having two issues with my 2004 Surveyor. We have had it for two years and have not had any issues until now. Both are water related. We believe that water has been coming in the window of the sink and going down the wall. the floor has become discolored and there is a little sponginess to it. Today after a five day trip to FloydFest in VA, we arrived home and had a quick heavy rain storm. We went out to close the window next to the door and there was water pouring in and collecting along the tracks and running down the wall. Since this is a 2004 I am wondering if the window next to the door is leaking as the strip around the window is become brittle or less flexible and is allowing water to get in. Regarding the other water, my husband and I are thinking of fixing the flooring and sub flooring. We are pretty handy DIY and want to attempt it. I'm wondering if we are biting off more than we can chew!

Any hints, tidbits, words of wisdom, would be great!

Carol

[Herk7769]

The project you envision is not for the faint of heart.

Your 8 year old camper has developed the equivalent of cancer and how you open her up will determine your course of action.

1) Do a "minimal" exploration/repair. Remove the window completely and examine the damage to the wall. If the wall around the window need replacement, it will totally depend on the wall construction in the 2004 as to whether repair is even possible.

If it is not damaged too badly (remember the walls are a critical part of the structure and need to keep everything together when you travel), repair the damage where the window bolts through; reseal around the trim with ProFlex sealant and reinstall.

Lots of time closed up with a good quality dehumidifier ported to the outside to try and dry it out thoroughly. Hopefully the sponginess will (mostly) go away after the plywood and particleboard dries out. There is no guarantee after the investment of time and money you will still be able to save it.

2) A full restoration. Not worth it unless you are totally in love with THIS camper and money is no object.

3) In my opinion, at this point an 8 year old camper with severe water damage is ready to become a hunting cabin in the back woods. It should be sold while it is at least "road-able" and be honest when you advertise it as a "hunting cabin." There is a market for them and any money you get can be put towards a new camper.