Do these water marks mean something serious?

zinger60 · 02-12-2015, 12:03 PM

We just purchased this trailer several weeks ago and everything looks perfect but I do have some concerns about these water marks. First pic is underneath the cushion on the dinette next to the wall, which is close to a window. The other 2 are in the bunk area. We have double bunks. There is a small water mark underneath the lower bunk mattress in the corner next to the outside wall (second pic) The top bunk has a bigger water mark and it's in the opposite end of the mark in the bottom bunk. It's in the very outside back corner of the trailer (third pic) There are no signs of anything on the walls, just underneath the dinette cushion and under the bunk mattresses. Are these things I should be concerned about? I thought maybe something was spilled on them and soaked through but it's suspicious that in all places, it's close to an outside wall.

fonzie · 02-12-2015, 12:13 PM

Since this a pre-owned trailer and if it was used during colder climate, probably it is condensation water marks. IMHO

https://www.google.ca/search?q=conde...HNS2yATAnoHgBg

geotex1 · 02-12-2015, 12:14 PM

Could very well be from heavy condensation stains from where it was running down the wall or off a window and was finally interrupted. These things sweat pretty badly, and can be significant depending on how many bodies are in the camper and what the environmental conditions are inside and out. The stains look pretty aged too.

RPAspey · 02-12-2015, 03:34 PM

Feel the wall. If its smooth like other areas, it might just have been a spilled drink. If the wall feels slightly uneven or rough then it would likely be leakage from around the window. Compare an inside area -like an interior wall- to that area. The difference should be obvious.

zinger60 · 02-12-2015, 05:16 PM

That's what has been a mystery to us about the marks because the walls feel completely normal in those areas. So if it's caused by condensation, how does it get underneath the cushions and mattresses? By running down the walls?

iluvlcy · 02-12-2015, 06:00 PM

Yes, when we camp in cold weather the walls behind cushion get really wet, mainly at night.

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geotex1 · 02-12-2015, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iluvlcy

Yes, when we camp in cold weather the walls behind cushion get really wet, mainly at night.

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Yup, and there are variables of how well your camper is insulated (or not); how toasty do you like the keep it with the furnace (produces considerable moisture); do you, DW, DD, and/or DS hate showering with the vent working because you get a chill; do you cook inside frequently; and, so-on. Those of us who have migrated from PUPs and hybrids tend to be very keenly aware on measures to reduce/control condensation. Who knows what the prior owner's experience was, or if they had a one-time fluke event, etc. Keep a watchful eye on those areas as you use it, but I feel you are likely A-OK!

Now, if manufacturer's would pump low expansion, high travel foam into the welded aluminum structure like our TT has - only place we see condensation when camping in cold weather with our new TT.

Archicamper · 02-12-2015, 06:48 PM

Condensation occurs wherever the air temperature drops below the dewpoint. This will occur in location that are coldest locations in the trailer. There is no airflow (and heat) that gets under the cushions so at the exterior walls they can get cold (and wet). It will really depend on humidity and temperature.

Bubbamace · 02-13-2015, 01:57 PM

Everyone is probably correct about the humidity, but I would still run some water on that window just for peace of mind.

NCBBA11043 · 02-13-2015, 02:05 PM

Did the previous owner have a pet?
Just kidding - It looks like general consensus is humidity/moisture. It doesn't look like anything is coming in from the outside (which is very good). Good Luck and enjoy the camper!

zinger60 · 02-13-2015, 02:37 PM

Thanks, everyone . It gives me some peace of mind that things aren't actually leaking. We had a pop-up for 6 years and were very mindful of leaving a window flap open slightly at night and never had any condensation. With this being our first travel trailer, I never thought I would be dealing with condensation issues. Is there any need to have something like Damp Rid in the trailer when it's stored for the winter?

richard rv · 02-13-2015, 07:51 PM

Do you see any water marks or delamanation on the outside or under the storage bay area?

rana · 02-13-2015, 08:05 PM

From the looks of the stain patterns I don't really see any repeatative stain rings. I think you can count an ongoing leak out. Probably one trip the condensation got out of hand. That luan type board soaks moisture like a sponge and discolors at the drop of a hat. If you run a little 220grit sandpaper over real quick and the stain starts to lift right out then it is very superficial (as it appears to be).

If it's of any concern to you, you can always run a brush along the cracks with polyurethane to help seal the end grains and slow water absorption.

zinger60 · 02-13-2015, 09:45 PM

We have not seen an other signs of water anywhere in the camper or any of the storage areas.

Flagstaffer06 · 02-13-2015, 10:03 PM

I would hit the window with a hose as well for piece of mind, but, I would tend to side with the others on it being condensation.

I'll also say that I keep a container of DampRid in the camper all the time and I'm amazed at how much water it does actually collect.

They have a few types out now with even some scented beads in them so it gives a nice smell to it now.

Enjoy the camper!

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