Floor Problems - Water under wood floor

[Ramblinboy]

We recently had the original floor replaced on our 2005 Classic 30' with hardwood strip flooring. The work was done a few months ago. We are now seeing dark areas around the places where the strips were joined and abutted - the usual signs of moisture. We have also seen some water coming from a joint when a board was stepped on. The problem seems widespread. Obviously there is a leak or leaks but there is no apparent source. I went through the postings and couldn't see a similar problem reported. I tend to think this a job for the folks in Jackson Center. Replacing the floor is In a way secondary to finding the leaks and preventing mold. I can't think of any other place to go. Any thoughts or ideas?

[dkottum]

Your immediate priority is fixing the leak(s), and Jackson Center has the expertise.

Salvaging the floor is secondary to this, but in the meantime do what you can to ventilate the trailer with fans to help dry it out. If you could put in under cover of some kind to keep off the rain, that would help.

Airstreams and all RV's are subject to leaks and eventually will. Unlike a modern house where all seams are flashed or overlapped, RV's foolishly rely on sealants to keep the water out. Sealants will fail for a variety of reasons. I believe it is a good idea to purchase a moisture detection meter and regularly check the inside perimeter to find leaks before they do damage.

doug k

[HowieE]

The quickest way to test for a leak in the water system is to put water in the fresh water tank, just enough for the pump to pick it up, and turn the pump on till it shuts off automatically and then turn the pump switch off . Leave the trailer for an hour or so and then go back in and turn the pump switch on again. The pump should not come on if the system is tight. If it comes on and how long it stays on will give you an indication of how big the leak is. If you can leave the trailer for several hours without the pump coming on when the switch is turned on the system is tight. At this point you are looking for a leak in the body. Other point could be the shower drain or the toilet seal. These are the the only point where water appears in volume above the floor.

Did they floor under the toilet? If so did they raise the seal to account for the rise?

If the hardwood was put down without removing the cabinets I would get it up ASAP to let the sub floor breath as mus as possible. Leaving it wet may require the complete floor be replaced because the panels turn to mush.