Floor Rot Diagnosis

[jjkitt]

1965 Safari with floor rot just inside the door to the left. And while I know there could be many factors contributing to this I wonder if perhaps anyone knows if the stove vent (which appears to be suspect) would likely contribute to rot in this location? Or perhaps is water coming in from the belly pan and rotting the floor here? Either way I need to replace this section of floor. Any advice on removal and replacement?

Thanks all!

[Melody Ranch]

A circular saw set at 3/4 inch. Mark out a section to be replaced. Cit on the line with the saw. Treat the exposed framing, while your at it, with POR or Chassis Saver. Replace the cut out section with new 3/4 , cut to fit, plywood. I always cover the edges of the flooring with Vulcum of waterproofing and sealing. The leak most likely came down the edge of the door and door seal. Check the rubber seal. Use Vulcum at the bottom of the door edge and frame.

[TinTin]

Looks like the door seals may be the likely suspect. Is there a reason you feel it's not leaking through the door? Damage looks to be localized, perhaps a patch will do the job, if not rotted right through.

[jjkitt]

Well there is a rather large gap when the door is closed around the top right side of the door. The door looks to be curved evenly around the top when you look at it but there is a gap on the top right side between the door and body....maybe from about the 1:00 position moving right about 3". Maybe the door is a little warped and needs additional weather stripping in this gap? Will send additional pics of this area.

[Lance M]

Originally Posted by jjkitt

1965 Safari with floor rot just inside the door to the left. And while I know there could be many factors contributing to this I wonder if perhaps anyone knows if the stove vent (which appears to be suspect) would likely contribute to rot in this location? Or perhaps is water coming in from the belly pan and rotting the floor here? Either way I need to replace this section of floor. Any advice on removal and replacement?

Thanks all!

This is a very common spot for an Airstream to have rotten floor. I could be anything on that side of the trailer, between the door frame and the wheel well, leaking. This is just the spot where the floor channel has a gap near the door frame, so that is where the water meets the subfloor and rots. It could be the door hinge, door frame, stove vent, door seal, window frame, panel lap joint, etc...
Water rolls downhill.
Floor replacement is basically what Melody Ranch advises, however-
I would set the depth of cut at 5/8" to start, then use an oscillating cutter to finish the cut.

Good luck!