Trap door inspection

[joakley]

My Bambi has a chronic problem with leaks and floor rot. The water puddles between the floor pan and the subfloor. Is it feasible to install trap doors at the front, rear and both sides to check for water and dry the area before it becomes a costly problem. Thanks in advance.

[reinergirl]

What year is your Bambi?

[joakley]

2006

[joakley]

I originally took it back to ohio and had the pressure test done to detect and fix the leaks. I was told it was fixed and good to go. But sorry to report my entire floor has rotted away. Chip board.

[joakley]

I'm thinking drain holes and trap doors. I'm desperate at this point. Trying to come up with a plan before I replace the floor and run into the same problem.

[reinergirl]

I believe that year there was a significant issue in the way the water shed off the rear end, the area above the trunk was not sealed well. Rather than access panels I suggest a moisture probe.... Basically a monitor with pins that you stick into the wood.

Like this,Amazon.com: General Tools & Instruments MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter: Home Improvement

[joakley]

But even with that I would like to be able to access the trouble and correct it before it becomes a costly issue. I think drains and trap doors would work, and wouldn't hinder operation. Thoughts.

[overlander63]

Fixing the leaks would be better than making more holes in your trailer for even more ways for water to get in.
The area over the rear bumper, around the outdoor shower, the fridge vents, and both wheelwells are bad about leaking, as are the bases of the Fantastic vents. And just because the leak got stopped does not mean it will stay stopped.

[joakley]

Yes it would and I understand where your coming from. But it has been a fruitless exercise trying to stop all the leaks. I am getting ready to make a very costly repair at the dealership and I am searching for ways to be proactive in the future. We have done all required maintenance in the past to no avail. I am resigning myself to the fact that we may have got a lemon and we will have to live with that.

[joakley]

To be clear , the "trap doors" would grant access from the interior. I would be looking down on the bed liner to check for standing water , and be able to dry the area if needed. Anyway just an idea.

[overlander63]

Just an FYI, they ALL leak. The difference is when and how much.

[joakley]

I agree.

[JFScheck]

Did you replace your floor?

[joakley]

Haven't decided yet if I'll do it or have the dealer replace it. I have removed the rotted chip board, which is about 2/3 of the floor.

[joakley]

Well I ended up replacing it myself. Wasn't too bad , but took me a whole week. Very satisfied with the result. Used oak flooring that I treated myself. Looks very good. Next step is vinyl covering that I hope to have installed by tomorrow evening. Then on to a little more chalking and some exterior detailing and I'm ready for a shake down run.

[Tim A.]

With regard to water in the belly pan, look at my post here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ml#post1161140 and you will see my solution in the last two paragraphs.

Tim