Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-06-2009, 09:09 PM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Kennesaw , Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 74
Rotten floor due to water leak!

I've got an '07 Safari 25-footer FB SE; last time we were camping we noticed a soft spot under the dinette which turned out to be water-damaged rotten wood. Looks like water has been gathering under the linoleum for a long period of time and causing the problem including a crumbling section about eight inches in diameter.

The question of course, is where could the water be coming from? We keep the camper under covered storage so its probably not an external source (rain, etc.) coming thru a window.

Of course, warranty was out in May of 2009 but Airstream is working with us on it. The snag is we need to take it up to the Factory which is 600 miles one-way. Anyone recommend a good repair shop nearer to Atlanta Georgia?

Any ideas on where the leak may be coming from?

Lance

TennisMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-17-2009, 12:20 PM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
altamont's Avatar
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Tracy , California
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 321
We had some staining (from a leak) on our trailer also. Have not had the courage to pull up the linoleum to check on the extent of damage. My wife mentioned the discoloration a few months into us buying the unit but didn't mention it to me until a few months ago. Way past the 2 year warranty. I called AS and they said the trim piece (under the back window, running from door to furnace probably had a gap in it (true!) and that is where the water got in. The trim piece is to hide where the body meets the floor. I got some AS sealant and went around the whole area. I don't know if it cured it as I also have a leak from one of the top windows over the sofa.

Let me know what AS does to help you out in this situation. Obviously it was a manufacturing defect.

John
__________________
2007 Safari FB SE LS
2008 F-250 Lariat Power Stroke Diesel Crew Cab
WBCCI 1538

To err is human. To arrrrrrr is pirate.
altamont is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2009, 08:47 PM   #3
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Kennesaw , Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 74
Had an RV service shop remove the rear trim at the bumper.

THERE WAS NO SEALANT.

It's evident where the water was getting under the rear wall and into the interior.

This is the second 2007 I know about that has had this issue; you may want to check yours!



Lance
TennisMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2009, 07:04 PM   #4
4 Rivet Member
 
altamont's Avatar
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Tracy , California
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 321
Is Airstream going to step up to the plate and repair this for you? this is obviously a case of poor construction from the factory. Probably the same guy that sealed my shower. Are you going to replace your entire floor?
__________________
2007 Safari FB SE LS
2008 F-250 Lariat Power Stroke Diesel Crew Cab
WBCCI 1538

To err is human. To arrrrrrr is pirate.
altamont is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 06:15 AM   #5
3 Rivet Member
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
McKinney , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 109
You would think they would issue a recall. It really makes you wonder if an Airstream is really built any better than the others doesn't it? They sure make you pay for it!
Krazyjohnny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2010, 03:35 PM   #6
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 31
My problem is identical to yours!

I've got an '07 Safari 25-footer FB SE; last time we were camping we noticed a soft spot under the dinette which turned out to be water-damaged rotten wood. Looks like water has been gathering under the linoleum for a long period of time and causing the problem including a crumbling section about eight inches in diameter.

The question of course, is where could the water be coming from? We keep the camper under covered storage so its probably not an external source (rain, etc.) coming thru a window.

Of course, warranty was out in May of 2009 but Airstream is working with us on it. The snag is we need to take it up to the Factory which is 600 miles one-way. Anyone recommend a good repair shop nearer to Atlanta Georgia?

Any ideas on where the leak may be coming from?

Lance (TennisMan, 2009)

Here I am a year after TennisMan's post, and I have the identical problem with nearly the identical model Airstream...a 27ft '07 FB Safari SE, puchased in late '07. Out of warranty of course!!

The rot is afew patches under the dinette, and like TennisMan I suspect leaks in the rear seals around the bumper and trunk assmebly. I just discovered this yesterday, and am cogitating on what to do. Did Airstream help you out, TennisMan? I haven't removed the trunk yet to see if they missed applying sealant there, as in TennisMan's, but I can. What would you good folk suggest as a first course of action?

Words cannot express how disappointed I am in Airstream---whether they left out the sealant (as with TennisMan's) or not, this is a shoddy design. At about $60k, this product should NOT be rotting away only a few years from purchase. I keep mine completely under cover, and maintain it religiously. This should not be happening!

Any suggestions gratefully accepted.
glenamoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2010, 03:40 PM   #7
Rivet Master
 
Soyboy's Avatar
 
1999 28' Excella
Frederick , Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 739
Images: 50
Take it to the factory
__________________
1999 28' Safari
2012 F150 Platinum Max Tow 7650 GVWR 3.73 Elec. Locking Diff.(Prev 2003 Dmax).
Honda EU2000i, Equalizer Hitch
AM Solar Panels 150W - 2 Trojan T 105 6V Batteries

KC3MAP

On internet forums, please research and separate the wheat from the chaff (including mine!)
Soyboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2010, 02:23 PM   #8
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 25' Safari FB SE
Kennesaw , Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 74
Angry

I had it repaired locally for about $500; it would've cost me far more to travel to the factory and get it repaired. The guy who repaired it (who was trained by A/S) said the rot was definitely due to the lack of sealant between bumper and wall. A/S only offered to "assist" in the repair with a reduced labor rate. Gee, thanks for the offer.

Sorry to see it happen over and over again; will I buy another A/S? No sir, no chance, no way.

Lance
TennisMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2010, 06:53 PM   #9
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 31
Thanks very much for the reply, Lance. It is good to know what happened in your case with Airstream---that they did not stand behind their product in what was a clear manufacturing defect. If this were a flyweight, run-of-the-mill white box trailer, I could understand....but not when we pay a very hefty, premium price for a supposedly outstanding product. If they forgot to put in the sealant at the factory, they should make it good, no matter if your two year warranty just ran out. Lexus and Toyota recalls don't depend upon warranty timing.

I spoke with head office Airstream customer service today--they were undertandably reticent to discuss what might be done until it is examined, which is fair enough. I'll take my trailer by our local Airstream dealer tomorrow for an inspection and estimate. I intend to be there when they take off the aluminum molding, in order to see if my trailer, like yours, was built without necessary sealant between the bumper and the wall. If so, perhaps a recall--or at least an appropriate repair policy--is in order, as both rolled off their assembly line in the same year.
glenamoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2010, 07:01 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
clancy_boy's Avatar
 
2003 22' International CCD
Kiln , Mississippi
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,779
Images: 8
I won't post about my issue - but believe me - I can give you their answer, it's all your lack of proper maintenance and lack of detecting the leak in time that is the problem. Ask me how I know.....

been ther last month - got that answer - even though there was a 2003 CCD 4 s/n numbers behind mine which had the EXACT same issue and leak and repair - and it was all my fault that mine leaked.
__________________
Michael & Tina with Layla and Preston BZ
The family has grown.
2003 22' INTERNATIONAL CCD
clancy_boy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2010, 07:15 PM   #11
2 Rivet Member
 
2005 22' International CCD
Aliso Viejo , California
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 61
Clancy,
Can I ask where your leak was and the source? I just found a soft floor and leak under the vinyl on the curbside in the area of where the desk used to be. I think it might be coming in from the outside electrical outlet but I'm not sure.
Davern1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-08-2010, 08:55 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
clancy_boy's Avatar
 
2003 22' International CCD
Kiln , Mississippi
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,779
Images: 8
Quote:
Originally Posted by Davern1 View Post
Clancy,
Can I ask where your leak was and the source? I just found a soft floor and leak under the vinyl on the curbside in the area of where the desk used to be. I think it might be coming in from the outside electrical outlet but I'm not sure.

Yep - exactly - no sealant under the beltline trim.

I also had them add the frame strength kit to all my outriggers which they did at their cost. I will add that the factory service guys are the best at these repairs but they do get alot of practice, sadly.
__________________
Michael & Tina with Layla and Preston BZ
The family has grown.
2003 22' INTERNATIONAL CCD
clancy_boy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-09-2010, 12:17 PM   #13
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 31
Thanks for the post, ClancyBoy. Yet another couple of cases with the same problem--clearly originating at the Airstream factory.

I brought my A/S to a dealer this morning; they'll get to it early next week so no prognosis yet. I can say with certainty (and photos) that there was no factory installed sealant along the external base of the beltline trim--just along the top. That means that the only defense against major water leaks for water hitting the top of the horizontal bumper trunk surface would be a line of sealant underneath the beltline trim, along the hidden join between the trailer shell and the bumper trunk. This is precisely where there was no sealant on TennisBoy's trailer (see his first posts and photo). I will know the story on my trailer in a few days. The service agent, for what it is worth, shook his head and agreed that there is no way that this type of leak should be happening on a 2 and 1/2 year old trailer. Will keep you posted.
glenamoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-14-2010, 08:57 PM   #14
1 Rivet Member
 
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
Jacksonville , Florida
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 7
Thanks for the info. Our 2009 FC 27FB has a discolored area under the dinette. I have already found and repaired leaks at the rear windows (do not believe this to be the source of the problem). After 1 year of ownership and multiple problems, I find it hard to believe the newer models will last any longer than any other brand out there. Mark me down for someone who will not buy another Airscream. Wish I had found this forum B4 purchase.

Bill
legandwillyg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-14-2010, 11:03 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
ROBERTSUNRUS's Avatar

 
2005 25' Safari
Salem , Oregon
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,367
Images: 18
Blog Entries: 55
Hi, I can see where water can run under this moulding and btween the bumper plate and the body. Is the plywood floor above this seam or below it? If below the seam, the water would sit on top of the wood and rot fairly quickly. I don't have any problems that I know of yet, but my question is: Are these isolated cases, or are all Airstreams built without sealer, where the body sit on top of the bumper cover?

Note: picture borrowed from TennisMan
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	no sealer.jpg
Views:	473
Size:	70.7 KB
ID:	106832  
__________________
Bob 2005 Safari 25-B
"Le Petit Chateau Argent" Small Silver Castle
2000 Navigator / 2014 F-150 Eco-Boost / Equal-i-zer / P-3
YAMAHA 2400 / AIR #12144
ROBERTSUNRUS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2010, 06:38 AM   #16
4 Rivet Member
 
Distantdrummer's Avatar
 
1975 31' Sovereign
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 494
Lightbulb Thoughts...but no similar experience here

Quote:
Originally Posted by glenamoy View Post
Thanks for the post, ClancyBoy. Yet another couple of cases with the same problem--clearly originating at the Airstream factory.

I brought my A/S to a dealer this morning; they'll get to it early next week so no prognosis yet. I can say with certainty (and photos) that there was no factory installed sealant along the external base of the beltline trim--just along the top. That means that the only defense against major water leaks for water hitting the top of the horizontal bumper trunk surface would be a line of sealant underneath the beltline trim, along the hidden join between the trailer shell and the bumper trunk. This is precisely where there was no sealant on TennisBoy's trailer (see his first posts and photo). I will know the story on my trailer in a few days. The service agent, for what it is worth, shook his head and agreed that there is no way that this type of leak should be happening on a 2 and 1/2 year old trailer. Will keep you posted.
Looking forward to your report. I guess the Houston dealer is Texan RV (DeMontrond Buick sister company?). Am very curious how you are satisfied (or otherwise) with their service and pricing. Did you buy trailer from them?
There is an independent RV shop somewhere in South East Houston that supposedly is very Airstream competent Bob Jones RV @ 713-910-2949.
From the pics it looks to me like a thinner sealant needs to be forced in between the grey edged plywood floor and the perimeter channel that rests on it.Then maybe a wide caulk tape could be laid behind the belt moulding and snugged when the moulding is reapplied. I don't know if travel (road) flex would tend to break the wood to channel seal, but I'd maybe replace belt as to facillitate removal occasionally for re-sealing. Hope that is never necessary.
As for floor, if it is not all the way thru, look into Rot Doc or similar to re-furb re-strengthen it. If it remains dry, that should work and would omit you having to cut & patch.
Good luck.
__________________
__________________________
____ d'drummer ____

...aahh..rumm..pu..tum..tummm...
Distantdrummer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-15-2010, 06:55 AM   #17
Rivet Master
 
mello mike's Avatar
 
1958 26' Overlander
Mesa , Arizona
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,742
Images: 53
I feel your pain, guys. This seems to be a problem with Airstreams for quite a few years, actually from about 1969 and up. On my '72, keeping vulkem in the gap between the shell and bumper helps prevent water intrusion and the dreaded rear end separation problem. I fixed this once, never again.
__________________
1958 Overlander
2011 Wolf Creek 850N TC
2011 Ford F-250 Crewcab (6.2L), 3.73RE

WBCCI #5661/AIR #5661/TAC # AZ-6
4CU 1st VP

My '58 Overlander Restoration and Travel Blog:
https://mellomikesairstreams.blogspot.com/
mello mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2010, 01:29 PM   #18
2 Rivet Member
 
Sparkygus's Avatar
 
2007 25' International CCD FB
Bend , Oregon
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 71
Images: 1
Angry Foot through the floor in our 2007

Here we are, three days into our three week vacation and 665 miles from home when my husband put his foot through the floor under our dinette, exactly like the previous post. He then took out the dinette and pulled up the linoleum to find it looking exactly like the floor in the previous post. This is outrageous, as you say, that we spend over $50,000 for a "quality" travel trailer in 2007. We now have to suspend the rest of our vacation to drive to the nearest service department, and then of course, try to deal with Airstream on this. Our model is the 2007 International CCD fb.
__________________
Let's Just Go!
Sparkygus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-18-2010, 04:06 PM   #19
Rivet Master
 
Soyboy's Avatar
 
1999 28' Excella
Frederick , Maryland
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 739
Images: 50
Bummer Sparkygus. This stuff just should not be happening! As to having this problem on-going, is Airstream just cheap, or stupid, are a combination thereof? This just should not be happening and it should not be a "maintenance" issue on a late model trailer!
__________________
1999 28' Safari
2012 F150 Platinum Max Tow 7650 GVWR 3.73 Elec. Locking Diff.(Prev 2003 Dmax).
Honda EU2000i, Equalizer Hitch
AM Solar Panels 150W - 2 Trojan T 105 6V Batteries

KC3MAP

On internet forums, please research and separate the wheat from the chaff (including mine!)
Soyboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2010, 12:49 PM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 31
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sparkygus View Post
Here we are, three days into our three week vacation and 665 miles from home when my husband put his foot through the floor under our dinette, exactly like the previous post. He then took out the dinette and pulled up the linoleum to find it looking exactly like the floor in the previous post. This is outrageous, as you say, that we spend over $50,000 for a "quality" travel trailer in 2007. We now have to suspend the rest of our vacation to drive to the nearest service department, and then of course, try to deal with Airstream on this. Our model is the 2007 International CCD fb.
I've been waiting to post a reply to those who have kindly made suggestions on my own problem--my trailer is at the dealer, awaiting a decision from the factory on what, if anything, they will do about this problem. It has been there nearly a week and I hope to hear back shortly. But in reading Sparkygus's note today, I can see that yet another person has had the same, identical problem on a very late model Airstream. As you are on the road, I figure I better tell you what I have learned about the leak.

Although the belt molding at the bumper of my 2007 trailer was not sealed with sealant (just like that of the first poster to this thread), I'm not so sure that it is the problem. The mechanic at the dealer did a water test, and we found a hidden leak at the mitre joint on the left side corner window of our panoramic window. The leak is hidden behind the curtain (of course!) where the water comes in (probably also comes in in between the walls). Looking more closely, the service guy saw that the interior leak had been patched at some time after it was built (but BEFORE I was sold the trailer, new), with a glop of a different type of sealant, inside the window. Clearly a bandaid attempt.

I've attached a photo of the outside of the window at the failed mitre joint. You can see that the sealant is cracked. The panoramic windows each have these mitre joints, which are unstable. When the trailer is sailing down the highway at 60mph, the tensile stresses on such joints are extreme as the trailer hits bumps and the like. The two pieces of aluminum window frame on either side of the mitre are unattached to each other, so the sealant splits in tension. If you are familiar with silly putty, you know that it will stretch, unless it is snapped quickly--then it cracks apart. I believe the sealant fails in a similar fashion, even on a very new trailer. To make matters worse, the mitre joint is right at the end of the gutter on the back window (see photo), meaning that a stream of rain water pours right over it. Not a good design. The service fellow concluded that this was the cause.

My trailer is 2 and 1/2 years old and had clearly been rotting for some time, unbeknownst to me...the leak is hard to see. Moreover, it doesn't take much exposure to rot out a floor. Mine is kept in a barn out of the weather when not in use, which is most of the time. In my brief ownership it has seen perhaps three rainshowers on the road, and four washings. That is it...except of course for the months it sat on the dealer's lot waiting to be sold to me in late 2007. And that is all it took.

Those of us posting about this serious problem on this thread--each with a 1 to 3 year old trailer--are not alone. Clearly Airstream is aware of the problem, because in the 2010 models ALL of the mitre seams (one on each corner window) are now welded together , for all panoramic windows (see second photo, of a welded mitre joint on a 2010 rear bed trailer). So clearly the design was faulty, else they would not have taken this expensive step. All we need to know now is whether they will recall, or at least whether they will do the repairs. I shall let you know what happens in my case, and I hope you will do the same.

I can recommend only that a squeaking wheel will get the grease. Let the factory know about your problem, and that you are one of many. I doubt they will be surprised with that information. Good luck!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	mitre 2007.jpg
Views:	521
Size:	152.1 KB
ID:	107043   Click image for larger version

Name:	mitre weld 2010 model.jpg
Views:	504
Size:	221.3 KB
ID:	107044  

glenamoy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Lots of rotten floor HiHoAgRV Repairing/Replacing Floor &/or Frame 110 01-08-2012 10:04 PM
What to do about my rotten floor??? utahredrock Repairing/Replacing Floor &/or Frame 15 11-03-2011 12:38 PM
What to do? Rotten floor cbl3030 Repairing/Replacing Floor &/or Frame 13 08-24-2006 12:25 PM
Rotten floor BurnBound Repairing/Replacing Floor &/or Frame 16 02-05-2006 08:03 PM
Water Leak, Floor Repair Cstar Leaks - Weatherstrips, Gaskets, Caulks & Sealants 1 02-05-2005 04:58 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:40 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.