My new (to me) airstream turns into nightmare

[wacnstac]

I don't know. I thank you all for the kind words of encouragment but after looking at the condition of the floor under the gaucho, knowing that the rot goes into the frame and seeing the pictures of what it takes to do a full monte, etc, the thought of this trailer is making my physically ill.

[Jim & Susan]

If you only have to replace the first sheet of plywood, it's really not as hard as it looks. Now replacing the entire floor without removing the shell, that's a different matter! Keep reading and asking questions, you can do it. Try and give us a few pictures to look at, folks here are really glad to help.

Did I read that you are in New Jersey? There's a great dealer up there, but I'll have to look up the name if you want it.

Jim

[rebel beck]

We have all been there, and we also reacted like you have. You don't have to do the full monty sure it's the best way to go. We replaced the first 4 ft where you are talking about and it was not that big of a deal, yes we had to hire a carpenter to finish the job $40 but it turned out nicely and we are ready to camp or rally. We went with the vintage knowing we were getting into doing repairs and we enjoy it I will admit it will nickle and dime you everyday but we have enjoyed it and we got into it knowing this. I would have loved going and getting a brand new Airstream but that kind of cash was not available for us. Airstreams leak all other brands leak worse, find the source and fix it, if it has done damage fix it and enjoy.


Becky
ps Look under my member photo's and look at the leak we had.

[Condoluminum]

Wac-

Sorry if I fed anxiety with list of water issues. Post indicating that some form of vigilance and attention is going to be required was correct.. Just to sum up, the leaks noted above sot us the following to fix:

1. Bath Vent - $0 (Won $13 replacement vent cover via door prize certificate from C&G while at Rose Parade Rally). Climbed on ladder and replaced cracked vent.
2. A/C Gasket: $125 for labor and $14 part to unbolt and rebolt A/C (Ladder not that good...)
3. 4. and 5. Also $0.. Added tube of Vulkem to C&G certificate and used it on ladder to seal up pinholes and openings, stopping all leaks...

Finding local carpenter who can section in piece of marine plywood is OK way to replace rotted section. If you do decide to go with new carpeting, shop around also for really durable grades that won't interfere with sliders (Gaucho and storage drawers) and shop for installers, as some won't want the work (too many cuts and fits per square yard..) and their pricing will reflect that lack of interest... We discovered that a lot of inexpensive remnants contained enough material to cover a long central hallway and living area less than 8' wide in front...

There are advantages to flooring other than carpeting which might make water leaks easier to spot and address early...

John McG