Water Damage?! Need Help Fast!

[ob1coby]

I looked at a good deal on a 92 Excella today, but there is a problem. The terrain it sits on causes a slight angle to the right rear. That’s not the problem. At the right rear, on the bottom is a storage compartment. That’s not the problem either. The problem is that the floor of that storage box (it felt like fiberboard) was very damp and sagging in on the electrical cord compartment above it. I tried very hard to figure out how it got wet and I have two theories. 1. Water is leaking out of the water tank just in front of that storage compartment, or 2. water was leaking into the battery storage boxes in front of the trailer (the owner said he left the doors open all winter and the angle would cause it to drain right into the trailer and drain to that point) Is that possible? Has anyone seen anything like this? Any thoughts? How serious can this be?

[Sugarfoot]

Well ob1, I'm not familar with the compartment, battery, and tank layouts in a 92, but I would be leery of this entire situation. If doors were open all winter, what other damge could there be? If you are interested in this coach, thoroughly inspect every nook and cranny. Ask to fill the water tanks and run the water pump. Visually inspect for tank pinholes and plumbing line leaks. Find out what the winterizing procedures have been used, if any. Poke around with an ice pick and look for evidence of water damage. You have every right to spend as much time as you need to be able to know what you are getting into. You certainly don't want any nasty surprises after a cash outlay, especially water damage.

[n2916s]

My humble opinion: The trailer leaks. Not an unusual situation -- but those of us who actively maintain our Airstreams stay on top of it. Sounds like this one was left out in the elements without a lot of attention. If there is damage to the floor of the storage compartment, I would bet there is damage to other parts of the floor.

Strongly advise you to take an awl with you on your next visit and poke around through the carpet. Look for soft spots. I suspect you'll find some.

Floor replacement/repair is tedious and takes a lot of man hours. But if the price for the trailer is low enough, you might consider it.

Look carefully at the frame -- that is a whole different ball game. Bring a good flashlight and expect to get dirty. Unless you are planning a shell-off total refurbishment, serious frame corrosion would be a show stopper (for me, anyway).

Good luck,

mike