Mold under flooring?

[dootmeister]

Ugh. We have a brand new-ish (2017) Flying Cloud and I picked up the rug this morning for a regular wash (probably hasn't been lifted for 2 weeks and found this!

It won't come up with cleaner and I'm worried that it's mold. Any advice/insight? We're living in her full time so taking it to the dealer isn't exactly easy.

[rmkrum]

We’ve used Clorox bathroom cleaner spray to get stubborn stuff off our vinyl floor. Spray lightly, let sit for 5-10 minutes and wipe dry. Rinse with clear water and wipe again. We use a spray bottle to minimize the amount of water on the floors

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by dootmeister

Ugh. We have a brand new-ish (2017) Flying Cloud and I picked up the rug this morning for a regular wash (probably hasn't been lifted for 2 weeks and found this!

It won't come up with cleaner and I'm worried that it's mold. Any advice/insight? We're living in her full time so taking it to the dealer isn't exactly easy.

I have seen similar reports of staining on here. Search may be your friend. Going from memory, it is not mold, but a discoloration of the flooring which is caused by trapped moisture. By any chance, does the rug have a rubber back? My vinyl tile flooring did something similar under a rubber/plastic-backed Airstream rug at the entry. I think some flooring has a warning about using non-permeable rugs. Mine went away when allowed to air dry for several weeks.

Al

[dootmeister]

Thanks!

@rmkrum - I'll try that. I tried with another cleaner and it wouldn't budge. We don't remember anything spilling which is why I'm suspicious.

@Al and Missy - I've done quite a bit of searching, but I've found a lot of things about floor rot/mold under flooring, discoloration of flooring, but nothing that quite matches this, so that's why I started a new thread. We don't use rubber backed rugs, no known spills, and I may just be paranoid, but I think it feels slightly lumpy in that area compared to the other spot. It's also not in a high moisture area (like the bathroom), but I think it may be near where our holding tanks are which we don't always use because we're hooked up to sewer and water full-time.

In my searching I read horror stories about mold under flooring and having to send new campers back to Airstream. I'm guessing there's nothing that can immediately be done (other than crawling under the thing to determine if there are leaks - is that easily accessed?).

Thanks again, y'all! This has been a journey, for sure. We're about 5 months in of our year being stationary (we've been on one mobile adventure) with the option of hitting the road after. I truly appreciate your insight/expertise.

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by dootmeister

.... I think it may be near where our holding tanks are which we don't always use because we're hooked up to sewer and water full-time.....

It is OK to leave your gray dump valve open, but don't do it with the black tank. If you leave the black valve open, solids will just pile up in the bottom of the tank, dry up, and be very hard to remove. Best practice is to leave both of the valves closed and just open them to dump when needed. This way the tanks get a good flush to clear any non-liquids.

Al

[Al and Missy]

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f461...ml#post1845170

Al

[dootmeister]

We have a compost toilet. There's nothing in the black tank.

My husband got home from work tonight and confirmed the worst. We have leaks from our plumbing in 2 areas. Calling the RV place tomorrow.

Super bummed about this. We've had a ton of problems we were trying to avoid buying new...feel like we were duped.

[AllisonG]

Did you ever get an answer on what happened? Or were you able to fix it? Over night these weird spots appeared on our floor by the dinette— no spill, no rugs, we keep this place pristine. It gets lots of use and is hooked up full time. Looking for answers and solutions. Pics to follow. Thank for your help!

[dootmeister]

I would be highly suspicious of a water leak somewhere. We had someone come out and find/fix the leak for us, but there was no saving the floor. We are taking it in (under warranty) to have the entire floor replaced - which is complicated because they have to remove everything from the camper, replace to floor, then put it all back. We've had leaks at our water inlet and under our sink (those are the ones we can see anyway). The fittings that came with the camper were low quality - once we replaced some of those some of the leaking stopped.

So sorry this happened to you too! The dealer we're going to for repairs says this is happening to a lot of them.

[dootmeister]

I should add that our camper-fixer guy gave us instruction on how to find a leak - fill your fresh water tank and turn the pump on. If you can, hang out in the camper for a while without using the water and you can hear the pump try to maintain pressure. We've had leaks where you'll hear it every 10-15 minutes, then other smaller leaks that you hear the pump run every couple to few hours.

[AllisonG]

Thank you @Dootmeister for the feedback, it is incredibly helpful. Luckily our camper is still under warranty (not sure if this is) but I have a call into the local Airstream dealer. Which dealer are you having replace your flooring that says this happens a lot? Thinking it could save the folks at my dealer some time trying to figure it out if they don't know what it is already. Thank you again!

[dootmeister]

We're using Camper Clinic II in Buda Texas. I contacted Airstream as soon as we saw the stains, sent them photos, and they immediately approved the repairs. We had the option of taking her to Ohio, or having someone local do it. There are plenty of threads here about on vs. the other, but because of the distance we decided to go local.

[AllisonG]

Thank you so much @dootmeister. I have sent a message to Airstream and hopefully we'll get some answers soon. I'll post an update ASAP. Good luck with your repairs!

PS., do you have a timeline on how long your repairs will take? weeks? a month? Thanks again!

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by dootmeister

).... The fittings that came with the camper were low quality - once we replaced some of those some of the leaking stopped.
.

This is inexcusable on Airstreams part. They sell a premium product at premium prices and make no effort whatsoever to deliver the quality you’re paying for.

Airstream is living off its reputation only.