1985 Excella - Floor Rot

[LuvHut]

Did some investigating and found this under the window...assuming there is more around...

Am I able to just replace these sections or do I have to do the entire subfloor?

[Bill M.]

You can replace just those areas. Not to hard too do. Finding and fixing the leaks causing the rot might be harder.

[Lumatic]

There should be posts on the subject. If the rot is localized I would cut out the rot and seal the area with a penetrating epoxy such as Rot Doctor, then scab in a piece of exterior plywood.

[LuvHut]

Thanks! Any suggestions on chasing leaks? Got a little carried away chasing the rot around....

[LuvHut]

[J. Morgan]

The rot under the windows is fairly typical.

On my 72 the rot extended from under the refrigerator on the drivers side all the way round the front to the edge of the entry door.

Unfortunately the plywood extends under the edge of the perimeter of the trailer shell, which means that the wood is rotted there too.

It's not hard cutting the rotten sections out, and its not even hard to get the new sections of wood under the shell of the trailer except that you'll need to take the lower inner skins off to get the access you'll need to accomplish that. That means all of the fixtures and cabinets in the affected area have to come out.

It sounds awful, but it's not that bad once you set your mind on task and decide to see it through to completion.

Where were my leaks?

I'm not sure. BUT I replaced the seals around my windows and I calked the seams around the windows and that for all apparent results has stopped all water intrusion for approaching five years now.

[nevans]

I too have a 1985 Excella with floor rot. I have not yet removed the hardwood floor to reveal the full extent of the rot. Instead, I have booked a service appointment with Can Am RV to seal the exterior, then I will start work on the floor.

Wishing you success with your repair.

Neil

[LuvHut]

Some updates pics of the progress. Cabinets are coming out relatively easy, though with my need to be back on the road by late August, I’m going to have to leave the bathroom alone for now...

[Isuzusweet]

Just remember that what seems like good wood can be deceptive. My floor rot extended far beyond the initial rotted area, as the plywood was only sound on the surface 1/16" of an inch or so.

Cheers
Sidekick Tony

[drjudy]

1985 Excella mid bath

Found some shallow rot due to side access panels. Went to “epixyguru.com” great article on using anti-freeze and / plus borates to kill organisms then cut out rotted wood and / or epoxy fill.

Tommy’s RV appears to be my local source to delete the side access panels and rivet in new aluminum skin. Soon will be re-gasketing all windows.

Decor and More:

New bulkheads and bath walls will be 1/2 inch Baltic birch ply with Nevamar lamination in Antique white in hallway/bathroom walls and “untold journey” at living room and bedroom. Frost Harwoods Miramar Rd. San Diego CA. Banquette sofa supports will be IKEA bed slats cut to fit. Rear Double bed is IKEA lift-up bed. Flooring is “life proof” “heirloom pine” from HD. Vinyl to cover inner sidewalk holes is soft sage-beige. Rustic leather look marine grade vinyl on ledge behind banquette under windows and padding face of seat frame. Will research using bamboo runner from Amazon as surface “tambour look” for face of heel kick area under banquette ( thanks to post). Denim bedspread and Pendleton throw pillows. AZ Blinds source for rose-gold miniblinds. Frost hardwood has rose gold 4x8 alum. Sheeting for trim etc. Craigslist sourced corian for countertops plus leftovers from our kitchen demo.

[LuvHut]

Some progress on pics.

Subfloor replaced. Jackknife sofa and cushions have been torn down, replacing the webbing, new 5” foam and going with a dark navy vinyl upholstery. Painting cabinets Simply White and lowers to match upholstery. Have to have her buttoned up to be on the road by Thursday!!