'69 caravel - front subfloor rot with a swimming pool underneath!

[Modern South]

So we realized there was a leak along the edge of the sub floor around the nose of the trailer. We pulled out the sofa frame and the water storage tank and realized that the whole section below was rotten and absolutely disgusting. After getting that section of sub floor up we found moldy insulation, a few nests and a swimming pool on the bottom of the airstream. Fortunately, it seems to just be contained to the front section. Does anyone have a clue where the leak might be? We have sprayed the exterior trying to figure out where it is coming from and it seems pretty tight. There was quite a bit of water floating on the bottom...Any thoughts would be most appreciated!!

[Towster]

Did you inspect the water tank thoroughly for leaks? Was the water pump and all its connections located up front too?

If you can't find an exterior leak, it is certainly possible that your leak was coming from the inside. On our last trip, I found that our water pump was oozing water every time it ran. Undiscovered, over time, that could be very damaging.

Good luck!

[reinergirl]

Originally Posted by Modern South

So we realized there was a leak along the edge of the sub floor around the nose of the trailer.

If there was a leak by the edge of the subfloor (I assume you mean the rivet line where the trailer skin meets the belly pan) that certainly can cause this kind of damage. Maybe I'm not understanding but why do you think there's another leak?

[Modern South]

Thank you both for responding. This morning we had big rainstorm. At five, we were both standing in our pajamas, with flashlights, inside our freezing Caravel. We were both surprised by the location of the leak. I really thought, as did the first responder, that it was coming from either the fresh water tank or the water lines located in that section of the trailer. My husband thought it was a roof leak. Turns out, it was actually more of what the second responder thought. On a '69 Caravel there is pinstriping that is covering the point where the bottom pan of the airstream meets the sidewall. Part of this pinstripe has separated from the trailer wall and the water was leaking inside. It is amazing how much water can fit through such a small area! I later tested it with the hose to confirm. Anyway, thanks for your advice and caulk is on the way!