Avion Whale #3 "Overhaul"

[AvaWhale]

Here is the latest progress report. Pictures are worth a 1000 words.

[AvaWhale]

Here is the latest progress report. Pictures are worth a 1000 words.

[AvaWhale]

could not get photos to load last night so here is another try.

AvaWhale

[AvaWhale]

Here is the latest:

The bathroom floor has been completely removed up to and under the stairs leading to the bedroom (above Kingpin box).

The new floor is a variation of the original but with changes to the layer thickness. I used Luan on the bottom, 1 inch stringers (2x4's cut down to true one inch and another story in it's self), followed by 3/4 inch multi-strand cabinet grade plywood. All wood was sealed with Cabot brand urethane.

Foam insulation was cut to fit between the plywood and all is glued & screwed together. The floor sections are secured to the trailer using galvanized hardware.

The extent of floor damage seemed high and careful inspection of the water heater may have identified a major contributor. Upon removal of the heater, I noticed accumulation of scale and rust on the heating element. The heating element was removed and I noticed a gap in the gasket approximately 3/16 of an inch. Basically there was an opening creating in the gasket when installed and allowing a significant amount of water to flow out unbeknownst to PO and myself.

This issue will be resolved and hopefully future water leaks, rot, etc.

More work is needed on the floor by the slide-out and will be the next project once the bathroom is complete.

I have the PEX tubing ready for assembly and will post some photos of this project. If someone from the forum has already accomplished a PEX retro system, please drop my a note and send photos is available.

Thanks for ready the posts.

AvaWhale

[AvaWhale]

Not to much work this weekend but looking forward to next week while I am on vacation to make progress.

I fabricated a bottom for the rusted battery box and will get it installed soon. The screws or remnants thereof were removed from the right side of the bathroom area for the second portion of the floor.

More work created in the process but it will all be worth once completed.

I think started with the bathroom may just be the hardest section of floor to redo.

Pressing onward just the same.

Here are some photos.

Thanks for following.

AvaWhale

[AvaWhale]

More updates and pictures:

Bathroom floor is installed and awaiting the final securement to the frame. More work to do in the bathroom such as getting the new plumbing installed - more on that later. There is work needed on the cabinet - has damage on the bottom inch.

New toilet is on the wish list right now but will move up in priority once the other bathroom work is completed.

I have the sink, water heater at my home to rework the fixtures. Pictures will following in a separate post.

Here are some early photos of the floor I found ...big difference in smell and performance.

[slowmover]

Nice progress!!

[JimGolden]

That's the same toilet that was in mine! I won't tell you what the previous owner left in it for me.... I unbolted it (with the lid closed) and threw it out! Got a Sealand Traveler with the porcelain bowl

The Thetford's are easier to get parts for, and cheaper. I'd probably go for one of those if I were doing it again. The Sealand is nice, just have had some valve troubles with it...

The Whale is coming right along!