Musty odor: water damage?

[Ssmookler]

Looking at 1986 25' Sovereign, great shape...except for strong musty smell that my wife and a friend say is associated with moisture. She tracked it down to the two closets next to the sink. Did not check under sink for odor. Concerned that closets will have to be taken apart to get to source of smell.

Would it be a mistake to purchase trailer with idea we'll get to the bottom of it--without too much expense?

Traveled long distance to look at this so need to decide soon. Thanks.

[blkmagikca]

If you look under the sink you may find a gray water vent on 1-1/4" black pipe. That vent may need to be replaced (about $5 - I replaced one on my 87 Excella).

[Protagonist]

If there is mold or mildew growing in some dark corner, white wine vinegar is often able to kill it. Here in south Louisiana, mold and mildew are endemic, so I've had the opportunity to try many remedies (more for home than for the Airstream), and I prefer vinegar.

[Ssmookler]

Hey, thanks. So you think it's OK to move forward with trailer? Our concern is that we'll have to dismantle the closets to get to the source of the problem.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Ssmookler

Hey, thanks. So you think it's OK to move forward with trailer? Our concern is that we'll have to dismantle the closets to get to the source of the problem.

My personal opinion is that you should form your own opinion. None of us have seen it and so we have to basis for telling you what you ought to do.

[pbearsailor]

Seems like you need to consider floor rot here, especially for a trailer you're buying. Need to dig deep all around the edges of the floor, probably with an ice pick.

Lots of sad threads here about trailers in great shape that really aren't.

-steve

[Becky B.]

I bought an '86 Sovereign that looked to be in great shape the "never" leaked. It had a slight musty odor, which I attributed to being closed up & not used.....sadly, I was wrong. Check the floor wherever you can get at it. Ours were at the endcap seams.

[perryg114]

Is it a center bath with beds in the rear. If so the water pump and other plumbing might be under the closet floor. Also my floor was rotten out under the rear beds which was covered with carpet.

Perry

[Ssmookler]

OK, this is the stuff we need to hear. Confirmed water pump is beneath closet. The owner says he'll crawl around with us to investigate...and we're en route to the store for an ice pick. Thanks.

[cwf]

Rinse out the drain traps. Put water in toilet to ensure it seals the stikies.

Now, how does it smell?