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04-11-2014, 11:36 PM
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#1
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Newly creaking floor in our new trailer...
Hi there. We just picked up our 2014 Airstream International 27FB from covered storage after our last very rainy adventure, and we noticed that the floor near the queen bed, under the TV, is now creaking...which it didn't do before.
Is this a canary-in-a-coal-mine indicator of something potentially serious (e.g leaks), or is it just a creaky floor we can eventually have our dealer take care of under warranty? As I step on it, the creak feels like it's between the subfloor and the wood-look vinyl flooring, but without peeling things back we're not going to be able to tell. The easy answer is to eventually take it to the dealer for a warranty-related check, but I'm wondering whether we might need to deal with it sooner rather than later.
Thanks for any thoughts you experienced owners might have!
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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04-11-2014, 11:44 PM
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#2
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'06 75th Winick Prototype
2006 19' International CCD
1968 22' Safari
The Swamps of Hell
, Lousy-Anna
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 228
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It's normal for modern Airstream floors to creak and "give" quite a bit. My 19ft floor flexes quite a bit; you can SEE it flex by the bathroom door. I took it back to the factory in 2012, they said it was completely normal and nothing to worry about. I had them add extra screws holding the cabinets and rear lounge to the floor which definitely added more stability to the floor. However, there are certain spots that I stand on where you can hear the aluminum underbelly flex and pop. It's just an Airstream "quirk," as they say...you have to know what to expect regarding Airstream "quality."
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04-12-2014, 12:45 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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First eliminate the possibility of moisture by probing through the vinyl into the wood subfloor with a moisture detection meter, such as this Sonin for $26.41. Sharpen the probes with a file, it works good and you won't have to wonder if you have a damp subfloor, you will know before damage can happen. Use it regularly to inspect, especially after a downpour around the interior perimeter. If wet, look for and seal the leak, usually around windows, doors, awning support arm brackets, and roof equipment.
Amazon.com: Sonin 50211 Rapitest 10% to 28% Pinless Analog Wood, Concrete, Plaster, Carpet, and More Moisture Meter: Home Improvement
Changes in air humidity can cause wood to harmlessly expand and contract, and you may have a creak. Temperature changes can harmlessly expand/contract the metal exterior and underbody panels and they will sound like thunder when you walk around.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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04-12-2014, 04:04 AM
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#4
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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I have found the creak is usually caused by the vinyl edging that is screwed to the floor rubbing against the aluminum wall when the floor flexes. Try spraying some silicone dry lube between the edging and wall, and see if the creak goes away, before trying anything more drastic.
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Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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04-12-2014, 07:57 AM
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#5
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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Hey, great advice, all of you, thanks. I'm going to need one of those sharpened moisture detectors anyway in the long run, and I'll give the dry lube a quick try in the meantime to see whether it persuades the creaks to go away. Meanwhile, I won't freak about the creak.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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04-17-2014, 12:25 AM
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#6
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Living Riveted since 2013
2016 Interstate Lounge Ext
Green Cove Springs
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 8,201
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The silicone dry lube on the floor edge did the trick! We'll also check for leaks this weekend. Thanks again, all.
__________________
Rocinante Piccolo is our new-to-us 2016 Interstate Lounge 3500 EXT
(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")
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