it leaks. of course it leaks.
executive summary:
2006 25'FB. Leaks in the back at the beltline. I've seen all the threads and know what's ahead, and am pretty sure I'm going to do the fix myself. I live in the Seattle area, and just want to check first if someone knows of a repair shop in the area that does this kind of work really well.
Long story:
Tire blew out on highway 16 outside of Gig Harbor on our first trip of the year (Fort Flagler, on the water - don't miss it!). While pulled over on the shoulder of the road, trailer was at an angle leaning away from the highway and water was running out from the stair area at a pretty decent rate. I thought "well that doesn't seem right" but I just had a blowout on the freeway and proceeded to aim my panic in another direction. BTW, check the air in your spare every once in a while, don't ask me how I know. So thankfully there was a Les Schwab a few miles away.
I live near Seattle, it rains a bit here most years, if you haven't heard. I knew full well about the leaky bumper issue before I bought the trailer (the PO even sheepishly told me "do you know about the tendency for the... leaky area... around the bumper?" Solid dude, he didn't have to offer that info.) I think a good 1/3 of the folks that reported to this site that they have leaks are from the pacific NW. But I wanted this Airstream, and fixing the floor is worth it to me. For the past 4 years, I thought I dodged a bullet, and my magic air gap didn't leak. Floor is solid, no soft spots or signs of moisture.
Got around to thinking I should get a moisture meter a week or so ago, so it was with some hesitance that I went out and got ready to test. Jammed it thru the linoleum near the door - nothing. Jammed it thru the linoleum center under the panoramic windows, and that needle couldn't have jumped right fast enough. Pegged out at the max (25%?). Ugh. Unscrewed the screws that hold the little metal looking trim piece at the rear out, and they are 100% rusty. It leaks for sure.
I want to keep this unit and keep it nice (I'm planning to let my two boys fight over it when I die). I've got two trips planned in the next month, and it's still technically the rainy season here, so I'll probably start the fix at the end of June. Thanks again for all those who have gone before me and documented the fix. That should save countless hours and I'll end up with a much better fix because of it. I'll post some as I go - probably on top of one of the existing threads. Unless someone around here knows of a high quality repair shop - I could be convinced to go that route.
Cheers,
Chris
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