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R&SZinser · 04-13-2003, 10:29 PM

My first Post!
I just bought a 1985 25' Soveriegn, and am getting it ready for a big trip this summer from Ft Lewis, WA to Ft Leavenworth, KS (for school not jail!). Anyway under the back curbside window there was quite a bit of mold under the window and all over the fabric covering along the bed (sideboard?). Have made new fabric coverings and cleaned the surface mold off, is mold between the inner & outer skins a serious problem? I don't see anyway to get in there w/o removing all the rivits and inner pannels. Any ideas?

P.S. Still trying to find the source of the leak. Is clearly a long existing condition, looks like a P.O. covered over the floor under the window w/ 3/4 plywood. Hope its not going to be a major problem.

Thanx,

Roy Zinser
1985 25' Soverien
1996 Dodge 1500

Silvertwinkie · 04-14-2003, 06:33 AM

I am going to err on the safe side and say yes. In a home, when molds and funguses are found in the inner walls, they ususally first try to pump chemicals in that can kill the bacteria that cause it to live (after the source of the water leak is found). If that does not work, they start to tear down the outer wall and take layers away until they get it all. In worst cases I have seen entire homes torn down. I doubt that your case is a total loss, however, molds and such are no laughing matter anymore. Even the insurance industry who got burned initially, has now regrouped and really tightened the rope on mold claims.

Anyway, I would as you have already started to do is find the source of the moisture, then take back the wall a bit to look inside to see if the insulation is full of mold (depending on the level that was on the outside). If it is ok in there, then you just had surface mold. If it's in the wall, you'll have a project to do.

Regards,

Eric

Inland RV Center, In · 04-14-2003, 09:24 AM

Mold is mold.

It is not conducive to a persons health, in any form or location withing the trailer.

Out of sight, should not be placed in the out of mind category.
If you can smell it, it's there, someplace.

It is not likely within the walls, BUT, it can be.

Unfortunately, there are no short cuts in removing it.

There have been times when a trailer had to be gutted and the interior metal removed so that "EVERYTHING" could be treated.

Molds in an Airstream usually start by having a long term water leak.

The attached photo is a good example of what happens when a 'little" water leak that was ignored for an extended period of time.

Note the frame as well.
Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com

Pick · 04-14-2003, 09:53 AM

Take Andy's advice first!!!!! I use a device called an "ozone generator" to freshen up the inside every few weeks. Works great on organic or pet odors. It is NOT a subsititute for tracking down a leak or other source of moisture, that is feeding the mold.

Ozone Generator and Mold Information Site

Rog0525 · 04-14-2003, 10:09 AM

Hi Roy. Best case scenario is that someone left that window open or ajar for a period of time and rainwater caused the surface mold which you may already have cured.
If you suspect a leak in the window seal, one easy but not surefire way to test is to tape newspaper snugly over the inside of the window area then spray the outside thoroughly with a water hose to see if the paper gets wet.
Best of luck to you.

Rog

amfab · 04-14-2003, 10:51 AM

Rog your Big Eye Icon is freakin me out almost as much as Shari's Pet post.
-Andrew

Rog0525 · 04-14-2003, 11:35 AM

???

R&SZinser · 04-14-2003, 11:47 AM

Andy, Thanks for the advice. Haven't seen any evidece of the mold returning despite the constant rain over the last week, so maybe it was just an open window. Am going to pull the carpet up under the rear twins and check for other signs of water leaks. May try to drill out some of the interior rivets and see how wide spread it is.

Rog0525: Going to try the newspaper trick and see what turns up.

Pick: does the ozone generator actually kill the mold or just make the air smell better?

Roy

Inland RV Center, In · 04-14-2003, 12:38 PM

The key words are "water leaks."

Window gaskets that are cracked, leak.

Vent pipe gaskets, that you can't see, crack typically in 4 to 5 years.

Vista view, stack window, wing windows, and wrap window, gaskets, in time, will leak.

Floor flange gaskets can leak.

Holding tanks crack, and leak.

Water line fittings both copper and plastic can leak.

Drain line fittings can crack and leak.

Door gaskets can leak.

Access door gaskets can leak.

Air Conditioner gaskets can leak.

Ill fitting windows, access and entrance doors can leak.

Tail lights and clearance lights can leak.

Cracked wheel well covers can leak.

Missing exterior rivets, do leak.

The key to preventing these problems, is very basic.

Keep the running gear properly balance. Replace gaskets as needed. None of them last forever. A good rule of thumb, is if your trailer or motorhome is 10 to 12 years old, or older, you probably need gaskets, especially the sewer vent pipe gaskets.

Airstream uses the best gasket material that they can find. But, age does enter into the picture.

The trailer that we pictured, has a rear window leak, a rear access door leak, and a plumbing leak. The previous owner was aware of that, but did scab repairs. Now the new owner, is stuck.

Nice thing to keep in mind when looking at a used trailer or motorhome.

Ah yes, proper maintenance, are also "key words."

If you don't, sooner or later, the bullet will bite, and it will sting.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com
airstreamcandy.com