| If there is a way to get in your RV, water will find it. | | | | around all windows, doors, vents, slide outs, or any |
| Water leaks on an RV can cause extensive damage | | | | other openings that were cut in the side walls. |
| and can be extremely costly to repair. When I | | | | * Identify the location of items like the water heater, |
| worked at an RV dealership I saw the damaging | | | | furnace, outside shower, potable water fill and city |
| effects that water can cause to an RV time and | | | | water inlet on the outside of the RV and then |
| time again. I learned the lesson the hard way. I | | | | access those areas from the inside of the RV and |
| appraised a unit that was being traded in and didn't | | | | look for any indications of water damage around |
| identify the extensive water damage, which resulted | | | | these openings. |
| in a thousand dollars worth of repairs. Hindsight is 20 | | | | * Open all overhead cabinets and look in the top |
| 20 and I quickly learned how to inspect for, and | | | | corner where the walls meet the ceiling for any |
| identify potential water damage on RVs. My | | | | discoloration or feel for any soft spots. This would |
| recommendation is that you inspect for potential | | | | indicate a leak at the seam where the sidewall and |
| water leaks twice a year at a minimum, once in the | | | | the roof attach. |
| fall and again in the spring. | | | | * Check in all outside storage compartments for any |
| Every seam on your RV and anywhere the | | | | indications of water leaks or water damage. |
| manufacturer cut a hole in your RV has the potential | | | | * Check for any soft spots on the roof itself |
| to allow water in. To protect your investment and | | | | especially around the roof seams at the front and |
| your wallet take the time to REALLY inspect all of | | | | rear of the RV. Thoroughly inspect all sealants on the |
| these seams and sealants. Water damage on an RV | | | | roof around every opening. |
| is similar to progressive damage to a tire. The outside | | | | * Some Class C motor homes are notorious for leaks |
| of the tire looks fine, but the internal damage over a | | | | in the cab over bed area. Look for any signs of |
| long period of time causes the tire to fail without any | | | | discoloration and feel for soft spots. Reach under the |
| warning. The outside of your RV looks fine but the | | | | mattress and feel for water. |
| internal damage caused by water over a long period | | | | * Look and feel on the outside of the RV for any |
| of time can result in the entire roof, floor or wall | | | | signs of delaminating. Delaminating is caused by water |
| rotting away without you knowing it. Here are a few | | | | getting between the exterior fiberglass and the |
| things to look for during your inspections. | | | | sidewall. When this happens the exterior fiberglass |
| Always keep safety on your mind when you are | | | | separates from the sidewall of the RV. You can |
| working on the roof of your RV You can be | | | | stand at the front or rear of the RV and look down |
| seriously injured from a fall! A reader of mine | | | | the side for any noticeable ripples or what looks like |
| suggested that you use 2 pieces of 1/2"plywood, 2 | | | | a bubble. You can also press on the sidewalls. If you |
| foot by 4 foot, to move around on and spread your | | | | feel the exterior fiberglass move it is delaminating. |
| weight out over theroof rafters. | | | | Often times delaminating starts around where an |
| * To stop a leak before it starts, thoroughly inspect | | | | opening that was made in the sidewall. |
| all roof and body seams. Consult with your RV dealer | | | | Don't just inspect your RV for water damage; |
| for sealants compatible with different types of | | | | REALLY inspect your RV for water damage. If you |
| roofing materials. | | | | do this on a regular basis you can locate and repair |
| * Look for any discoloration and feel for any soft | | | | the source of any water damage before it has a |
| spots on the ceiling around roof vents, air | | | | chance to do a great deal of damage. I think I'll start |
| conditioners, TV antennas, plumbing vents, and any | | | | checking our motor home more than twice a year. |
| other openings that were cut in the roof. | | | | Happy Camping, |
| * Look for any discoloration or wrinkles in the | | | | Mark |
| wallpaper, and feel for any soft spots on the walls | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |