I hope it's acceptable forum etiquette to separate this specific issue, since it's very specific, and more alarming. I had just posted a "minor issues" thread.
I found a place in the bedroom cabinets that has the ceiling cover peeling back, and I can see rusted metal and a screw. I don't even know what would be rusting -- is that the exterior? Are the walls steel?
Rusty screw and metal behind bedroom cabinet (https://www.dropbox.com/s/1lmn7tjldbzvb09/IMG-2035.jpg?dl=0)
Thanks you beautiful forum!
Not only acceptable, but encouraged! It is
much easier to answer questions when there is only
one question in a post. It helps keep the answers more on topic, plus makes it easier to find that question & answers in a future search by another member.
Foretravel walls are a sandwich made of a steel frame with foam insulation between the frame members, fiberglass skin on the outside and luan plywood skin on the inside. Ceiling is basically the same but with aluminum frame members.
I think you said there was a repaired "soft spot" on the roof near the aft air conditioner? If water was leaking in around the A/C unit, it could easily run across the ceiling and into the bedroom walls on either side.
If the rusty area has not progressed too far, it should be a fairly easy "clean & paint" cosmetic repair.
The IMPORTANT thing is to make sure no more water leaks in through the roof. Leaks anywhere on the roof must be immediately repaired. How you go about it will depend a lot on where the leak is and how much damage has already happened.
Thanks for the etiquette note! Don't want to be a nuisance.
I did search some roof repair but I didn't find anything I can use quite yet. I think I read removing the AC might give me a look at the wood.
Beautiful ceiling does mask the damage if any, and it looks to be a solid board so hard to remove to inspect roof. Pushing up from below, it feels solid. RV tech wasn't concerned, though they aren't perfect. It seems like removing the AC would be the only way to see the exposed wood & its status.
I think I'm just going to pretend I didn't see that part. Famous last words.
Protlandft, don't worry about being a nuisance. They've put up with me for years :dance: :dance: They are a great group with vast knowledge. I'm sure you will add yours to the collective.
Larry
To the best of my limited knowledge of Foretravel construction, if you remove the air conditioner all you will see is welded aluminum square tubing.
Correct, but would also give a look at the condition of the roof skin around the opening, and any decomposition thereof.
If your ceiling material is vinyl the water can migrate to the low side of the coach from just about anywhere.
This I know. I chased a leak all summer and finally found that the water was getting in UNDER the Kingdome satellite dish.
Nice thing about Foretravel construction is that a leak overhead is not nearly as bad as a wall leak that destroys the integrity of the floor.
Get a quart can of self-leveling clear sealer like Geocel RV sealer--about $24. Go over every possible place a leak might occur with it.
Then check each time it rains for dampness.
FT uses a blower to pressurize the coach, then uses a spray bottle of soapy water to search for bubbles.