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Topic: 1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall (Read 580 times) previous topic - next topic

1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall

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

Thanks you beautiful forum!

Re: 1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall

Reply #1 –
Quote from: portlandft –
I hope it's acceptable forum etiquette to separate this specific issue, since it's very specific...
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.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: 1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
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.

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.

Re: 1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall

Reply #3 –
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
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: 1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall

Reply #4 –

Quote from: portlandft –
Thanks for the etiquette note! Don't want to be a nuisance.

It seems like removing the AC would be the only way to see the exposed wood & its status.


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.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: 1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
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.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Surely, no age has been more fraught with insecurity than our own present time."

Re: 1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall

Reply #6 –
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.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD
 

Re: 1987 GV Rust In Bedroom Upper Cabinet Wall

Reply #7 –
FT uses a blower to pressurize the coach, then uses  a spray bottle of soapy water to search for bubbles.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R