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Topic: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320 (Read 1271 times) previous topic - next topic

Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Hi everyone! This is my first post and I am not sure I am in the right place, but I am looking at getting a 40 foot c320 that has been flooded and sat for a year. This is my first motorhome as well. My question is have any of you taken on a project like this before and how extensive it was? No water made it into the coach only in the basement. I know the generator is shot and has some surface rust on the slide trays, not sure how it has affected the aqua hot system, wiring, and so on. Any info. would greatly be appreciated. ty

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #1 –
Sounds like a insurance total to me, Don't touch it, rear end will be shot as well as all brakes and bearings.

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #2 –
I believe you mean U320, not C320.

+1 on what Fredi said.

A lot of complex, costly systems are located in the bays.  You might also look at Don's (Acousicart) story of structural rebuild after discovering a bulkhead issue.

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #3 –
Salt water or fresh water?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #4 –
Run away fast, all kind of structural and mechanical issues to be addressed.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #5 –
I suppose you mean the one that was on eBay.  NOT suitable for a first motorhome unless you are very, very skilled and experienced at doing your own work -- sometimes with very expensive components.  It has a salvage title for a reason.  Expect even an un-distressed motor home to have all the problems of a high tech cottage PLUS all the problems of the sophisticated truck beneath it.
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #6 –
Don't consider it at any price.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #7 –
thank you all for your input. as far as I know it was fresh water but it sat for a year. It has no visible structure damage and I am skilled in most of the areas to rebuild it myself. It is an insurance total. I was just trying to find a DIY project when i ran across this. I figured my wife and I could use it  and if we like traveling in it than we could sell it and buy what we really want. How would the salvage title affect me selling it even if I go through it with a fine tooth comb and drive it for about a year first. Thanks again for your input.

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #8 –
I will repeat don't buy at any price. It is extremely likely that the basement grid system has been saturated for a year.  Those 1/8" thick walls on the box beams will likely be highly compromised.  You won't know it until it fails, as the beams are covered top and bottom with FG.

Yes, look at Don's experience with a coach that was not submerged!  And the basement structure we are talking about is the lowest part of the coach (basement floor)!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #9 –
Quote from: mkalbury123 –
It is an insurance total. I was just trying to find a DIY project when i ran across this. I figured my wife and I could use it  and if we like traveling in it than we could sell it and buy what we really want.

Buy (or save for) what you really want now, not a headache of a money pit that might not be salvageable except for parts.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #10 –
Quote from: acousticart –
Then I discovered the bulkhead separation issue and started a two year odyssey of repair and restoration.

Bulkhead Separation - Planning for the Worst

2000 U320 rear bulkhead thoughts

yet another stupid bulkhead question

Progress Report and Question about FW Overflow/vent

Don starts buttoning her up (split from What did you do to your coach)

Before, During, After

Chassis construction photos from Don and welding on your FT

Another Bulkhead Separation Story Part II

Yet another Bulkhead Separation Story, Chapter 1

These are just the "highlights" of what Don and Tys went through, and that is "just" the structural that the flooded coach on eBay (and many classified sites) may be facing, nevermind the electrical and mechanical issues that likely resulted from the flood damage. 

Listen to Brett.

Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #11 –
I could use some spare parts. If you want to buy and part it out  ^.^d
1998 U270 34'

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #12 –
Thank You for your great advise! I think that I will find another DIY project to work on.

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #13 –
Wise move
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #14 –
very informative compilation, Michelle  :thumbsup:
Mogan David
1999 U295 36'

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Mogan David –
very informative compilation, Michelle  :thumbsup:

Thanks - it's all Don, all I did was search for his posts on the subject....
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #16 –
Seems like another lifetime as I look at those threads and those pictures... like it happened to someone else. All I can say, is I am sure glad that I am here now, and not there then ::)
If it feels like that to me, just imagine how Tys feels! :dance:
Don
Quote from: Michelle –
Thanks - it's all Don, all I did was search for his posts on the subject....
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #17 –
I remember reading Don's posts and looking at the photos and wondering how he found the time to take pictures and post descriptions. If anyone understands what it takes to rebuild the basement storage bins it's Don. But anyone who reads his posts should know enough to stay away from it.

On the plus side, when it's done you'll be a damn good welder! :P

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Does anyone have any info. how extensive repairing a flooded basement on a c320

Reply #18 –
Not only you be a good welder, you'll be a better person having learned humility, perseverence, and the value of blood sacrifice. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS