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Topic: Bulkhead (Read 660 times) previous topic - next topic

Bulkhead

Hello folks!

I realize this has been discussed but the last thread was 7-8 years old so I figured I'd start a new one. We spend a lot of time in our coach and it can sit for a couple months at a time. I noticed today that the area around the septic hose connection is rusted (the piece that drops down). We had our bulkhead checked 2 years ago by Keith Risch and it was good. Now I'm worried. I'm happy to share pictures, but definitely know I need to address that area. The question is, has anyone had this repaired recently? If so what cost am I looked at should it be bulkhead?

Thank you all!
Coach 5960

Re: Bulkhead

Reply #1
Required reading-- sorry, will likely be reading when Santa arrives. 

Yes, DO post pictures.

Bulkhead Repair (Partial Floor Replacement)

Rear Bulkhead Repair

Before, During, After

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

Chassis construction photos from Don and welding on your FT
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: Bulkhead

Reply #2
Thank you! This is great! And we are about to get some storms here in Texas so plenty of time for some reading!
Coach 5960

Re: Bulkhead

Reply #3
Here is a picture of a temporary repair I made. The top bar should have been higher so the cord
can get in and out easier. It holds everything together well. Since I did that repair I have had more
bulkhead problems so the plan is to rebuild the bulkhead.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Bulkhead

Reply #4
Here is a picture of a temporary repair I made.

Since I did that repair I have had more bulkhead problems so the plan is to rebuild the bulkhead.

I would suggest that separation/rust in the wet bay drop down door area is an indication that the rear bulkhead IS compromised.

Said another way, for enough water to be in the drop down door area of the "basement sandwich" without compromising the rear bulkhead, less than 2' away in the same compartment is very unlikely.


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: Bulkhead

Reply #5
Also read My basement rebuild
Stump
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Bulkhead

Reply #6
I would suggest that separation/rust in the wet bay drop down door area is an indication that the rear bulkhead IS compromised.

Said another way, for enough water to be in the drop down door area of the "basement sandwich" without compromising the rear bulkhead, less than 2' away in the same compartment is very unlikely.

I haven't thought much about this but totally agree w Wolfe10 ...odds are super low that the rear cross member doesn't have a least some rust if the hatch is compromised.

Understanding the construction of our coaches, I've wondered why they broke that outer tobe rather than construct some sort of sliding door facing down(id prefer) or a hatch in the door itself for hose/cable egress?
2000 Foretravel GV320 4010 #5717
"SuperDutyFiver" on most other boards

*** East coast based - literally "all over the east coast!"

Re: Bulkhead

Reply #7
I will say In My Opinion, after rebuilding my rear bulkhead section up into the large cargo bay. The primary water intrusion source is the fresh water tank overflow. It is on the top of the right side rear bulkhead and after filling or making left turns when water tank is higher it runs down the rear bulkhead and leaches in, over many years.
  I extended my overflow with pvc down past the cargo bay bottom floor. Do what makes you happy. My concern for anymore issues down there are eliminated. On to other things
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit