What a great program you have created Heather. Being an old fix it guy I was not sure if I would learn anything from you about fixing my RV water leaks. Instead I learned everything I need to know, thanks Heather!
My youngest daughter is an adventurer and just bought a 9 year-old 32 ft RV to overhaul. We found much water damage to the floor and a little to a wall and that led us to your videos. Heather, you are a Godsend! Thank you for showing the processes, tips and tricks. Cheers from Texas.
I have been watching this kind of RV repair videos for 3-4 years, in anticipation for the time I have the courage to actually try it out myself. The first few minutes of this video gave me confidence I haven't found in all those other videos! Thank you for sharing.
Getting ready to tackle a roof deck structural repair as well as a new roof. That's just the beginning of the fun, as a complete overhaul and remodel will follow. Lots of water damage! I'm grateful that I found your channel. You were very thorough and informative. I feel like I can do this after watching (and rewatching) this video. Thank You
Though i am not qualified to critique your work I did appreciate your step approach to resolving the problems, the personal tips along the way, and the materials suggested. God bless.
Thanks for the tutorial. I'd like to know how you removed the walls, cabinets, and other furniture in order to get to the floor repair? It seems like a critical step a lot of these tutorials lack.
Amazing video! Finally someone who explained everything with real examples. Even the tools needed. And I thought the same about roofs, glad I'm educated now. Thank you!
Love your channel, my husband and I are also christians! I love the precise details you give for reno. My husband and I bought a camper last year and we did some quick renovations to the ceiling and a wall that truly need to be torn apart to the studs. We were able to seal the leak and remove the damage for a quick fix so we could use the camper last year. We found that after traveling a bit that our renovations were not as secure so I am watching closely to see how you achieve the results you get. We are currently looking at NOT taking the whole ceiling down, so our problem is making a transition between the damaged ceiling and the solid ceiling and that is the challenge right now. Thanks for all of your great ideas! You are quite inspiritional!
Thank you soooooooo much! Just got my first RV that I'm moving into that had water damage. It was sealed but the walls were never re-done. Been freaking me out because I've never done anything on this level without direction. You have made me so much calmer about getting this done. Thank you!
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IVE BEEN LOOKING FOR! Straight to the point, yet detailed explanation. No BS! Thank you so much! I am also a mechanic/woodworker - with carpentry experience as well, but this will be my first time working on an RV, so I just wanted to see what I’m getting myself into. I would be super interested in what jig you use for your trusses as well (:
I made it out of a truss I took from a camper a long time ago. Basically made a template out of some 3/4 inch plywood that I can clamp together at the right angles and dimensions. If you can get a truss out of your camper, that’s the way to go. Most of them are the same, but the one time I say that it won’t be 🤣
Thank you! What an awesome presentation! Starting to do some water damage repair on my travel trailer and came across your video. You know when you see a pro when they make the job look easy!
Awesome video & information. One thing I did extra was coat all new wood in Thompson water seal or equivalent just in case of a hidden or unnoticed leak occurs in the future. Ya never now. Me and a few of my close friends being skate rats growing up we each had built mini ramps in our parents backyards around the same time plywood & 2b4 construction with 1/4 Masonite top layer which basically had to be replaced every year. The last one built we coated the entire ramp as we built it with seal included both sides of the Masonite. Almost 15 years later with the other ramps rotted out and long gone the ramp was still solid no rot whatsoever the masonite was taken off and reused on another ramp actually. Stuff works great.
Thank you for this wonderful video ,I just found water damage in my caravan so now I hope it’s the same as a RV to a Caravan. So now I know what to do .
I am completely blown away with your knowledge and the quality of your work. Your video presentation is also top notch! It seems you may have done it a time or two. 😉 I’m about to start tearing out some rotten framing from my trailer but it seems it’s only in one corner and a bit of the floor. Thanks for the useful information.
Opened up my camper after the winter and found a sweet little mushroom 🍄 growing from the rug. Slider ceiling was leaking. I am having the roof repaired and I am ready to dig in and get after it! First time. Wish me luck. I do not accept defeat! I need to dry it up and repair it so my family and I can get right into summertime fun.
You're a gem. I enjoyed watching your video. Easy to listen to and 99.9% accurate. I'm a bit sceptical of your splicing procedure on floor joists. Splice length and # of fasteners are dependant on span length and loading. Since you didn't give either, you sort of just skipped by the issue. Also, you might try using 1/2"-3/4" plywood gusset plates when repairing minor damage to trusses. A glued and stapled gusset plate (or two) cut to the truss shape can repair a truss back to it's original or even greater strength capacity. Overall, I'm very impressed 👍. Keep up the good work.
Just discovered your videos today & quickly subscribed. I recently bought a small piece of land & have been trying to decide what to live in, camper versus shed-to-house. Decided for now to go with the camper option, my mother gifted me with her 1973 Prowler (20 footer), she bought it in 2015 at a campground, noticed a couple years ago that a soft area appeared in the floor by the stove/sink area. We tore the linoleum up today & saw the extent of damage. Poked a metal rod down through floor, in places it went down to the underlayment. Also has water damage in bathroom ceiling & wall by bathroom window & bathtub. I thought there would be insulation in the walls, but when I poked past the rotted wood, I could see the outer metal walls. Even though the camper is 50 yrs old, it's in pretty good shape, just wasn't maintained in the last couple of years to prevent water damage. I'm determined to bring it back to it's former glory, have been watching all the RU-vid videos I can find dealing with rv repair. Looking forward to watching all your content that I can👍😊
So cool! Sounds like pretty typical water damage. If you have specific questions feel free to reach out! I’ve got some resources on my website too (fallenintocamping.com) like links to repair supplies!
@@fallenintocamping I found the cause of a big portion of water damage, a tree limb must have fallen against back of camper, it knocked a 2 foot lower section of aluminum siding out from the top layer, one mystery solved.
You have helped me so much ! Just started in on our newly acquired 2004 Sunline Solaris Lite. Think it has the original roof. It and the plumbing have caused a fair amount of water damage. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience. Hope the best for you and your family.
Hello, for the first time I see your video and you are really fantastic, your dad did an extra ordinary job with you. You are a source of pride for the community👏👏👏👏👍👍👍💐
Your videos are great. You are amazing. Learning a lot. Do you ever work on fiberglass RVs? I have a 1995 C class with water damage. The luan glued to the fiberglass is completely rotted. The leak has been repaired. Doing my best to figure things out but it’s behind a cabinet and over the water tank in the back corner next to the bed. . Just a little nervous about ripping everything out to be able to work in 4 foot sections. Wishing I could see a video from you on that. You are helping me bring out my inner badass but I’m not quite there yet! Lol
It's excellent that you're taking this task in RV repairs. We need to repaira class A wall next to the chassis. We need to move the chassis . How to do it well we haven't idea. Hopefully we can see one of your videos. Thanks for explaining the process regarding repair water damage.
Girl!! I have needed this video and JUST found it. Thank you. I've been trying to locate/figure out the base stud ordeal and the the best way to frame out windows and roof electrical too!! 😊😊😊😊 So happy for this and thanks again!!!
If you can’t figure out where your studs are (and you have a wood frame), get a magnet and run it across the wall. It will catch the nails/screws and you’ll be able to easily tell!
Can you please add a delamination tutorial? Your content is very helpful!! and thanks for supplying the materials information. I'm a glutton for punishment with water damage repairs. Ugh!
Great video. I picked up a 1971 Holiday rambler 31ft with all aluminum exterior and framing. I have already gutted the entire inside down to the studs and plan to renovate it with a entire new trailer chassis and with a whole new livable floor plan. I think you would enjoy a renovation like this. I've seen a bit of water damage repairs in my day. I'm currently working on a 03 22ft travel, entire front frame and roof.. Curious. this roof is flat, and walking on it is a bit sketchy. I'm not light, but the trusses just seem soft, not in a damaged way, But I have seen that some roofs are solid walking roofs, while others are really not meant for it. I was thinking of doing new trusses with an arch and thicker plywood. what it has now is maybe 1/8 under an edpm. Have you changed a flat to an arch roof ever?
Im glad i came across your video! i was so excited because this is exactly what ive been searching for in a video until i heard you say it wouldnt work for an aluminum frame 😞Im going to see if it will work only because i do still have wood studs also. Wish me luck
I should have specified this, but if your siding is aluminum (and your framing is wood) this is the correct way to repair! I have since made more videos on campers with fiberglass siding, and aluminum frames (with foam walls)!
What an excellent and thorough video presentation! Everything else has been pretty piecemeal. Wow, you're great at this, plus keeping it quick and comprehensive. Thankyou! P.S. if any tips on how to cover in case of surprise rain while still in progress....
I buy a giant tarp and get bungee cords and strap it down. If it’s supposed to be windy I get scrap pieces of plywood to cover any vent holes so the rain dosent poole in the holes and keeps the tarp from flopping up in the wind 😂
YOU are a RV ROCKSTAR REPAIR GAL!! You are inspiring to me! Wanna come hang out in Indianapolis and help/hands on teach me? I am def in need of help. Thank you for being YOU because you are an EXCELLENT Teacher! Sincerely. Thank you
I haven’t done any videos on that yet. I’ve done it a million times, but it can definitely be tricky if you don’t have prior electrical experience. I actually do custom builds and electrical from scratch on my horse trailer conversions, and have rewired several trailers after replacing the entire roof. If you have specific questions, feel free to email me at fallenintocamping@gmail.com 🙂
I know this is an older video but I’m hoping you see this. Our 3 year old rv has massive water damage, but two inspectors have been unable to determine where the water came in. Rv specialist said everything is sealed and solid, so insurance is not coming through. It’s an aluminum frame if you can let me know the materials to fasten to aluminum frame because it looks like we will have to do the repairs ourselves if we want to save our beautiful rv 😢
Oh, I’m so sorry! If you look through my north trail reno, I have lots of repair videos for RVs with an aluminum frame. I bought a 16 gauge nail gun and it works great. A 16 gauge staple gun would be even better (I prefer staples Vs nails but I couldn’t find an affordable one with good reviews when I bought it 2 years ago…I’m sure you could find one now!) If you need a little bit of guidance, feel free to send me an email with pictures of your trailer! (Fallenintocamping@gmail.com)
When replacing the roof material and some sheets (in NC) how do you prevent additional damage during heavy rains. Repairs will need to be done in an uncovered storage area.
I live in NC, and I use tarps while the roof is exposed. I get a thick (not the cheap blue ones) tarp and cover the entirety of the trailer (including front/back) and secure it with bungee cords. If I have holes in the roof where the vents are, I put plywood over it so the rain does not pool inside the tarp. If you don’t put something over the holes, the rain will congregate and sink down into the camper and move the tarp around. Ask me how I know 😂
One question, how can you reseal first if the wood you are screwing into is rotten? Our travel trailer has some water damage from a leaking front seal. The wood that the trim screws in to is rotten. If I seal it first how do I remove/replace the wood later?
Enjoying your channel. I have a Forest River Independence Trail 28RLDS that needs work on the front and one slide floor. Do you do this work for customers?
I'm going to tackle the roof on my class c motorhome. It measures slightly over 8'. Have you had to add extra osb because of this? I haven't taken off the existing pvc yet. Temporarily sealed a leaking fan until I get back from a major motorcycle trip. Any insight would be appreciated.
Wow this is the most comprehensive video I have seen so far. Thank you for posting. I’m preparing to start my project soon and this is what I needed to see. I do have a question. Does the old flooring extend under the walls? and what are you mounting the floor joists against the wall too? Thanks again.
Yep, most manufacturers build the floor and put the flooring in, and put the walls on top of it. The floor joists that I repaired were mounted to the steel frame of the camper. There are holes in the frame that an anchor bolt goes in. Does that make sense?
Hey I just got a rv and it has some water damage I’d like to fix once I get the time to do so. I love your video but If you have a email or something where I could show you pictures and get a second opinion that’d be great. I was also wondering if you ever use a moisture meter while doing this work if you’re on edge about replacing certain areas.
You seem like a real hard working keener and my question is did you go to school and get ticketed in one of these fields ? If not do so you will never regret it ! I have put 38 apprentices through school and they all where keen like you , good luck and great future
I have a class A I bought for cheap to fix up and live in, it's not too bad water damaged, it has missing skylight and vent fans and the previous owner did a really poor job to seal those holes so now the floor in the hallway is delaminating and becoming soft/caving in it seems like a straightforward repair but it seems to go under the wall for the bathroom so I'm hoping that wall doesn't need to be removed to fix it. Any tips for that?
Just found your channel and how well done the presentation is is just incredible in comparison to so many other channels. I'm an RV tech in Texas and did a roof on a '08 HR Aluma-lite, aluminum frame trailer. replacing the roof decking i used 7/16 OSB with liquid nails and self tapping screws to secure....didnt want the vibration of traveling down the road to pop the screws. what kind of membrane are you using? it looks very thin and light. Have you done any delamination repairs? Please keep making these excellent videos!
Sounds perfect for an aluminum frame! I use a PVC membrane. You never have to reseal it, and if you get a hole, you can actually glue a patch to it. It’s also got a 10 year warranty! I have a video on how to fix delamination too! I also bought a project that I’ll be posting more of (aluminum frame and delamination)
Fallen in to camping I have water damage in my camper to ceiling and floor in hallway wall in hallway floor in hallway bedroom ceiling and floor by bed and door
Jeez! You taught me so much from watching and rewatching this video. Concise, descriptive, and awesome! What do you do with treatment of the plywood wall surfaces? I have a 2004 fleetwood terry that I renovated but have since discovered water damage to my slide. I plan to replace the interior walls and ceiling. If you have thoughts, please let me know.
Concerning water damage to flooring, I believe the floor under the cabinets and refrigerator of a LQ horse trailer I am considering, is water damaged. Will the cabinets and refrigerator need to be removed to replace all of the damage? It has an aluminum floor under it all.
Yes. If the floor is damaged, anything sitting on top of it will need to come up. Also check the aluminum frame under the floor-sometimes they can corrode if left wet long enough
I can't find anything on repair or replacement of the rear wall of my 2015 Rpod 176 camper,the whole wall was literally rotten to pieces and I don't have a clue how to fix it
Those small ones are tough…just by doing a bit of research, it seems common on the rpods. I’m assuming the frame is aluminum with foam walls, so I can point you to a different video if that’s the case. Before I do that, send me some pictures and I’ll give you some advice on how to repair. Email me at fallenintocamping@gmail.com or send them to me on instagram (fallenintocamping)
Do you have a video that shows how to replace all the joist and subfloor in about an 8 x 10 area in the kitchen? All of the joist and subfloors are totally rotten. In that large area. This is a travel trailer that I just purchased with an attached Lanai and attached laundry room in Florida. Not good access from under the trailer either. It’s an 1990 Aljo 35’. Thank you for any help that you can offer
Hi I'm trying to add a roof rack on my RV for a solar array and am trying to figure out if it is safe to mount on from the sides like for a cargo trailer or from the trusses. Anyone know the best way to go?
Have you had any dealings with an aluminum frame camper since this video? My parents are giving me their camper that is made with aluminum studs - but there’s water damage.
Yes, several! Just look for the videos with aluminum frame in them. Also, the current camper I’m working on has an aluminum frame, so the whole demo series includes repairing water damage with an aluminum frame. Currently rebuilding the floor and hope to post that today!
I have a question about routering around the window.. it looked as if there was no actual window, just an opening. So if you would answer that first..then state the info on the bit for it please.
I took the window out, and then used my router with a flush trim bit (and the framing as a guide) to router the shape of the window, and then put the window back in! The flush trim bit has a bearing that acts as a guide where there is existing framing (like around the window) and makes a perfect cut every time!
@@fallenintocamping ahhh. Now it all makes sense. Thank you for replying so quick. You're awesome. Love the channel! Wish I'd looked for this info before it got so cool in Michigan.
Hi Heather. This video has been very helpful for the structural elements. I'm renovating a motor camper in Europe, where there is an overall vehicle weight restriction, including passengers and contents, of 3.5 tons. This means that even the good makes have much flimsier construction than your campers in the US. For example the floors are made of 20mm extruded polystyrene sandwiched between 2 two 5mm sheets of ply without any s4upporting structure other than the original van chassis. The top sheet forms the floor and the bottom sheet is bitumin coated and directly exposed to the road!! The only thing that holds the walls up is a 100mm band of wood infill around the edges which replaces the polystyrene core ..... so rot around the edges is pretty hard to put right. Do you have any ideas. The second thing which is puzzling me is how to waterproof the external corner joints of the walls, which are constructed of an aluminium sheet with bonded softwood framing and polystyrene fillers. The front/rear walls attach to the side wall framing by screws/staples via a 10mm wrap around of the aluminium skin - so lots of little screw/nail/staple holes under the aluminium angle cover strips. This is where the water came in originally so needs something a bit better than the original putty which had long since dried and cracked. What do you recommend ? I'd thought of 25mm self adhesive butyl tape wrapped round the corner across the join under the cover angle strip. Or would you recommend the type of flexible mastic putty you used for reseating the window in your video ? Many thanks in advance. Alan Redhouse
We have campers similar to this in the US-I just repaired one with a foam board construction (see repairing rv with foam walls, and repairing RV delamination). Butyl tape will be your best friend! Also caulk everything, even after you apply butyl tape!
I kind of alternate. If there already a ton of damage, I’ll typically rip the interior apart and check for leaks to make sure I know where it’s coming from, and then do the roof. But if it’s minor, I start with the roof. Sometimes it’s not super obvious where a leak is, and I like to see where the water is coming in for myself (and in some cases…it’s not like it’s going to hurt having it leak for an extra week when it’s been leaking for years 😂)
I have a video on my channel ‘how to make seamless walls’ but it’s basically iron on melamine edge banding. You can get it from Home Depot (amazon sells it too). It’s in the isle with all of the plywood!
very good video I was wondering on the plywood was it over 8' feet in length? plywood generally is 4'x8' though the width of trailer is 8'.5" so I guess that I would have to buy 4'×10' piece & cut it down to the 8'.5" thats needed to go across the width of trailer, is this what you did on your plywood having to use a 4'×10' ply cutting it down?
Interesting…I have never come across a camper that was more than 8ft! In that case, you would have to buy a 4x10 piece. But that seems really unusual, because most manufacturers build on a 4x8 scale
I buy all of my supplies through recpro.com! If you use the code MNIMXX3 you can get 5% off as well. I’ve ordered all of my skin and roof supplies for them for years!
To staple paneling, I think I use 1 inch crown staples in my 18 gauge nailer. Pressure is usually around 60-80. I start at 60, and if it dosent sink the staple in all the way flush I’ll turn it up a bit. Don’t want it too high because the staple will go right through the panel!
How do you know when to cut losses on an RV repair? We started with what we thought was a subfloor replacement and now we’re having delams front, back, and both sides.
Oof, that’s tough. Depends on how much time and money your willing to put into it. It might cost you just as much to fix it than it would be to sell it and get a different camper 😵💫
@@fallenintocamping can you actually buy the fiberglass outer panels for the walls? If so where? I have a 2009 north trail. Also thank you so much for your reply. I truly appreciate it.
