We have a 2004 Gulfstream Amerilite 21MB which has developed two apparent problems over the past six months.
1. The floor around the toilet (in the rear of the TT) has begun to rot and is very soft. We have been unable to locate any visible leak and the floor surface is never wet (although the vinyl on the rotted portion is discolored). It is a Thetford toilet with two bolts.
A) If I remove these two bolts will the toilet simply lift off of the floor without damaging the seals or water connections? Also, where is the leak likely to be located?
B) Any other suggestions as to where the leak may be originating would be appreciated. The rot area is basically a circle around the toilet extending about 18 inches in all directions, so it seems that the leak must be related to the toilet.
C) After I locate and repair the leak, how the HECK do I repair the floor?? It appears that the walls are built on top of the floor....I have searched for a "How to repair/replace RV floors" post or website, but I have not found any.
2. Also, the front walls (opposite end of TT from the bathroom)appear to be buckling, as if the plywood is delaminating under the wallpaper. The wall has vertical ripples or waves near both corners and about half way down the wall. Once again I suspect water damage but nothing appears to be wet and I have been unable to locate any obvious leaks. Should I remove the panels for closer inspection (which would destroy the panels)? Since this front wall is sloped it gets a lot of hot sunshine during the summer...could heat cause the plywood panel to delaminate??
I would be glad to post photos, but frankly I have never done so and I do not know how...does this forum have such capabilities or would I have to use a third party website?
Over the past few years I have found this Forum to be extremely helpful, for which I give my sincere thanks!!
On the toilet you must disconnect the water supply in addition to the two bolts, then it'll lift right up (you already knew that, but just in case).
Yes, the walls and cabinets are usually built right onto the flooring. Cut out the damaged flooring, add some 1x2s around the edge of your hole (glue and screw is how I've done it). Hopefully the source of the water will be obvious when you have that hole in the floor.
Then you can drop in a new piece of plywood with the hole for the toilet already cut. Glue and screw some more. New vinyl flooring in the bathroom will be needed, hopefully you'll be able to put 1/4 round trim on the circumference and a flat metal plate to cover the seam under the door (look in the flooring section of any store for something that you think is suitable.
You may want to reinforce the floor when you have that piece out... make it better and stronger. When I've done this, I've used redwood and marine plywood. For the size of the project, not a lot more cost. If it leaks again, it'll be a long time before the floor gets soft.
It sounds like water damage at the front too. Water can travel far from the source... I've fixed window caulking that caused damage a few feet away. Also, any roof seams can be suspect. You will probably be replacing the panelling anyway, just do it with nicer real wood panelling to improve the appearance and make the repair not-so-obvious. Once you have the wall opened up, it should be easier to find the source of the water. You could cut a small hole to explore and then mount a picture or a mirror over it if you decide to trace the leak but not replace the panelling.
Hard to describe in words. PM me if you have further questions on particulars.
Phil
'03 F250 deezle and '01 Komfort 27FS
Off the grid and outta sight at home
Go camping to have neighbors and amenities
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