kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Joined: 05/27/2005
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I agree with lenwick. We had an overflow situation (from the water tank) in our old Starcraft PUP and didn't notice the damage it had done to the floor until many years later - by the time the camper was about 10-12 years old, it was starting to develop spongy spots in the floor, all related to that one water incident. (There had been no leaks over the years in that area - the rear - of the trailer.) Since it was the dealer's fault and happened as a result of their demo, I'd hold out for a replacement trailer.
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stacaz822
Phoenix, Arizona
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Joined: 10/21/2005
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Whenever we store or travel with our 13RT, I put an empty tub under the upside-down faucet to catch any stray drippage.
Stacaz
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Capt_Leisure
Colorado Springs
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Joined: 05/17/2007
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newcampers4 wrote:We were told that the flooring is wrapped around the outside wood thus the flooring will not lift and it protects the outer structure.
I'm not so sure.
I've copied stacaz822's idea for more storage under the dinette and found that the vinyl flooring is not trimmed and sealed around the wheel well.
13RT Under Dinette - Note flooring around wheel well
The flooring on my 13RT looks just like this. Unless I'm missing something (and I might very well be), I believe the water could seep in behind the upturned vinyl and wheel well.
2006 Starcraft 13RT - "We found that clowns are universally disliked by children."
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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Well I can vouch for the fact that the floor covering is put down first on all PU's built since I started with them in the mid 1970's.
And yes, water could get up through there in the pictured example. That's why one of my top 5 rants is to go under the trailer and seal up gaps,cracks, and holes.
The flooring material while it resembles OSB, isn't. Most all campers use a Warehouser product called structure wood. It is, unlike OSB, made with waterproof glues/resins, and is designed to be repeatedly wet and dried out.
Where most problems come in are with MDF (medium density fiberboard) as it will swell almost immediately on contact with water. Otherwise water problems come from long term exposure WITHOUT drying out. That's where we get the misnamed condition of Dry Rot.
As for the dealer, JMHO but he is an example of one of my favorite sayings, "ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge and can be corrected by education and instruction...Stupid is forever"
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They say you learn by your mistakes, in that case I must be a genius.
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fast636
upstate new york
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Joined: 02/04/2006
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be realistic, they didn't turn the pump on. You did!! did you not have any part in whole episode!! Why is everyone so quick to blame someone else all the time. **** HAPPENS!! sopp up the water and move on. The amount of crying that is going on over somethig so stupid will cause more water damage than what actually occured. This is why things cost so much today. The dealer is being good by replacing things that are not entirely their fault.
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Outlander
Meridian, Idaho
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Joined: 08/30/2003
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The dealer left the valves open on the faucet, plain and simple. Would you want a brand-new trailer with water damage Mr. Grumpy Pants?
2007 Chevy Tahoe 5.3
2007 Starcraft 36RT
2003 Can Am Outlander ATV
2005 Honda 250ex ATV
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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Play nice children or I swear I'll pull this thread over and close it.
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Capt_Leisure
Colorado Springs
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mike4947 wrote:The flooring material while it resembles OSB, isn't. Most all campers use a Warehouser product called structure wood. It is, unlike OSB, made with waterproof glues/resins, and is designed to be repeatedly wet and dried out.
Aha... I was wondering why it felt smoother than the chip-board I'm used to seeing at Home Depot. On my Starcraft the bottom is painted black and I assumed the rough side was face up, with the flooring over that. That made me think, "What the...?" I noticed on the Fleetwood E-series, the bottoms weren't painted at all. Guess they don't need to be.
Very good info. I feel smarter now. Thanks!
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stacaz822
Phoenix, Arizona
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Joined: 10/21/2005
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On every new RV we've had, I've gone around the edges of the entire floor and sealed with Silicone caulking. With two kids, things are bound to be spilled, so I preemptively took care of that. I imagine one could spill probably 20 gallons of liquid in our camper without damaging anything.
For really good measure, install a shower drain in the lowest part of your floor with a one-way valve in it to keep out road water. 
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kmh1596
springfield, ma
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Joined: 10/08/2007
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Lenwick is right on in my opinion. After buying a BRAND NEW camper, this happens on the way home? The dealer has admitted fault, period... They may not show it or be offering it, but they are PREPARED to replace the unit if you demand it, whether you are getting that impression or not. You can speak with a manager or the owner if need be, but I wouldnt leave the lot with the water damaged popup.. Not worth the risk..
As for Mr Grumpypants who says it was your fault... Not so IMO, the dealer left the valves open and they have admitted such. Please post more as this situation progresses!
Kevin
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