ChevyChase
Olathe, KS
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Joined: 06/15/2009
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Hi all,
I screwed up. I bought a 14 year old class C camper with only 29K miles and after taking it on it's maiden voyage, I discovered it leaks pretty bad.
We were in a rainstorm that lasted about 1 hour. There's a leak above the cab which has soaked into the front driver's side corner. The wood underneath is damp and the dampness extends from the driver's side down about 3 -4 feet long and about 7 inches from the front of the camper.
There's a leak in the back of the camper that is about as bad in the front.
I also have converns about the refrigerator. The refrigerator works fine when plugged into 30 amp, but does NOT work when plugged into my house. It works a little better when running on propane.
Everything else seems to be okay with the camper. The engine and generator seem to run well. The camper seems a little underpowered but it's not too bad.
If you have a camper with the engine and major components that run well, but has some serious leak, do you keep it? I'm not mechanically inclined and since I have a family, I don't have much time to mess with it.
Can the leaks be prevented?
Should I drive it off a cliff?
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance.
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FXSTOHIO
Ohio
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Joined: 01/27/2009
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If it runs good then I would fix the leak and repair the wood and check the wiring in your house or the adapter you’re using to go from 30 amps to 15amp. Its 14 years old any camper / rv will leak if its all original roofing and has never been calked.
2008 Pilgrim Lite 21LRB
2004 Chevy Silverado Extended Cab 4x4 5.3 Tow Pkg 3.73
Yamaha EF2400IS
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tonyandkaren
pennsylvania
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Joined: 05/15/2005
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Has it been stored outside and getting wet for years? Do you have soft spots in the floor ceiling or walls? If you don't have water damage you can find the leaks and patch it up. If you have water damage you'll probably have a lot of rebuilding to do and it won't be worth it.
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Bordercollie
Garden Grove, CA, USA
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Joined: 03/07/2002
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Try to locate a competent RV repair place in your area, have them evaluate what repairs/upgrades it needs and give you a realistic estimate. If the repairs plus your intital investment will cost more than the rig is worth, get another estimate elsewhere to be sure. You will need to ask yourself if you will get enough use and enjoyment out of the 14 year old repaired rig to justify the cost (or) whether to sell the rig for whatever it will bring and buy a newer rig that needs little or no expensive repairs or upgrades. Don't expect to sell an old rig for more than $4000 to $5000 regardless of repairs and upgrades.
(Been there, done that!)
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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What make, model and year is your MH? That info would be helpful.
From your description it leaks pretty bad.
Did you see any signs of wrinkled, dimpled, or stains on the ceilings or walls when you looked at it?
If it has been leaking as bad as you observed it would HAVE to have shown visable damage inside.
After you bought it did you unknowingly go under some branches that could have knocked a vent seal or something on top? Did you go up top?
Maybe all it needs is resealing. The seals over time pull apart and the leaking is fierce from that. That fix at a dealership is not that expensive.
My only advice about a low mileage older MH is check the calipers.
They rust and no matter how much you drive it they will stick.
And replace the brake hoses even if they look ok, they degrade from the inside and flaps of it will come down block fluid and yank the wheel clean out of your hands when stopping.....don't ask me how I know that one.
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.
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otbiker
Kerrville TX
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Joined: 02/02/2005
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Anything can be sealed up, it just takes time to figure out where its coming in! I spent 4 hours the other day locating a leak in our 06. It requires moving / removing stuff and a water hose. Be patient...
Marty & Martha in Kerrville
2010 Winnebago View 24A
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Chevy as others stated spend some time top side and get a feel for the leaks and go after them with Eternabond. Seal all the seams/end caps/normal stuff and see if it still leaks and keep working until you have it in the drive.
Do not expect to hire someone to stop your leaks for the long haul.
If you do not have Eternabond get some ordered. We had several surprise leaks and we were about 9 months getting them in the dry and have stated that way. You can do it. 
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chevyman2
missouri
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Joined: 08/06/2007
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with patience EVERYTHING can be fixed. Or as you suggested. Insure it real good and go to the South for a very long vacation. (like as long as hurricane season is). Drag a car. Drive off in the car at the first hurricane warning. Hope for the "worst" err I mean best (wink-wink)
Tim-DW(Kathy)-DS(KEN)
04 AVEO-DD, 03 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, 94 TRANS AM (DA TOY)
When I grow up I want to be retired.. THEN I WONT HAVE TO GROW UP AT ALL!!!!
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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otbiker wrote:Anything can be sealed up, it just takes time to figure out where its coming in! I spent 4 hours the other day locating a leak in our 06. It requires moving / removing stuff and a water hose. Be patient...
Good tip.
Most dealerships use this same method only you are being charged 100.00 an hour for them to do so!
Water leaks have a way of leaking in one place inside the MH and the water is actually coming from a spot a good distance away. It might just be as simple as a leak from one of your windows.
Don't panic. Get a hose and aim it up towards where it is leaking inside and then start investigating the source.
You are not the lone ranger here nor is your new to you MH ready for the junk yard.......find the leak and fix it and get back on the road RV'ing!
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TXRVr
Texas
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Joined: 11/10/2008
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ChevyChase wrote:
Should I drive it off a cliff?
That reminds me of the old joke.
Put your mother-in-law behind the wheel first, then call the insurance company. You might be able to solve two problems at once.
Successful retirement is not
remembering which day it is.
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