The RV life

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'm moving into my old 1989 Ford Corsair RV for the summer. Trying to save a few bucks while I'm recovering from double knee replacement surgery. I've been sleeping in it the last 2 nights. It's in rougher shape than I remember when I last lived in it 3 years ago. Numerous leaks. And I couldnt get my fridge to work even tho it did 3 years ago.spent the last 2 days off and on trying to figure out the problem. Found it half hour ago.... a 5amp fuse hidden behind the control board cover. And I happened to have a bunch of old glass tube fuses to look thru and found a slightly short 7.5 amp. It fits...barely, and I now have a working fridge. And hope it freezes up quick because I have a bunch of thawed meats to go into it.... The food is still cold but....

At the bottom of this pic is an empty slot where the offending fuse was;

Some pics of the wreck I need to fix quickly;

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It's not organized. I was using it as storage. And dont really have a place to empty the stuff into so I'm playing tetris until the rain stops. It's been raining pretty much non-stop since I moved in. And at least another day of rain to go. Then it will be typical Alberta weather with it nice until early afternoon and then the thunderstorms begin. Ah well, I'm living in interesting times...lol.

 

[Roert42]

Good luck with the leaks.

Friend of mine has an older 5th wheel camper. He only moves it twice a year, but he says he checks all the seams every time he moves. All the bumping around on dirt roads seem to be an issue.

 

[Uncle Gump]

First off... I hope the healing process is coming along good.

In my opinion... there are two types of campers. One that the roof leaks and two the roof is about to leak.

Looks big enough you can be comfortable and cleaning it up will just take a bit of time. Storage would be a big issue for me. Hopefully you have a plan for that.

 

[ryan]

Every time I see my friends campers I get jealous, and then I see the leaks they have to deal with and I'm less jealous

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Yes, it should be looked at and sealed annually. I didnt and am paying for it.

 

[RonD]

If you are not needing to drive it here and there then just use a Tarp for now

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Maybe get one of those HF carports for it, they're 10'x20' and pretty cheap, you might even have room for a storage/patio area. Or maybe a big plastic storage bin/locker/shed for your stuff. Its easier to organize with less stuff in the way of putting stuff away. I ordered a thicker cover for my carport off of fleabay, and its pretty bullet/sun proof.

 

[Fast Eddie]

+1 on the tarp. It'll shed the water and buy you some time.

That mold is not good for your health but you probably know that. Unfortunately, you looking at a possible tearout. The mold isn't likely the only place the water created damage, just where it shows up.


Best of luck on both fronts (knees and camper).

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Also the tarp will probably help all the leak sealant and stuff cure properly...and give you shelter working on the outside.
Also maybe jack up all four sides and set em on stuff get it as level as possible to tweak everything into place before replacing panels,sealing leaks etc ..

 

[Fast Eddie]

Also the tarp will probably help all the leak sealant and stuff cure properly...and give you shelter working on the outside.
Also maybe jack up all four sides and set em on stuff get it as level as possible to tweak everything into place before replacing panels,sealing leaks etc ..

I live in a RV. It's going to depend on the structural integrity. The house frames were made of wood covered with aluminum before they went with steel and gelcoat. He may not be able to move it anymore if that's the case. he needs to check for delamination to better understand what he may have to do going forward.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

There is some major rot front and back. But I've done house renovations for nearly 40 years... I have the tools, will travel...soonish...lol.
But it will be a learning experience. I did a 12' camper exterior reno, but not as extensive as this will be. This one has a "fiber" exterior, I will replace with aluminum. I have a 10.5' brake and a bunch of left over rolls of aluminum that I can use. It looks to be wood construction underneath and I have all the tools for that. I kind of wish it was metal frame.
I will take pics once I start. I plan on building a temporary structure over it for protection while I work, as long as the county doesnt get pissy...

 

[sgtsandman]

Good luck on the recovery and fixing up the RV.

From my understanding, RVs are a lot like boats. Every time you turn around, they are costing you a bunch of money.

 

[Ranger850]

My dad has been living in his 27' pull behind camper for the past few years. Last year a tree fell on it during a tornado. Before that he had just finished sealing up the front part, where he sleeps. It was too much for him to do. He couldn't keep up with the work. By the time he got a section decent, another section would be in dire condition. Tarps on tarps with metal roofing panels for wall patches. It was rough. He was too far from me for me to help ( Arkansas ) so he moved half his stuff to my house ( Florida ) and the other half to my sisters ( N. Carolina ). Too bad because it was a real nice on the inside for a something from the early 80's. Once the damage was done, it just kept growing and growing. Good luck with yours. Besides the storage clutter, it doesn't look nearly as bad as pop's.

 

[don4331]

If there's still whiskey and rum in those boxes, I can help store them for you.

Seriously, if you need some muscle, I can help you out as your more/less in the area.