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Topic: Serios corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer (Read 14 times) previous topic - next topic
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Serios corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer
Yahoo Message Number: 48280
The 1989  22 foot rear living room model Laze Daze I'm considering purchasing from an original owner has a potentially very serious problem and I am seeking some insight from others who might be aware of the problem or are familiar with the best remedy and approximate cost to fix it.

The aluminum panels appear to be seriously corroding beneath the paint finish causing paint blisters in some areas on both sides and the rear of the unit.  Worse yet there are a couple of very visible "quarter-sized" corrosion holes right through the aluminium, chiefly on the upper sides of the overhead berth portion of the motorhome. This corrosion goes clean through into what appears to be a wood substrate and has caused noticable water leakage and damage to the interior overhead corners and sides of the vinyl covered paneling around the upper berth and some of these interior spots are actually mushy where the paneling underneath has rotted.

Seeking a cause for this damage I made inquiries of the original owner.  He says it spent very little time in coastal conditions where salt corrosion would be a factor. Also, this Sacramento valley based motorhome has only been on one cross country trip and has largely been stored outside.

I really like the motorhome and it is, otherwise, in pretty good condition.
Before passing on a prospective purchase, I was hopeful other Laze Daze owners might be able to shed some light on this problem.  Thanks very much.
--Teddy
Re: Serious corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer - try asking factor
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48284
Quote
The 1989  22 foot rear living room model Laze Daze I'm considering purchasing from an original owner has a potentially very serious problem and the best remedy and approximate cost to fix it.

The aluminum panels appear to be seriously corroding beneath the paint finish causing paint blisters in some areas on both sides and the rear of the unit.  Worse yet there are a couple of very visible "quarter-sized" corrosion holes right through the aluminium, chiefly on the upper sides of the overhead berth portion of the motorhome.
--Teddy
There have been at least two incidences of soft wood replacement repairs reported on this forum. What is unknown is how much they cost and how similar they were to the unit you are looking at.

You could try taking overall and close up photos and write up a detailed description.  Then send it to Vince at the Lazy Daze factory. He might be able to give you an estimate.   That might be a strong negotiating point for a price reduction.

Vince might also give you some guidance as to how to proceed and possible methods to repair.

I do know of units older than the one you are looking at (but not for sale), that do not have that problem.

Ken of Ken, Patty and daughter Stephanie in San Diego
Re: Serious corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer - try asking factor
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48286
Through-hole aluminum corrosion most likely means the aluminum panels have been
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Serios corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48287
"letgotheo"  wrote:

"The aluminum panels appear to be seriously corroding beneath the paint finish causing paint blisters in some areas on both sides and the rear of the unit.  Worse yet there are a couple of very visible "quarter-sized" corrosion holes right through the aluminium, chiefly on the upper sides of the overhead berth portion of the motorhome. This corrosion goes clean through into what appears to be a wood substrate and has caused noticable water leakage and damage to the interior overhead corners and sides of the vinyl covered paneling around the upper berth and some of these interior spots are actually mushy where the paneling underneath has rotted."

Correcting the *obvious* damage to the panels and to the frame will be expensive, and there's no way to assess the extent of the dry rot in the frame until you start "digging".  From your description of the types of visible damage to at least three areas of this motorhome, it would seem very likely that you might expect some additional nasty ($$$) surprises when you "peeled" the rig.

IMO, this is a "beat feet" deal; looking for a rig without holes would be my choice!  ;-)

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Serious corrosion on '89 Laze Daze 22-footer
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48288
"The 1989 22 foot rear living room model Laze Daze I'm considering purchasing...has a potentially very serious problem...The aluminum panels appear to be seriously corroding...there are a couple of very visible 'quarter-sized' corrosion holes right through the aluminium...clean through into what appears to be a wood substrate and has caused noticable water leakage and damage...some of these interior spots are actually mushy where the paneling underneath has rotted."
 Teddy, I'd characterize this not as a "potential" problem, but as an actual problem. In fact, it's two problems, both of them serious. The corrosion you describe would be fixable if it only occurred in one or two spots, but from what you say, it's widespread...and there is probably even more of it than is obvious to the eye. A proper fix would involve replacing entire body panels, and that's very expensive.
 The consequences of the corrosion, water damage and dry rot, can also be repaired...but again, they are probably widespread. Dry rot in particular is often much worse than it appears on the surface. Again, repairs are likely to be very expensive.
 In short, this coach needs major work. A 1989 22' LD in good condition is worth perhaps $15,000, but the work needed to correct these problems could easily cost $6,000-$8,000 or more.
 In short, the only way this purchase would make sense is if you could get the coach for $5,000 or so...*and* were willing to spend a great deal of time and money on repairs.

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Serious corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48291
Quote
The 1989  22 foot rear living room model Laze Daze I'm considering purchasing from an original owner has a potentially very serious problem and I am seeking some insight from others who might be aware of the problem or are familiar with the best remedy and approximate cost to fix it.

The aluminum panels appear to be seriously corroding beneath the paint  finish causing paint blisters in some areas on both sides
and the rear of the  unit.  Worse yet there are a couple of very visible "quarter-sized" corrosion  holes right through the aluminium,

Teddy, what you are seeing is something called electrolosis. I haven't seen this issue discussed much on this message board, but I have seen a few rigs with it.

My understanding of what this issue is limited, but I think its the result of moisture leaking into the structure causing a  corrosive reaction between the aluminum skin and the metal fasteners behind the skin. The holes you see are probably the result of that corrosion.
Its almost like rust on a steel automobile.

Just my opinion, but I would avoid a unit like this. There is possibly rot in the wood frame as well. I doesn't matter how far the rig has been driven, it was probably a lack of maintenance that started the problem. My guess would be the seams around the windows leaked and started the process.

Hopefully someone with actual experience can shed some insight into this for you. Good luck.

Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Serios corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48294
Teddy,

I can't help you with the cause, I'm sure someone will comment.
 However, with the condition you describe, I would pass and look for a LD
Re: Serios corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48295
Quote
The 1989  22 foot rear living room model Laze Daze I'm considering purchasing from an original owner has a potentially very serious problem and I am seeking some insight from others who might be aware of the problem or are familiar with the best remedy and approximate cost to fix it.

--Teddy
Teddy, While I have no first hand experience, at least two members of our group have written of their experiences with similar problems. If you go to the home page, click on "searchable archives" and put in the word "electolysis" you'll find a lot of posts with this word. Or put in "Sactojlm" for his posts on his '86 LD. Sounds like he might also be in your neighborhood and you may be able to reach him directly.
Also search using "rseynaev" for their saga of mending Myrtle, thier '87 LD. I guess it all depends on how much the LD is selling for and how much you want to spend to save it. Good luck finding your LD. Mary
Re: Serious corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22 footer
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48299
Quote
...The aluminum panels appear to be seriously corroding beneath the paint finish causing paint blisters...
This condition can be caused by water first accumulating inside the coach wall, then eroding the aluminum by electrolysis from the inside out.
 Our group files section has a good guide to inspecting a used LD for water damage.  Look for "How do I shop for a used LD?" in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
 Restoring an LD with significant water damage is a lengthy, expensive project. Search the group archive for the word "Myrtle" to read one owner's story.  The archives are found at http://www.lazydazers.org/Yahoo/msg_display.php

--oryoki
 
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Serios corrosion on 89 Laze Daze 22
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 48327
Don't know for sure, of course, but someone at the factory told me that bubbling on the coach indicated water damage underneath. For me, that would signal a stay-away, and keep looking, unless it was a little spot on a storage door or something like that.

Sarah