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Topic: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage? (Read 295 times) previous topic - next topic
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Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Hi Folks!  Newbie RV'er here...never owned, but about to purchase a 2002 LD 30TB - going to look at it on Saturday.  I have researched and gone over the photos as much as I can and I think I spotted something in a mirror.  It appears to be water damage under a window.  Is this a major red flag - 1) it wasn't in the actual photo (found in a mirror in a photo) and 2) is this a deal breaker or can it be repaired DYI?  We would appreciate any tips, suggestions, or comments regarding buying this RV or a used LD and what we should look for and ask the owner. Thanks!
Tom & Sonya
Trying to Achieve a Simpler Life
Re: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Reply #1 –
Quote from: slhmatt  - 
Hi Folks!  Newbie RV'er here...never owned, but about to purchase a 2002 LD 30TB - going to look at it on Saturday.  I have researched and gone over the photos as much as I can and I think I spotted something in a mirror.  It appears to be water damage under a window.  Is this a major red flag - 1) it wasn't in the actual photo (found in a mirror in a photo) and 2) is this a deal breaker or can it be repaired DYI?  We would appreciate any tips, suggestions, or comments regarding buying this RV or a used LD and what we should look for and ask the owner. Thanks!

Can you attach the photo? Without seeing what you think is water damage, it would be hard for anyone to make that call.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Reply #2 –
Does the area under the window feel soft?
My favorite tool for inspecting for rot damage is an ice pick.
Solid wood will resist it, rotted wood is penetrated easily.

Is it fixable depends on where it is located and how extensive it is.
It can get very involved. Ads were never designed to be taken apart.
I suggest a return trip to look... with an ice pick in your back pocket.

Window leaks are not uncommon in 10+ year old rigs.
As the rig ages, the window sealant dries and shrinks, forming a channel on the top of the window, where water can sit.
Older rigs should've their windows resealed when the channel become obvious.
After cleaning and masking around the perimeter of the window frame, I use 3M 5200 FastCure polyurethane.
Window and seam sealing | Flickr
Seal the top and sides only, leaving the bottom open to allow any water than does enters an escape route .

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Reply #3 –
If its the one in Florida it looks like the rear passenger side window has been leaking by the looks of the wall paper and the only way to know for sure is to go see it. I also noticed the paint has faded on the passenger side pretty bad and they used to tow something with it.
2009 Kodiak 32 foot Island Bed
Re: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Reply #4 –
Unless an owner of a 2002 can send you a PDF of the specs for that model year, the only place that I know of to get the information is the Techsnoz message board; this is the site link:

Yahoo! Groups

One has to subscribe to use the message board; the site owner, Terry, has not been active on the board for some time, but one could try.

To see links to all the PDFs on the site, click on the "Files" tab; scroll to "2002 Lazy Daze Specs" for the particular information on that model year.

Be very cautious about buying a rig with suspected water damage; often, what is immediately visible is just the tip of the iceberg!  This is a link to a comprehensive inspection checklist:

RV Inspection Checklist
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Reply #5 –
Depending on your location, Menards (like Lowe's) has a two-pin moisture meter for $13.  While it's not a rot detector like the ice pick (which is the best tool for the job) it can tell you whether the area is currently wet, and to what degree.  At $13, it's not a high-precision instrument, but would be useful when comparing known-dry wood (say an internal cabinet or seat frame) to the wood/paneling you suspect is damp. 

Often taking a picture can reveal or exaggerate discolorations you may overlook with the naked eye.

Whether it's a deal-killer is up to you.  Definitely a deal-adjuster, though.  No harm in taking to a reputable RV shop and getting an estimate, then using that for negotiation.  Don't have to use them in the end, but at least you'll have a baseline.  It won't be cheap, and results vary widely depending on skill of craftsmen.  Often personal care in doing it right yourself eclipses RV shop credentials.
2000 Front Lounge
Re: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Reply #6 –
Sorry - Here is the photo - notice the window in the mirror - bottom right corner in photo (left side in reality).
Tom & Sonya
Trying to Achieve a Simpler Life
Re: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Reply #7 –
We haven’t physically seen the RV yet, so thank you for all the suggestions. Will definitely be taking along an ice pick and hopefully a moisture detector. Would there be concern, other than looks, for a faded paint job? Also, we plan to tow, but that was brought up as something to consider in a previous post. We are hiring a RV mechanic/inspector to check it out for negotiation and before we make a final offer :)
Tom & Sonya
Trying to Achieve a Simpler Life
Re: Is this what I think it is...Water Damage?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: slhmatt  - 
Sorry - Here is the photo - notice the window in the mirror - bottom right corner in photo (left side in reality).

That definitely looks like water damage to me.
How bad, to be determined.
Also inspect the inside corners of the overhead bunk, looking under the mattress for signs of leakage.
Check the roof seals, if there are screw heads protruding, it needs to be resealed.
The Factory charges 2-3K for this, you can DIY this for less than $200, in materials, including resealing the windows.

Smart move on having a professional inspection, a few hundred dollar upfront can save you thousands in unexpected repairs.
Anything this old can have all sorts of hidden issues.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze