Shade Update

[Eldergioe]

My wife and I have owned our 2019 Montana 3791 for about 8 months now. So far we put a new heat pump on repaired a couple of water damage spots and replaced our goofy Montana double shade blinds with these fantastic zebra blinds. I didn't know I'd have to be an RV mechanic going into this venture.

[Foldbak]

Well done and yep you'll be a pro in no time!

[Scootsk]

You can’t own an RV unless you are somewhat handy. Looks like you started okay. I do have one question, where is that floor rot and have you found out where the leak was that caused the issue?

[Eldergioe]

Two of the found leaks were in the main floor where the couch slide outs meet the floor. One leak was in front of the fireplace. It is on the rear wall of our camper. The other was under a window between the kitchen slide and the living room slide. I believe all of the leaks were window gasket failure. I put a bead of urea caulk around all of my windows. I believe the RV industry has failed when it comes to window gaskets and flooring that is not water repellent. I'm waiting on rain to see if my fixes were successful.

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by Eldergioe

My wife and I have owned our 2019 Montana 3791 for about 8 months now. So far we put a new heat pump on repaired a couple of water damage spots and replaced our goofy Montana double shade blinds with these fantastic zebra blinds. I didn't know I'd have to be an RV mechanic going into this venture.

Those slide out floors are made of that cheap particle board that absorb water like a sponge, then fall apart. I am beginning a similar project where water got into the corner of my slide and was held there by the darco on the bottom. I will cut out all the damaged wood and replace with some good plywood epoxy’d in, with aluminum flat bar screwed in over the seams where the plywood is attached to the particle board. I will put 4-5 coats of outdoor polyurethane on the bottom and 3-4 on the inside. Then I will put 3 coats along the back wall and sides of the remaining particle board while I have the carpet pulled up. This will hopefully protect the floor in case of another leak. I’m also re-caulking the windows with 3M marine silicone. I have used this on lots of boats and is much stronger and waterproof than regular silicone. This should hopefully eliminate any future leaks. What a pain in the you know what.

[jpwhite]

Any thoughts on using composite board such as Coosa or Azdel instead of plywood for such repairs?

[Eldergioe]

I'm not familiar with either of these, however I looked up Coosa and think it might work, but it's $300 a sheet. When I worked in New Orleans they had an infused 3/4 flooring material. As I remember it was OSB with a special coating. I have never seen it outside the coastal areas. I used exterior marine plywood and I'm hoping for the best. I think I have the leaks fixed.

[Kfinnert]

The use of marine ply board is an excellent idea and cheaper than the newer composite boards - I used marine boards for repairs on boats and to make water toys, such as skim boards. The toys lasted for years, and I think the boats are still floating!

Note - I used composite boards in home repairs, and it is expensive for what you get!

If you like to tinker, then owning an RV is the best way to spend your time and money! It is a box on wheels being drug down the road at 55 mph +!!! And, the education you gain is always worthwhile to share around the campfire, on these pages or over a brew of your choosing! Enjoy...

[DutchmenSport]

Good job on your repairs. And yes, you are quickly becoming an RV repair specialist! Soon, YOU can list your phone number in the Yellow Pages and hang your shingle... that is ..... IF you can break away long enough from your own repairs to do someone else's. You've just started a new career! Congratulations!

Happy camping! Nice job on the repairs!