[A/S] Leaks?

["Mr. Joy H. Hansen" <joytbrew@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi All,

The rain here in Southern Virginia is continuing and makes it difficult to
get things done with my Safari.  However, I can stand the cold for a few
hour stints and I'm making progress.  I've patched much of the bathroom
floor including that under the water heater - rot caused by long term water
and battery acid?  I removed about 6 inches of the inner skin to get at the
screws and bolts that hold the aluminum "U" channel to the floor.  That is,
to take them out and reinstall them.  Unfortunately, many of the bolts and
screws consisted of just the head of the fastener!  The posts on finding and
repairing the source of leaks is timely and very useful for my restoration.

It prompts a posting of my observation on leaks and the location of the
damage to the floor.  For example, the water heater cutout removes the
aluminum "U" channel and leaves the cut ends open.  Water entering anywhere
to the inside of the outer skin will be directed to the inner skin or follow
the ribs to the "U" channel.  It's my opinion that the water will run down
hill :)  and pass onto and into the floor where ever there is a break in the
channel.  Another location is the cut out for the door.  Water entering the
channel anywhere along the front or sides can run to the end of the cutout
for the door - rots the floor!  A/S also cut the channel and bent a tab to
the inside for some purpose that I don't really understand.  At each of
these tab locations, another access for water into the floor.  Whew, it's a
wonder that any A/S at 31 years young have a floor at all and that the shell
hasn't lifted off the frame.  What makes A/S floor rot so ominous is that
the surface floor tile hides the rot!

The outside leaks that  flow to the floor through the trim strips in the
front and rear are serious and won't have obvious damage at first.  I guess
the first thing that's noticed is that the battery drops into the holding
tank housing. :)

I found that the window frame seal, not the gasket between the hull and the
window frame, can leak at the corners.  This allows the window sill to fill
with water.  Depending on the level of the unit, water will run down hill.
:)

Anyway, this novice is making an observation that A/S maintenance with caulk
should not stop with just the roof.  Most likely well known to most A/Sers,
but some newbees like myself might be interested.  Some of my comments are
intentionally tongue in cheek to bring some humor to shut in RVers.

                                                  '69 Safari, Joy