Major slide out repair

BuzzDoc

Senior Member
RV LIFE Pro
Joined
Apr 24, 2022
Messages
107
Location
Eau Claire
I posted previously on my 2016 Thor Windsport 34f slide out roller ski gouges and decided to take it to dealer for inspection. Turns out the slide floor has water damage and the subfloor has gotten spongy and cannot support the slide. Top also has water damage from split seams in vinyl cover.

Cause is unknown. No washer/dryer. Maybe slow leak from city water connection for the bottom and the seams for the top.

They are working up a quote so I thought I would take the opportunity to ask the forum for advice.

I bought it for 90k and have spent 100s of hours in upgrades to the tune of another 20k. When is enough enough? If the repairs cost 20k is it better to just sell it as is at a steep discount and move on or swallow the pill and fix it?

If I fix it what should I ensure gets done while they have the whole slide out and the tops and floor replaced.

It’s my first RV and I know that if I had known then what I know now I would have gotten something different but I also know that if I bail now and do that I will just wind up putting more money into a different rig.

I expect the answer to the question will depend on everyone’s risk/benefit analysis but I’d appreciate the opinions of those that have faced a similar situation.
 
First the cause:
It may be a little leak from a window, a leak from the slide corner trims or simply condensation from low temperatures....
The aluminum frame is a wonderful heat transfer device so you will notice if you camp on cold weather that water will condensate at the wall/corners where the aluminum frame is and depending on outside temperatures and how many people are on board that can be significant.
Once the water gets into the floor it is somewhat difficult to get out since the floor is covered with a "water barrier" that keeps the moisture there.

If I was you I would bite the bullet and pay to have it fixed and the reason is purely $$$.
Unless you are willing to sell the coach and don't say anything to the next person :nonono:, you already invested $20K on it and if you disclose the problem, you will have to "pay" for the fixing by discounting the selling price so that $ is going away anyway....
Plus, your next rig will need the same(?) improvements you already did to your current rig so more $$$....

Pay to have it properly fixed, keep an eye on the caulking/sealant everywhere and go modifying/fixing what you find.
 
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I posted previously on my 2016 Thor Windsport 34f slide out roller ski gouges and decided to take it to dealer for inspection. Turns out the slide floor has water damage and the subfloor has gotten spongy and cannot support the slide. Top also has water damage from split seams in vinyl cover.

Cause is unknown. No washer/dryer. Maybe slow leak from city water connection for the bottom and the seams for the top.

They are working up a quote so I thought I would take the opportunity to ask the forum for advice.

I bought it for 90k and have spent 100s of hours in upgrades to the tune of another 20k. When is enough enough? If the repairs cost 20k is it better to just sell it as is at a steep discount and move on or swallow the pill and fix it?

If I fix it what should I ensure gets done while they have the whole slide out and the tops and floor replaced.

It’s my first RV and I know that if I had known then what I know now I would have gotten something different but I also know that if I bail now and do that I will just wind up putting more money into a different rig.

I expect the answer to the question will depend on everyone’s risk/benefit analysis but I’d appreciate the opinions of those that have faced a similar situation.

When you no longer enjoy what you have.
Sometimes you think the greener grass of a different MH may increase your enjoyment but you have your eyes wide open to the possibilities of repairs and mods to "make it your own" which may detract from your enjoyment.

I know with the work I have done to our MH to make it to our liking I would hate to start over again with another MH.

But you really need to get that quote (and timeline) to be able to make your decision.

You may also need to get a trade-in value as is from the repairing dealer. Sometimes that is the path of least resistance.
 
May have found the floor leak

I think the slide out trim along the bottom is the culprit. Inspecting it closer yesterday revealed the screws all rusted and I know when I bought it 2 years ago the lower trim had a large gap that someone kept putting more caulk in and I did the same as of course it never stayed sealed. Its loose along the whole bottom but wider at the rear where the worst damage is.


Has anyone replaced their slide out trim/gaskets with something more robust than the OEM trim?
 
We are having an issue with water on the floor by the couch in our 2021 Thor Miramar as well and think it's the slide and the trim. Question for you, what did you do about the floor damage you had?
 
Repairs

I did not detect the water damage until it was too late. I was putting in the slide for winter storage and noted the metal plates that glide over the rollers on the bottom of the slide were compressing into the bottom which indicates the boards were wet and water logged.

So. I had to remove the entire slide and replace the floor and membrane and new metal plates. When the slide topper was removed I discovered the upper membrane had deteriorated and allowed water to enter the slide walls.

I’ve taped and caulked went potential point of water entry and replaced the slide topper which also was showing its age.

Hopefully you don’t have this level of damage. Once you have determined where the leaks are occurring and sealed them you need to assess the walls and floors both inside and outside the slide with a moisture meter and have a professional check the walls for soundness. If you know what to listen for you can tap the walls and hear the difference between solid and soft would. If you can feel a sponginess to any area you defiantly have damage.
 
I agree with ACE... you don't have all the information needed to make a good decision.

Are you still up for RV adventures?
IF your current rig were in good repair, does it fit your travel style?
If not, exactly what RV would fit you better... and would it be new or used?

Get the firm quote. Then based on the answers to the above questions you could negotiate a trade... OR have it repaired on your dime and enjoy it! Only YOU can decide those answers. The nuclear option is to just negotiate a cash deal, take the loss and walk away.

Remember... the bottom basically fell out of the new market on larger rigs... so keep that in mind and be prepared to take your existing NEWLY REPAIRED rig and enjoy!
 

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