Repairing Water Damaged RV Floor | Class C RV Renovation | RV with Tito
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- This was NOT part of the plan. After removing the old carpet and vinyl flooring in the RV, we found water damage under the refrigerator. I'll show you how I repaired the water damage so we could continue with our RV renovation.
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MORE ABOUT THIS RV WATER DAMAGE REPAIR
This video was originally going to be about installing new flooring. That changed as I started removing the old flooring. What I found under the old flooring may make you gasp.
As I removed the vinyl under the refrigerator, what I saw was rotted damp plywood. This may be a nightmare situation for most. After a quick examination of the problem area, I figured I’d try and fix it myself. I knew it would be difficult, but certainly doable.
Here are the general steps to repair the water damaged RV floor:
(1) Cut the plywood floor beyond the damaged area (just short of the thickness of the ½” plywood)
(2) Remove any bolts and brackets that pass through the floor
(3) Pry up the remainder of the damaged plywood down to the insulation and metal framing
(4) Clean the area of all debris and corrosion
(5) Cut a new piece of plywood the same thickness as the subfloor removed
(6) Glue the new plywood down with construction adhesive
(7) Replace the bolts and brackets removed previously
(8) Place weights on the surface while the glue dries
(9) Smooth out any rough edges with a wood plane or sander
(10) Fill any gaps with sealant
(11) Install new flooring
(12) Stand back and admire your handywork
#rvwithtito #rvrepair #rvrenovation
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in our videos are our own or from a contributor. Before taking on any project or making a large purchase, we recommend you do your own research and consult a professional for advice. We are NOT liable for any damage to your RV or injury incurred as a result of following our tips, advice or instructions. We are not RV professionals or certified technicians. We are simply RV owners who work on our own RVs and have a desire to share what we learn with others. Be responsible and know your limits.
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Thank you Tito for sharing so much with the RV community. You are truly a treasure for RVers. I did NOT read through the other comments on your sub-floor repair job so maybe this has been discussed. I see that after you removed the rotten portion of the half-inch sub-floor around the fridge, the remainder of the original sub-floor was no longer supported by the adjacent steel beam. Being a critic (constructive criticism here) I kindly suggest you add a disclaimer to advise your viewers to locate the supporting steel and cut the sub-floor to overlap that steel beam by 3/4". This way both the original floor and new floor are supported properly. The way you cut it, the original 1/2" sub-floor will flex when stepping near your cut. I don't know how you finished the floor, but a laminate or wood floor over the repaired area would surely minimize or eliminate any such flexing. But a new sheet vinyl, vinyl tile, or ceramic tile floor would be present quite a problem. To locate the steel beam under the floor, hammer thin finish nails into the flooring. You know you hit steel when it stops after a half-inch. Again, thank you for all your contributions. Ron Dittmer
Thanks for the great instructional video. My lady and I just started renovating our first rv/trailer and ran into the same problem but like x10. This video really gave me a boost of confidence that we can fix this no problem!
It is rare that whenever renovating you don't discover a problem that needs to be addressed. Particle board does not do well when water touches it. Good choice using treated plywood for the repair. RV manufacturers should start using that for all flooring. I loose half a dozen pencils on every project. I see you have conquered that dilemma. As always your repair was rock solid. Can't wait to see what you have chosen for the new flooring. Happy renovating, Lou
Thanks Lou. You're right "you never know what you're gonna get ~ Forrest Gump's Momma"
RVs are made from the inside outward. I went to RV maker in Texas quite ingenious. Which makes repairs so awesome. Creativity is needed. To jerryrig things. No right or wrong. Affordability is key. I live in my standard RV 24/7 and everyday and change of weather is a challenge but fun only in hindsight. Heat is always a factor. Home Depot is great for easy to install window unit air conditioner. Great price and name brands.
Hi Brian and Melissa! We also have to repair water damaged subflooring. I still have to repair some roof leaks before taking care of the water damaged flooring. Found some potential water incursion areas that were not visible with the flooring and carpeting in place. We are removing all the carpet and going with self-stick vinyl tiling. I hope the road noise does not increase too much. Still have to gut the tiny bathroom. Thanks for the video.
Nice video. No wasted time with lengthy explanations of the history etc; Well done.
RV mfg should not be allowed that crappy chip board for floors. Most RV's will develop a leak at some point. This is the core, the base on which everything else is built on. They should use nothing less than marine grade plywood. It's like building a house on 2x4 wood foundation, it just wouldn't be acceptable. But that's what you get with an unregulated industry.
Even a slighly higher grade plywood would be better and stronger.
Agreed. Just thrown together.
True, mine is only 6 years old and has a soft spot by one of the doors and the storage compartment floor is totally rotted out on one side already, granted I did buy it used but still it’s only 6yrs old!!! :(
My 2011 Cougar had a bad leak in the galley, long after it dried we have a soft floor now all around, time to rip it up and put in marine grade, Keystone is one of the worst rv makers!
RV with Tito DIY Pressure weather treated wood is what should be used.
Excellent video, Brian! Very informative, and thanks for sticking in there to show us how to do it right!
Thanks Phil! You got lucky and were able to watch it early :) It's going to be released on Sunday morning.
@@RVwithTito I was wondering! I tried to find it after I watched it and share it with my brother, and it was nowhere to be found! We are both big fans, and consider ourselves lucky EVERY time you post!
Great outcome to a common problem with RVs. I did 2 major water damage repairs in 2018, one is on video. I then sold that, my new 5r will be delivered this coming Friday.
Always enjoy seeing your projects and admire your work and editing skills. That's one heck of a pencil!!
Ooh new 5r. Exciting. Yes...mega pencil :)
Brian, you are so amazingly smart. Your work is so well thought out and extremely neat. You should have your own TV Series! (This is beside the point) even your editing skills for your videos are outstanding! You even play your own intro song! I’m sorry but your are truly amazing! I hope your family really appreciates you and all you do. Thanks so much for sharing all your knowledge and adventures with us! Of course I’m always excited when you post a new video! Wishing you both happy and safe travels.
Thanks for those kind words. If it's ok with you, I'll forward this to my family :) Safe travels to you as well.
Please cover what you plan to do to prevent future water intrusion. Marine ply is great but stop the water at its source. One way is to find a way to make any incoming water spray to drain to the ground. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
I don't know if someone has already commented on this yet. That particular area you had the floor rot has a hose that goes from the refrigerator has a hose that is supposed to hang out of the side of the vent. It releases any condensation that your refrigerator creates. If it is dislodged it can leak into the flooring causing the floor rot. That's exactly where mine rotted out. You end up with a steady slow drip, perfect storm.
Another job well done. I know you do a lot of boon docking camping but it might be time to replace that fridge with a Samsung or a Haier refrigerator. Then you could seal up that big rain intake on the out side. Another idea before you put in the new floor is to water seal the wood base first. The OSB flooring is a sponge as you found out, seal it up and give your self a fighting chance against water damage. Looking forward to the next video.
Thanks for the tip. I'll probably put down a moisture barrier prior to installing the flooring. About the fridge. Unfortunately, I'd rather have a propane fridge instead of one that needs to be powered 24/7 and draws 130 - 150 Ah per day. We're rarely connected to shore power.
@@RVwithTito Samsung and Haier are low power draw and with all your batteries and solar you'll be in good shape. Eventually that fridge is going to give up, the replacements are not like the one's we had 10 years ago. Their worse.
@@RVwithTito We had to replace our refrigerator this summer and replaced it with propane. I like the propane also. Right after that... we had a leak... not from the re-fridge but from our hot water tank. My husband had to cut a 3x4 square out of the sub floor and put 2x 4 down for extra strength before putting the greenply down. Probably should of made a video of it but did not..
Glad I found your video. First time RV owner, and running into a problem with every aspect of the structure and systems (1990 Winnebago). This was a very helpful x-ray into the beginning of my journey of tearing up the floor due to water damage and using materials with longevity on the repair. Thank you.
We had the same problem with our old carpet. The old exposed carpet was gold colored, but when we removed the couch, we found that the carpet was actually BLUE! Mr Sunshine really did a number on the carpet. Keep up the good work! It's fun to watch.
Blue to gold. Holy cow! That must have been a head scratcher. Lol
I'm always amazed at your precision, and your bottomless pit of tools for every job.
I've learned through the years the the right tool can make a huge difference.
WOW! the boss makes a rare appearance
Yes. There she is. You just never know she'll pop in :)
I loved the pencil search for the 1 ft pencil. Hard to find in the work area no matter how big. Been there, done that.
Found this video researching floor repair and found out that many Dometic fridges have drain tubes on the back that fall apart and let the water from the defroster drip to the floor instead of out that louvered vent. Rotted floors near the fridge is very common. Check that drain tube!
Yes. I have my drain tube sticking out of the vent.
Ok. I loved the giant pencil🧐No matter the size, they are still hard to find. So funny. Thanks for sharing.
When it comes to pencils, size matters. 😄
Yup. Haven't lost that one yet :)
That's pretty funny..
I enjoy your vlogs! Like that u show the details and how to do it right, not just jerryrig it together!
Glad to have you following along. Thanks!
You got woodpeckers inside the RV! Than long pencil move was out of these world. Good job with this repair. The things that impress me the most about you is your creative problem solving skills. Your handy skills and the arsenal of tools that you have.
WHAPOW!!! Giant pencil. Glad you enjoyed that Jorge. Hehe. My philosophy - Every project needs a new tool. Though I didn't have to buy anything on this project besides plywood and steel.
Good thing you found that water damage before it got any worse. If you don't have an oscillating tool you should get one, it might have made getting that old sub flooring up a little easier. Nice job on the repair, I don't think I would have attempted that right where the slide is at knowing that I would probably screw something up and it would cost me a fortune having it done over again correctly.
Thanks! You're right. That tool would have worked great for that. I'm always looking at those wondering if I need one. Maybe I do.
Hi Brian! Thanks for this video. I have a similar problem in my RV and so happy to see your work method here. You have the only video I could find that has a slide out involved. I'm going to start hacking up floor very soon.
Great job! I'm afraid that would have been above my pay grade but you didn't let it stop you. Always impressed with the level of detail of your work.
Thanks! I'm always willing to push the limits a little.
Thanks for posting this. I also have an 2008 four winds 5000 RV, and have an issue with water coming in from the wheel well underneath my fridge. This video was what I needed to tackle the problem. I have enjoyed all of your videos, and the channel has become one of my regulars that I enjoy watching. Thanks again.
Glad it helped! Good luck with the repair.
You are so handy! We just finished our first year in our 98 pacearrow, starting complete renovations this winter, your videos are always my first place to look for guidance
That is awesome!
A big PLUS ONE for not giving up! I would have gone for a beer long ago. lol
Your inventiveness and resourcefulness are amazing.
Never give up, never surrender! Looks great to me and I have repaired a few RV floors. Eventually...most RV owners have to do something similar or...sell the rig. It was good to see your "better half". Thanks for the videos!
Not giving up and not selling. Every RV deserves a second chance...well maybe no every RV.
Great job! the only thing I would add is putting a moisture barrier plastic over it so when water gets on it, the subfloor is not damaged.
you never know what you will find under rv flooring . You were lucky to have found it before it became a major mold/rot problem . Very good job .I always enjoy learning from you , the videos are always extremely good.
Thanks! I agree. I'm glad we decided to remove the vinyl. I wouldn't have known otherwise.
Awesome fix...nice and clean and proper.
thank you, I have a water damage spot on my Class A at the rear water filling port. This gives me a great place to start.
Great. It'll be time consuming, but you got this.
You have some great skills Brian! One of my biggest fears is water intrusion and I do not know about it. Good you were able to get the sub-floor repaired. Great series. Thanks for sharing your reno experiences.
As much as I try to prevent it...it still happens. The best approach is to keep the RV under cover as much as possible.
Brian you have gone into uncharted territory for me... Watching with great anticipation
If I only had a map.
Haha, I love the whip crack sound effect. I’ve seen it in both of your flooring videos and something about it is just perfect each time. This has been very informative. Thanks!
Haha. Glad you picked up on those :)
Your channel sure has a lot of great information, Brian, and I really like the way you present things.
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for that feedback.
Hey Tito! You still out there? Man I like your style and your “not gonna let it whip me” spirit.
Yeah. Still here fixin broke stuff :)
I must admit I enjoyed seeing that repair. Better you than me.
It was an experience for sure.
@@RVwithTito you are seeing areas in your unit that I truly hope to never, ever, see in mine.
Are you going to add any heat vents? That's my next project.
Great job! The only thing I would have done different would be to have at least primed that bare metal.
Yes. I should have. Oops. Hopefully it stays nice and dry now.
Thank you for this. Very useful. Nice job on the replacement. Your thoroughness is inspiring. It’ll be a help when I do mine coming up.
My son will need this video.
I had some water damage recently professionally repaired and taken care of by my insurance company. However, after getting the trailer back, I discovered two soft spots in the floor that were apparently overlooked. I've debated called the insurance company back and fighting to get them taken care of. However, after watching your video, I feel confident that I'll be able to take care of them myself without too much trouble. Thanks!
Good luck. Glad it was helpful.
It just gets better with each episode. Outstanding work ethics. Did Murphy give you that pencil?
No I had to hit Murphy over the head with that pencil.
Thanks Tito. I'm about to attack a rear corner next to the bed and under a cabinet. Tight squeeze. Your video has helped pave the way. Here we go.😖😉
Awesome. Glad to help. Good luck!
Thanks for showing us the problems you encountered and how you fixed them. But, what are you going to do about the source of the water? Good idea to plane the wood gaps. Clever use of the hole saw to create a recessed place for washer and bolt head.
Looked more like a Forstner bit than a hole saw.
I'm going to modify the inside of those vents somehow to prevent water intrusion but still allow heat to escape. I've got a couple ideas in the works. Yeah a forstner bit works well as a large counter sink tool.
Bennington Camper Yup. That’s what it is called. I couldn’t think of Forstner AND drink my coffee so I picked coffee. Thanks!
I think HardieBacker or wonderboard would have been a better choice than marine grade plywood because that doesn't absorb water like wood does but you still made a good choice.
RV factory should be ashamed,not even glue under the floor, staple, staple,staple, The whole RV made of staple , I could cry
Watching this only gives you glimsp at Staples. When I started my flooring after watching this o my it's like those Staples are end to end. They put the S in STAPLES. I could not believe my eyes.
The RV industry is comprised of some of the most shameless hacks of any “trade”, and I use that term very loosely in relation to them. They are constructing absolute junk.
Excellent job! You were lucky to find the problem and get it fixed before it got any worse. With my luck, the slide would fall out or something! Your RV will be better than new when you finish.
Love the giant pencil. This was just the vid I needed to prepare to deal with floor rot on my 96 Winnebago. Thanks
Glad it helped! That's a pencil that's hard to lose :)
You are amazing and skilled. We learn so much watching your videos. It would be helpful if you would pan around work area occasionally. Zoom out to show large area. Would have loved to see whole area when installing new chairs. Instead of chairs only. Thank you keep up good work!
Thanks for the feedback. Usually lots of stuff everywhere behind the camera. I'm constantly shuffling things around to keep the work area clear. I do share some behind the scenes photos and video with Patreon and UA-cam supporters.
Thank you- I am currently working on replacing the subfloor in one of my slides, it is no picnic. I plan to rip up the carpet and replace it with vinyl in the whole rig next. I'll be looking forward to that video when I get to that part of the project.
You have inspired us to replace our sofa as well and will be taking that job on as soon as we can. We are a lot older than you so it takes me a lot longer. I hope I don't find water damage when I take up the floor. You are a much better wood butcher than I am and my job will not look as good as yours did. That new floor covering you have picked out will be stronger and keep any moisture that gets on the floor from the inside from getting to the sub. I don't think you plan on putting it under the slider but it would help protect that area as well. Now you have me wondering about the drain area of my refrigerator to make sure I am not having the same problems. Still working on the valances. Thanks.
Well done!
I am dealing with this exact problem right now except for I don't have a slide out (thankfully!). This video has helped me a lot in my research for my own DIY. Thank you!
You're welcome! Certainly makes it easier not having a slide.
I love what has been done so far. I can't wait until I can see the floor when it is done. I agree with you on keeping the flooring all one type from bathroom to the front. If I had a RV to remodel I would buy that Linoleum that has a wood floor design on it & put throw rugs in from of the recliners & sink. That Linoleum is sold at a good price at Home Depot & Lowes. Til next video, keep up the outstanding work on the remodel.
That's what we're doing. Going with wood-looking vinyl plank flooring from Lowes. That's coming in the next update. Pretty exciting.
Excellent work as always
Thank you so much 😀
Nice work, I have a similar situation to work on, but mine includes a bundle of wires coming through the floor, that feed the slide motor and entertainment right in the outside corner of the slide, which I am sure is responsible for water getting to the wood floor. But what you did gave some idea of what to use and how to use it. Thank you for the great video.
Nice work! It’s going to look so beautiful 😀
I think so too. We're pretty excited for the changes.
You're amazing Brian, there's nothing you can't do!
That's nice of you. There are a lot of things you can't do until you can. I heard someone defined "old age" as when you stop trying to learn new things. Never gonna happen :)
Great job on the floor. There always seem to a separate project when we start a project. Nice Job, perseverance my good man ! You didn’t let it throw you. I know its going to look great.
Nice job Brian. I like watching your craftsmanship at work. I look forward to watching more of this series.
Great finishing
Awesome clean work and very professional.
Thanks! My wife would not approve if it wasn't :)
Those are called "elevator bolts" they use to bolt the wood floor down..
News to me. Thanks!
Thank you for such a great video. I am currently working on repairin a hole in the floor of my toy hauler, where the tire fell through.
Yikes! Good luck.
Brian vs water damaged sub-flooring, the ultimate RV remodel challenge. Who will win this epic showdown? Will it be the floor with it's glue tight grip or will it be Brian with his sheer determination and pry bar? And the winner is....Brian!
I can just hear the "In a world..." deep voice movie trailer guy reading your comment. Love it!
If you’ve ever done serious repairs on an Rv, you’ll know that job you did wasn’t easy as you made it look. You did a great job and I’m glad you left it better than the way you found it.
Yeah...not a fun job for sure, but I'm liking the result. Thanks for the nod.
Nice quality workmanship
Nice job on the repair! Always love when something works better than it did before! Cheers!
I do a lot of remodeling and you did a nice job with this project so far! At least you had chip board, as many have particle board and you would have had a really nice mess!
Good video good info we had a situation where the floor of our RV got a little soft throughout we went in from underneath and bolted in steel angle iron under the whole feels like new again
That would do it. I've used steel angle iron to reinforce my battery compartment. Solid.
although my repair is different, you totally gave me a great idea to fix mine........thanks!!
Great! Hope you were able to get it done.
Awesome repair! Good choice with pressure treated wood and stainless steel bolts and nuts.
Thanks! There are a lot of those rusty bolts under the RV. I wish they used those throughout.
Way better than OEM!
Leave it better than you found it...I'm going with that :)
I would use some primer paint on the steel you can glue plywood down All Well good job
Yeah. I should have. I have some too. Darn. Maybe next time...hope there isn't one.
Good looking plywood. Maybe that should be your new floor.
It probably could be nice if sanded down. At first glance, Melissa thought that was the flooring because we're going with a darker floor.
never easy is it? Do you ever worry about hitting electrical? That's my worry in the walls anyway...
Good ingenuity as usual, thanks for sharing! Always enjoy your videos
No too concerned about electrical in the floor. I've run a lot of wire and know where most of the wiring is in the RV. I use an inexpensive borescope to look inside the walls to see what's in there. That's very helpful. When I cut the floor I set the saw blade to just under 1/2" so I wouldn't hit anything (like metal framing).
Good solution for the slide.
I think so too. It was easier than I thought.
Nice work very professional!
Brian , I like what you did. I just agree with Lee that I would od used primer for the bare metal. Keep it going.
The best video you’ve done. Your wife’s intro, brilliant to the point. Then there was action of all you did with the least talking of all your videos. A bit of talking at the start and at the finish is ok. But during the work, no!
Thanks for that feedback. It really helps. I've been trying out that format for these project videos of more show, less talk and I think it's working well.
RV with Tito DIY it’s not easy to do. But I’d agree it’s much better. Keep up the good work. And thanks for sharing. Hope you passed on feedback to your wife 😃
Bravo!...Amazingly filmed and will be so appreciated by many Tito. I did a similar project before you put up this video and gleefully anticipating to hear someone else do the job and say how NOT fun it was.
Usually the NOT fun projects are the ones you learn the most from. Thanks for the feedback!
Nice Job!
Thanks!
Lot of work taking up the rotted floor but you did a good job. Why didn't you paint all the expose metal frame after you cleaned it up? Looking good isn't important but preventing future rust is IMO. Good luck with keeping out the water.
Yeah. I should of done that. Forgot. Hopefully it's sealed up enough to prevent moisture. Thanks.
WOWZERS !!!! Awesome video !!👏
GADZOOKS! Thanks :)
You do great work. You should do RV upgrades for a living. I would like theater seating and a wood floor in my Tiffin.
Very good job, nice work.
I'm pretty happy with it too. Thanks!
Nice work Brian! I don't know much about it but it seems that plywood would be a much better subfloor than that waferboard.
Excellent Repair Job!!. Great Re-Model Series!!
Great repair!
Thanks. I'm glad it turned out ok.
When in the bathroom, if you have to pull the stool, show lots of detail. I may have to pull mine. Thanks for the great videos.
Well done my friend. Looks fantastic.
Thanks Jared! Now I can move forward again. It's super bowl sunday. Did you get your couch in?
I did get it in. You’re right about the RecPro couch raising the comfort level in the RV. It is even better than we thought, time to enjoy the game today!
@@JaredGillis Awesome. Good job. I've got to go clean up my junk in the RV before gametime. Getting ready for flooring part 2.
Love the pencil! LOL
Me too :)
great series so far. thanks for sharing!
cant wit to see the finished product!
We're getting there. Thanks for watching!
Great job, lol on the pencil part. I in joy your videos. Can’t wait to see the next one.
:) on the pencil. Glad you liked it.
Great job, I would have done the same thing. Construction is a little different in mine, it is a solid one piece sitting on top of the frame .
OSB flooring... Yuck! Nice Repair, Good Work.
Belt sander does wonders as well.. Looks like you do nice work..,👍