6 Steps On What To Do With A Water Damaged Camper Trailer

When the RV breaks, the adventure stops. Here’s what to do with a water damaged camper trailer so the fun will continue!

A recreational vehicle is a good investment that will bring convenience to our lives. Travelling can often cause exhaustion but having your own camper trailer makes travels relaxing. What is more convenient than having the comfort of your home wherever you go, right?

what to do with a water damaged camper trailer

 

Repairing A Water Damaged RV

When your camper gets damaged by water, there is nothing else you can think of but find ways to fix it. Read through the things you can do to save your precious vehicle.

 

Step #1. Locate the source of water damage

The first thing you should do, no matter what the problem, is to find the cause. In your RV, check for leaks in the whole area. When you see soft, wrinkled, and discolored spots, take them as a sign that water and moisture are not properly kept out.

When you have located the source, fix it as immediately as possible so no further damage will occur. It is also important that you inspect your camper regularly, especially during wet and rainy seasons. Always check if there is water damage on the camper ceiling or water damage within the camper walls since these areas are your utmost protectors from harmful external conditions.

 

Step #2. Clean out the RV

As you dry out your camper, clean the area thoroughly to avoid extensive staining. It can also be an opportunity to have an in-depth assessment of the damage.

 

Step #3. Get rid of damaged parts

When areas of damage are identified, the next step is to remove them. It will help in stopping the spread of damage. A damp environment is a paradise for mold growth, so removing them immediately is a good idea.

 

Step #4. Remove mold growth

In most cases, you can remove mold growth with just a part of bleach mixed with four parts of water. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle, and spray directly in areas of damage.

Let it soak for a while before scrubbing. In severe cases, you might need to use a chemical solution to kill mold.

 

Step #5. Dry the camper thoroughly

There are several ways you can dry your damaged RV. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and a blower until you are sure the vehicle is completely free of moisture.

 

Step #6. Replace the damaged areas

The last thing you will have to do is to replace all damaged parts. As much as possible, invest in quality parts. It may cost more, but it will last longer, prevent extensive damage, and save you from repair costs.

 

Effectively Drying The RV After Water Damage

A camper trailer with water leaks can cause damage, especially to the floor. Drying it out will require sufficient time, but here are some ways to make the process efficient.

 

Use a dehumidifier

It was a debate to a lot of people whether a dehumidifier could be placed in a camper.  Well, you can actually put it near the wet floor so it will quickly dry out. You just have to make sure that it is safely positioned without the risk of falling over.

A dehumidifier will not only dry the floor but will also be helpful in keeping out mildew and mold. As it requires a sufficient amount of energy to work, you must carefully plan how and when you’ll run it.

 

Place a fan inside your RV

A fan will help in drying out the floor of your camper. Just position it depending on where the wet area is. If the damage is too much, a fan may not work, and you will need to find something that will fry the floor quickly.

 

Ensure proper ventilation

This step is very important, except if you are doing the work in a region with high humidity. When drying out the RV floor, make sure to open the doors, windows, and roof vents to allow air to flow inside. If the weather is cold, then ventilation is not possible.

 

Use a blower to dry out underbelly areas

There are areas in a camper that you cannot reach easily, like holes for electrical and water lines. For such areas, you will need to use a blower which is typically used to dry out carpets.

 

Apply absorbents

Along with thick towels and other absorbent materials, you can also make use of a wet vacuum cleaner to get rid of water. Doing this will help for faster drying.

 

How much is too much damage?

This question is tricky because the answer depends on how much money and time you are willing to spend on the restoration. You will know whether the repair is worth it or not by identifying the source and extent of the damage.

For damages that are not easily identified and water has spread too far, the repair must cost more than the vehicle’s worth. In this case, it is best to salvage the parts you can use and let your camper go.

 

Conclusion 

One of the worst devastating problems an RV can have is water damage. It is frustrating when it happens, but knowing what to do with a water damaged camper trailer is a good way to ease up the frustration.

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