Quote:
|
Originally Posted by prowler27
We discovered a possible major problem with a 2001 Fleetwood Prowler LS 27 ft fifth wheel that we are purchasing. We think the roof leaked at the seam where the rubber roof meets the fiberglass body toward the front. We have soft spots in the wall and ceiling in the bedroom area which is the area that rides over the truck.
1) Would water damage to this area cause a structural problem?
2) Can it be fixed?
3) Has this significantly reduced the value or made the 5th wheel almost unusable?
4) should I be worried about mold?
We took it on two short road trips without problem and are getting ready to take it on a 2 month, 4,000 mile plus road trip... very bummed in Penryn. Any help would be greatly appreciated. :( [/b]
|
You say you "are purchasing" the fifth wheel, but yet state that you've already taken some road trips in it. It sounds as though the purchase is a done deal, is that correct? If not, don't purchase it. This is an excellent examply of why one should spend the money to have a used RV inspected before purchase...it can save a lot of grief down the road.
Now to answer some of your questions:
1) Would water damage to this area cause a structural problem? It could. A lot would depend on how bad the damage is.
2) Can it be fixed? Most likely, but it will probably mean a lot of work...and possibly a lot of expenses. If the damage is bad enough, you'll probably have to replace wooden framing.
3) Has this significantly reduced the value or made the 5th wheel almost unusable? It most certainly has reduced the value...a moot point if you've already purchased it. Unusable? Well, you've stated that you've already used it without a problem, so for the present, at least, it sounds like it's still useable.
4) should I be worried about mold? Yes, you certainly should be since mold can cause serious health problems. You need to open up the damaged areas and find out exactly how bad the damage is and whether or not there is, in fact, mold and then take steps to correct the problem(s).