DRY ROT WOOD REPLACEMENT

[OHIOJIM]

Just bought a 1997 Fleetwood Prowler 27.5 and did not inspect well enough to catch a dry rot problem. Noticed it when I went to put down the awning... the bottom latches did not rest flush, crawled under to see how I might reinforce and found the problem. Both sides behind tires the wood below the framing/skirting is rotted and on passenger side the front part, but not as bad. It seems to be solid from the skirting seam and up... but read on here that could be misleading. Too late to return to seller and do not think he knew as he pointed out things I would never have looked at. Floor seems to be solid, roof in great shape, just this bottom issue. Was going to remove bad plywood and replace with treated 2x wood... could plane if needed. Is this enough or should I pull up the skin above the joint and check it more? It sounds solid, not soft like rotted wood. I thought I got a deal on this, but... planning on a 3000 mile 2 month trip later this winter, but if too many issues... Any comments and advice would be great. Any photos of what I am up against would be great too. Anything else I need to look for? Plan on adding mud flaps to keep water spray from tires down, think I can make a braket and attach to frame.

 

[OHIOJIM]

Not sure, but think I may have some soft/rotten wood above seem, but only on back passenger side. This concerns me because I do not want to ruin the exterior to get to it or have a patch... any other way than from inside out? The kitchen is on this wall and their is no signs of inteior water damage... think it was seepage from the bottom board up.

 

[OHIOJIM]

another view of outside... area above awning lower braket is the softest, others not too bad or solid.

 

[wingnut60]

Looks like you are in luck as the lower section of exterior seems to be a separate piece and separated by the molding. I would think you will be faced with taking the molding off and then peeling the lower section back to good wood.
Not an easy fix in 2 months...
Joe

 

[OHIOJIM]

Not sure how the bottom attachs but I thought it was not too bad and just a defect in design... not protected enough for under water spray. But then I noticed the soft area above. Neighbor owned a Prowler too and thinks it should not be too bad and maybe I can use one of the fillers for the upper area since it such a small area... hope so.

 

[wingnut60]

Might be time for a two-tone paint scheme? Lots of trailers have a 12-18" lower border of a gold/tan color.
Joe