Need help! Rotting wood?

[firewalt]

Good morning! Enjoyed a good weekend at French Creek SP in PA.

We got our pop-up less than a year ago for free. Mostly in good condition, just needed some TLC after sitting for 15 years. Its a 1989 Jayco Eagle 12 UDST.

Anyways, when we first go it I noticed that the back exterior paneling was pulling away from the sides of the trailer on the rear drivers side. I put in several additional screws to hold it tight and all was good. This weekend, I noticed that it is seperating again.

I am assuming that the wood the screws are going into is rotted, thus not holding the screw. The question is...how do I fix it for good and how much of a pain is this going to be?

Here's what Im thinking...

1) Remove exterior paneling. The lights and spare tire holder are the only things going through the paneling. Not sure how hard it is to remove/disconnect these things.

2) Replace any wood that is rotted. Reinforce where needed.

3) Reattach the exterior paneling/lights/spare tire holder.

The paneling is aluminum? So Im hoping I can get it off without causing to much damage so I can use it again.

Thoughts?!?!?! Please help.