Frame board rotting out

[chrismoore701]

So i thought i would get the ball rolling on here first. I have a 2010 bunkhouse and The bottom support on my awning came off this weekend so i knew i had a problem. I just got under it and notice the board it mounts to is rotted away. I am doing research on it now but wanted to check with you on where to start. Looks like i need to pull the siding off and get up in there. See the pic of the area in question. Board is rotten from the wheel well back. I am good at fixing things. But i am a little nervous on this one. Looks like it is going to be a real job. And advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Jagiven]

Wish I could be more help. One nice thing, these things they are sided from the top down. So you should only have to remove one row of siding to make the fix.

If you have an old fashion ice pick, you can easily probe for soft wood.

I'm fairly handy, and this job would not scare me, after a little reseach on how to deal with the siding.

Good luck, please post updates on the repair.

[chrismoore701]

That is a good thing. Do you guys think i can make this repair with removing one row of siding? Most videos show regular wood going back for the repairs. Shouldn’t i use green treated wood?

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by chrismoore701

That is a good thing. Do you guys think i can make this repair with removing one row of siding? Most videos show regular wood going back for the repairs. Shouldn’t i use green treated wood?

You probably don't even have to remove it, just flip it up after you get it loose. Unless you reattach everything with galvanized hardware I'd stick with regular pine. When I did a similar repair on a wrecked unit for a friend we used "t" mending plates to hold the studs.

[oldmanAZ]

You should see if you can determine the source of the water infiltration and if the floor is in good shape.

[chrismoore701]

The area inside above is a storage compartment under a bed. Bathroom is on other side. I think this is either a wheel well or the bracket connection leaking. Started pouring as soon as we finished cleaning it out from out trip. So on hold for a day or so.

[norty1]

I would want to know why it was wet and I would patch it with treated pine.

You may have to take the rear corner bracket off enough to access the siding.
Remove what you have to and also the hatch frame.

[chrismoore701]

Is there a way to know what is in there before i tear it apart?

[mohok1]

The below link will show you the deal on siding removal.

https://youtu.be/lkkjFYB9hV4

[Girth]

Originally Posted by chrismoore701

Is there a way to know what is in there before i tear it apart?

I don't KNOW, but I can hazard a guess. If you wanna wait a week or so, I hope to have mine opened up and will have a picture for you. I'm thinking it's a 2x2 or similar, on top of the frame, floor decking on top of that, and the framing for the side wall on top of that. If it's built like mine (a few years newer, and a 17ft though), that lower siding panel will be stapled underneath, so plan on a way to reinstall those staples or maybe screw it. Reminds me..... I need to look for a pneumatic staple gun.

Also, before you open it up, source all the sealants you'll need to put her back together, unless you can leave sit exposed for a bit. Might not be a horrible idea to let it dry out in there if water has made any progress.

[Jagiven]

I would not use pressure treated wood. First off it is always very wet, and a good source of moisture for mold growth. Next, pressure treated lumber twists horribly, and 2x2 probably is the worse.

[chrismoore701]

Thanks guys, I may open it up this weekend. What kind of sealant should I use? Regular exterior caulk from home depot?

[Jagiven]

I like IS Quad, you can buy it at home depot. Just not it is sticky srudf, use it sparingly at first.

[chrismoore701]

Just want to check. I have to remove the corner trim and storage door. So i assume i cut the caulk and remove the screws and pull. This sound correct?

[norty1]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I would not use pressure treated wood. First off it is always very wet, and a good source of moisture for mold growth. Next, pressure treated lumber twists horribly, and 2x2 probably is the worse.

#1 pressure treated wood is dry and does not twist.

[chrismoore701]

I got into the damage tonight. The bottom board is rotten starting at the wheel well and getting worse towards the back where it is gone. The problem is i can’t figure out where the water is coming from. A little damp under the tub which is on the other side. We have had some water get on the floor from the shower in the past but did not seem all that much. How much water would it take to do this kind of damage. Ran the tub for 10 min. No water. No signs of water up under the tub. No stains. No leaking pipes. Wheel well is solid. Another thought could be the connection of the awning at the baseb did not seem like a lot of caulk around it. There is a cut out in the floor under the tub that i can get into a little damp down there. Any thoughts?

[Sundancer330]

Originally Posted by chrismoore701

Thanks guys, I may open it up this weekend. What kind of sealant should I use? Regular exterior caulk from home depot?

Jayco uses OSI QUAD sealant, available at Depot, Menards. Dont use anything with silicone

[Girth]

Originally Posted by chrismoore701

I got into the damage tonight. The bottom board is rotten starting at the wheel well and getting worse towards the back where it is gone. The problem is i can’t figure out where the water is coming from. A little damp under the tub which is on the other side. We have had some water get on the floor from the shower in the past but did not seem all that much. How much water would it take to do this kind of damage. Ran the tub for 10 min. No water. No signs of water up under the tub. No stains. No leaking pipes. Wheel well is solid. Another thought could be the connection of the awning at the baseb did not seem like a lot of caulk around it. There is a cut out in the floor under the tub that i can get into a little damp down there. Any thoughts?

UGH! The awning attaches on the bunk side, and the tub is opposite of the bunks, correct? I'm guessing the cutout under the tub you're talking about, it's under the P-trap for the tub drain? (perfect critter access if you ask me. ) You say the insulation there is wet too? I'd be worried there is a lot of water back there. I know there was on ours. Seems the insulation wicks it up though.... so finding the source may be a trick.

[chrismoore701]

There more i think about it. I think it came in from that awning support. That is where most of the damage is. Think water under the tube was either wicked over. Or maybe a dribble from taking a shower.