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Some Examples of RV Damage
Here are some examples of more serious damage that can be documented on a used or neglected RV.
Water Damage
Arguably the most common issue found in an older RV, water damage can certainly affect an RV's performance and value. Either due to damage, neglect or defect, water has entered the RV and may cause anything from minor cosmetic issues to more serious problems such as extensive rot and even black mold. It is just that water makes things wet. RV's are built with very thin materials in the roof, walls, and floor to cut down on weight - think 1/8 to 1/4" plywood. Water will get in through the smallest of defects, soak into these thin layers and they then will rot or get moldy to dangerous levels.
Beware any dealer or private seller that tries to dismiss the issue with statements like "it just needs a little paint and it's good as new."
Delamination
Delamination is the separation of the bonded layers of the exterior walls of the RV. It may be appear to be a minor "bubble" or it may be obvious and severe. This condition are usually due to water intrusion - water entering the RV where it is not supposed to. The "minor" delaminations are commonly dismissed by private sellers as "no big deal" - while the actual exterior appearance may seem minor there is no way to definitively determine the exact severity of the actual water damage which may be extensive. The water causes the underlying plywood to swell, glue to dissolve, and ultimately the walls will rot underneath. and/or mold will develop.
Roof Neglect / Lack of Maintenance
Roof maintenance on modern RV's is critical. In the 1970's RV's might have had riveted aluminum roofs or fiberglass composite roofs that may have been more durable over time. Recent roofs are usually some form of sealed rubber membrane that needs regular maintenance. The vents, air conditioners and other items attached to or penetrating the roof are sealed with a special sealant to prevent water intrusion. On new RV's the sealant may not have been applied properly, and over time the sealant can dry out, crack and fail to do its job. The roof and sealant need to be assessed frequently and sealant is reapplied if needed.
Failure to maintain the roof is one of the most common reasons for water to enter the RV and possibly cause serious damage.
Cold Weather Maintenance / Freeze Damage
Regardless of what the advertising brochures or salesman's guarantees imply, NO unoccupied RV can sit in freezing weather and not risk damage from frozen pipes or bursting tanks from freezing. While it is possible to travel and even live in your RV in sub-freezing weather, to do so you must add extra insulation or bottom skirting that cover the under sides of the RV, or even buy special heating elements , water hoses/lines and even a dedicated heated water hose. Inside, the heat must be kept on continuously; faucets must be kept dripping as well; extra portable heaters frequently must be used both inside and outside underneath the RV. Propane use may increase significantly, requiring frequent refill trips.
Generally, proper winterizing procedures with RV antifreeze solution, as well as bypassing the water heater and draining it must be performed at or before the beginning of every freezing season - Expert RV Inspections & Service will be happy to schedule an appointment to perform this service for you - and then de-winterize the RV in the spring when warm weather returns.
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Please note that all Expert RV Inspections & Service inspections are completed with use of limited diagnostic equipment and do not include mechanical disassembly of any components. Neither Expert RV Inspections & Service nor its independent agents are liable for any hidden, latent, or undetected conditions or defects on the RV. The inspection does not represent or create a warranty or guarantee of any kind - please review disclaimer for full details.
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