What to look for
- 1
Soft spots in the floor
Walk it slowly in socks, especially near the door, the corners and under windows. A floor that gives or feels spongy is a warning.
- 2
Stains on the ceiling or walls
Brown or yellow marks, often near vents, corners and window tops, point to water coming from above.
- 3
A musty smell
If the smell comes back after you air the camper out, something in there is probably staying wet.
- 4
Walls that bow or sag
Press on the panels. They should feel firm, not loose or hollow.
- 5
Bubbling on the outside skin
Bubbles or waves in the outer wall can mean the layers underneath are coming apart, often from water getting in.
- 6
Cracked or peeling sealant
Check around the roof edges, vents, windows and seams. Gaps here are how water gets in to begin with.
- 7
Rust around screws and trim
Rust streaks can show you where water has been sitting.
What to do if you find it
Take photos of everything you find, and note where the worst of it is. Keep the camper covered or out of the weather if you can. Pull back anything that is holding water against the wall.
Then find out how far it goes. The spot you can see is usually not where the water got in, and it is rarely the end of the damage.
Want a second set of eyes?
Text your photos to 417-630-8724. We repair rotted walls and floors and will tell you what it would take.
