QuestionQUESTION: Sir,
I have a 2003 Artic Fox 1150 Truck camper. Water has found its way beneath the front outside skin to the plywood decking beneath the over cab bunk. The outside siding underneath the bunk area has become loose/buckled and has pulled away slightly but has not completely broken free from the metal molding. Water had accumulated beneath the skin at the bottom/front of the camper and a few poked holes allowed most to drain out. I believe the leak is due to three slightly cracked amber marker lights at the top front of the camper. The bed "floor" has become soft below the linoleum and dips in the center. I cut away a small section of the linoleum from inside a storage cabinet along a wall and found the area below to be very wet.
I would like to tackle this project myself and could use some direction. Should I remove all cabinet fixtures then remove and replace the deck? Can I work from the outside, carefully removing the metal molding, then the siding skin and repair from below? Any direction is appreciated. Thank you!
ANSWER: yes you have the correct idea.we use 2x4 t's made to brace up everything as we work on them.
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QUESTION: Thanks, Just a few more specific questions:
1. Should I start from the inside (cabinet and linoleum removal) or outside to break things down?
2. Is it difficult to remove the outside skin? What problems might I find? I hope I can leave the top attached to the roof and just loosen and pull back the skin all the way down to and past the window. Will the window seal become a problem during removal and re-installation?
3. How is the plywood attached? Are the screws accessible from the outside into the frame or visible from the top, inside?
4. How easily will the new plywood deck drop in and re-secure?
5. Are there any "new and improved" replacement materials out there for any part of this project. ie: types of plywood, sealant,insulation etc.
As you can probably tell, I'm trying to cover all bases so I don't get caught in the middle of the job with a problem I can't fix. Many thanks for your help and patients.
Answer1.yes i start removing as much as you can on the inside that way you can see how much damage has been done.
2.the outer skin can be tricky just remove it slowly.keep track how and where each piece goes.
3.the plywood is prolly attached by staples or screws and should be accessible after you remove the outer skin.
4.not too bad once its cut down to fit
5.no just make sure when you are done you seal everything good and i always check the seal some people say once a year.i say check it 3-4 times a year
