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Hope so 05-06-2018 10:08 PM

Done with airstream!
 
Hi guys I just purchased a brand new to me 1994 Hilo fun lite. It’s nice but not perfect by anymeans. I did notice while looking it over before buying some bad floor in both corners at back. Bought fully knowing it was there. As a 3 time airstream owner I’m used to seeing bad floors.
I’m hoping someone can give me some direction repairing the floor and possible causes to look for. No obvious leaking. Also there is galvanic crosion going on the bottom of the top cap.
Long story needs to end.
So requesting some help getting my new camper new again.
Al.:)

Dee Tillotson 05-07-2018 01:16 AM

Hope so, it would help if we saw pictures of the problems--pictures are worth a thousand words!

By the way, I have a couple of friends who own Air Streams, and one of them at present has floor problems. Did you ever figure out what was causing the problem, for example, poorly sealed windows, etc.?

Hope so 05-07-2018 07:35 AM

Photos, Airstream
 
I’ll get some photos on in a day or two. Still looking it over closely.
As to the Airstream. Habitual leakers. Made that way,lol.
Roof is the first place to look. Check Caulking around all penetrations. Then yes windows. Not so much the window is leaking, it more than likely is the seam around the window. Rivets can leak,loose or missing must be fixed.
The leaks in a airstream are difficult to find because of the curved roof. Water goes from wherever around the side then down to somewhere else untill it finds a spot to get through. There is a aluminum channel at the bottom between the wall,floor, then frame. The channel acts likes a collector and directs it to a spot where it can get through then soaking the floor before going to the frame and into the belly pan which collects it again causing galvanic crosion.
My worst leaks were at the top caulking around the oblong windows at the front sides.
What kind and year is his? Just wondering
They are really cool but nightmares with maintenance.
Tell him to join up a airstream site. Tons of help there.
Al

Hope so 05-07-2018 07:40 AM

Airstream forum
 
This is a good forum for airstream.
Airstream Trailer Forums - Airstream Forums
I wish him/her all the luck. They are real nice units when done.

Treeclimber 05-07-2018 07:53 AM

Hope so, Welcome to the Hi LO forum. Dee is right about the windows leaking, that moisture can and does go anywhere. Check with the PO (previous owner) and see if the windows were ever removed, surfaces cleaned, butyl tape applied and windows reinstalled and caulk applied. That's one weak area to the Hi LO. With both rear corners soft, I'd suspect the rear cap seal or rear windows needs attention.
Tree

Hope so 05-07-2018 02:37 PM

Thanks tree. So typical stuff. except the cap seal? With a leak going on long enough to damage the floor there what else should I expect, walls?:( again thanks. And maybe I should move this to a different thread? Not sure how that is done or even it’s possible. Just start a new one?

sam 05-07-2018 09:52 PM

Welcome to the forum.
 
I read the Airstream forum every day. Airstreams a re very expensive and the repair parts are expensive. Very familiar with your comments. Interested in Airstreams due to DH being a retired sheet Metal fabricator. Many of us on this forum have done every possible repair/rebuild on our HiLos. I had extensive water damage because I didn't realize that the windows should be taken out and resealed. Lexel caulk is a very good caulk to use. Take some time to view the operational videos and read back posts. No matter what goes wrong on the HiLo it is all fixable.


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