Tomorrow we're headed off to look at a 2007 Teton and I've realized that I don't really know how to look for water damage. I know there could be water stains, etc. but it appears that the carpeting has been replaced in this unit so I suspect that could mask some flooring issues. For example, the slide floors. i understand that the floor gets soft with water damage but is it soft to stand on? I've heard of people taking an ice pick to see if wood is soft. Wouldn't the dealer frown on this? Would the underside of the slide floor (from outside) be soft to push on? Feeling very insecure here. There's so much we have no clue about. Dealer says that he's going to have the trailer all set up with all systems running for us to inspect. Any guidance will be much appreciated.
GENECOP said
05:57 PM Jun 24, 2013
Pay a proffessional independent tech to go over the unit top to bottom. No one here can give you enough info that you can go in and feel safe with your purchase if you have no experience...There is testing equiptment for water leaks that some shops have ( a pressure test) this is always something you can request....Good luck.
Technomadia said
06:01 PM Jun 24, 2013
Walk around a lot and feel for any spots that seem to give more than others. Look for bubbling in the walls - outside and inside. Push lightly on all walls for any feeling of softness and listen for crumbling sounds. Look for signs of peeling paint or wallpaper. Look for discoloration. On the outside, look straight down the lines of the unit, and look for anything that seems to protrude out. Look underneath for signs of crumbling particle board/cardboard and/or discoloration, and look closely inside any bays.
Pay particular attention around windows, vent fans, plumbing, rivets and seams.
If you're not comfortable inspecting yourself, see if you can hire an independent expert to come in and lead.
Best wishes.. and hope you've found your gem! - Cherie
Lucky Mike said
06:10 PM Jun 24, 2013
stains and discoloration in ceiling areas..
stains , discoloration buckling of walls ........make sure to open closets... (bring a flashlight) ...look up inside cabinet areas
remove outside service panel for fridge....check to make sure drain tube is connected and there is no water damage in there , while you have cover off take a mirror and look up the flu area and make sure no mouse, squirrel or birds nests
look under sink areas for water stains look carefully under hot water heater for wet marks .....have them pull the drain plug on hot water heater and look for sediment build up (put finger in there, dont get it stuck!!)
if this is a dealer get everything in writing and Contact Howard and Linda for a comparison Quote on a warranty or go to the top of this page and call Wholsale warranties Directly(Howard and Linda are Agents ...I like to keep it in the Dreams Family!)
Good luck!!
Judy L said
09:15 PM Jun 24, 2013
Thanks everyone. This is a big help! Lucky Mike, I took your advice and sent a message to Howard and Linda for a comparison quote. I appreciate the suggestion. Our trip to TX has been delays a few days so keep your fingers crossed that this unit is as it looks online. We think we love it :)
We closed on our house last Friday so we're officially fulltimers now. Hope to be seeing lots of you down the road!
Tomorrow we're headed off to look at a 2007 Teton and I've realized that I don't really know how to look for water damage. I know there could be water stains, etc. but it appears that the carpeting has been replaced in this unit so I suspect that could mask some flooring issues. For example, the slide floors. i understand that the floor gets soft with water damage but is it soft to stand on? I've heard of people taking an ice pick to see if wood is soft. Wouldn't the dealer frown on this? Would the underside of the slide floor (from outside) be soft to push on? Feeling very insecure here. There's so much we have no clue about. Dealer says that he's going to have the trailer all set up with all systems running for us to inspect. Any guidance will be much appreciated.
Pay particular attention around windows, vent fans, plumbing, rivets and seams.
If you're not comfortable inspecting yourself, see if you can hire an independent expert to come in and lead.
Best wishes.. and hope you've found your gem!
- Cherie
stains , discoloration buckling of walls ........make sure to open closets... (bring a flashlight) ...look up inside cabinet areas
remove outside service panel for fridge....check to make sure drain tube is connected and there is no water damage in there , while you have cover off take a mirror and look up the flu area and make sure no mouse, squirrel or birds nests
look under sink areas for water stains look carefully under hot water heater for wet marks .....have them pull the drain plug on hot water heater and look for sediment build up (put finger in there, dont get it stuck!!)
if this is a dealer get everything in writing and Contact Howard and Linda for a comparison Quote on a warranty or go to the top of this page and call Wholsale warranties Directly(Howard and Linda are Agents ...I like to keep it in the Dreams Family!)
Good luck!!
Thanks everyone. This is a big help! Lucky Mike, I took your advice and sent a message to Howard and Linda for a comparison quote. I appreciate the suggestion. Our trip to TX has been delays a few days so keep your fingers crossed that this unit is as it looks online. We think we love it :)
We closed on our house last Friday so we're officially fulltimers now. Hope to be seeing lots of you down the road!