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Post by vivalafemme on Feb 6, 2013 16:34:10 GMT -5
Hi, I'm completely new to the vintage trailer world. My husband and I bought a vintage trailer about a month ago. I have noticed that sometimes in the morning, there are wet spots on my driveway at each corner of the trailer, mostly on the side with the door though. For some reason, the four corners of my trailer seem to be leaking. Any ideas why that is and how I can get it to stop? I checked out the undercarriage of the trailer and in the corners the wood seems to be bulging. I would love to get advice on how to fix this. We live in Los Angeles and have been having relatively mild weather, so we aren't dealing with lots of rain. Here is a picture of what I'm talking about: IMG_1428 And here is a wider look at the undercarriage: IMG_1429Thanks!
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Post by schweetcruisers on Feb 6, 2013 16:49:47 GMT -5
My guesses are
1) it's condinsation forming on the inside of the aluminum and working its way out.
2) you have a leak(s) and water gets in when it rains and takes a little while to work it's way the th bottom.
As to why it's doing it more on one side, your trailer could be tilted to that side so water is just flowing more to that side , there are more leaks on that side, that side is in the sun more making condensate more.
All just guess!
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Post by dawgpound on Feb 6, 2013 16:51:32 GMT -5
As for the wet spots on the driveway in the morning, sounds like it is nothing more than dripping dew from the night / early morning hours. The dew collects on the top of the trailer and runs off the front and back corners where the J moulding / corner molding is located. It would also appear the the trailer is leaning to one side, favoring the curbside.
This is provided that there is no city water hooked up to the trailer.
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Post by vivalafemme on Feb 6, 2013 17:00:14 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick responses.
I don't think there are any leaks, I've been inside the trailer when it's rained and also after the rains and I haven't seen any leaking or wet spots.
I'm thinking it might be a dew issue, that sounds about right. That can't be good for the wood underneath the trailer, though, right? It's all soft and puffy in the corners. If we get a cover for the trailer (which we plan on doing), will that stop the problem? Also, do we need to worry about the soft and puffy wood?
I know I sound totally dense, please forgive me - I'm so new to this trailer business.
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mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Feb 6, 2013 19:30:29 GMT -5
What kind of trailer is that?
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vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
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Post by vikx on Feb 7, 2013 0:23:53 GMT -5
A trailer can leak without showing from the inside. The edge trim is a likely culprit; the putty gets old and dry. Water leaks down the inside of the wall and settles at the bottom, rotting the wood.
Metal bellies are infamous for holding water and cause severe floor rot. I would certainly check the edge trim, the door area and any other suspicious areas. It's likely your trailer needs repairs.
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Post by vivalafemme on Feb 8, 2013 14:04:45 GMT -5
Just a quick note to say that morning dew was, in fact, the culprit. I went outside yesterday morning and the windows were frosted and lots of drops were running down the side of the trailer. The wet spots on the driveway is from the dew running down the drip rails. I'm going to get a cover and hopefully that will help the problem. Thanks for your help
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mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Feb 24, 2013 21:27:54 GMT -5
OK it's time for downspouts on the trailers folks... Believe it or not some of the brand new ones I've seen actually have little downspouts coming from the top of the trailer. Little gutters and everything.
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mobiltec
1K Post Member
Restoring The 57 Shasta
Posts: 1,134
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Post by mobiltec on Feb 25, 2013 11:00:41 GMT -5
OK it's time for downspouts on the trailers folks... Believe it or not some of the brand new ones I've seen actually have little downspouts coming from the top of the trailer. Little gutters and everything. Hey mobiltec, Like this one? LOL ROTFLMAO! Just when you think you have seen it all... I have a collection of trailer photos that I have been saving for a section on my website called, "I Don't Make This Stuff Up"... This one must be included in that collection. Perhaps we should do that here! I have enough work to do on my site.
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