Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?

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Topic: How many of us are there? Owners of Dodge based RV's?

Posted By: Griff in Fairbanks on 06/28/15 11:06pm

--> passandprint

Looks like you're a victim of what's incorrectly called "dry rot." It's an incorrect term because the organisms that cause rot require some moisture.

The problem is most motorhome manufacturers didn't put any kind of vapor retarder between the interior paneling and insulation/framing. Water vapor from cooking and people (and animals) breathing migrates though the paneling and condenses when it hits the cold(er) exterior aluminum. The fact that the aluminum is an excellent vapor retarder makes it worse, trapping the condensed vapor and causing it to saturate the wood framing. The result is mildew, mold, and rot.

Some people have done what you're looking at and have posted pictures elsewhere on the web. Some (like me) rip it all the way to the chassis and build a completely new coach. (I'm still restoring and upgrading the chassis so the only pictures I have are of tearing the old coach apart.)

At a minimum, I'd put a poly vapor retarder between the paneling and framing (on the interior side of the wall, ceiling and floor). You can use what builders call "black death" to adhere and seal the vapor retarder. (Tremco is the trade name ... any good lumber yard should have it.)

Also, once you're finished, use a dehumidifier when storing it and keep the windows open just a bit at all times.

1970 Explorer Class A on a 1969 Dodge M300 chassis with 318 cu. in. (split year)
1972 Executive Class A on a Dodge M375 chassis with 413 cu. in.
1973 Explorer Class A on a Dodge RM350 (R4) chassis with 318 engine & tranny from 1970 Explorer Class A

Posted By: eyeteeth on 06/30/15 11:53am

It's been a long time... had some time this afternoon, so I thought I'd pop in and catch up. Do a little light reading.

Hate to ask... but I never saw a resolution... Trish?

Also, WhiteKnight seems to have become a recluse as well.

Posted By: Leeann on 06/30/15 02:26pm

Hey!

I haven't heard anything in quite a while. And I have tried...

'73 Concord 20' Class A w/Dodge 440 - see profile for photo

Posted By: eyeteeth on 07/01/15 11:36am

Well... that's kinda a drag. [emoticon]

Posted By: Ballenxj on 07/01/15 01:22pm

Leeann wrote:

Hey!

I haven't heard anything in quite a while. And I have tried...

Hopefully they are just busy traveling?

Downsizing ">

Posted By: regis101 on 07/01/15 06:59pm

New guy in the campground.

Recently picked up a '73 Kodiak 20' Class C, Dodge B300, 360 cu in. No A/C, yet

Needs a 'lil love but has good bones. Clean and dry. Has had an easy life out here in Nor Cal. Nice floor plan for a 20'r.

The PO is letting me keep it there for a month or so to sort out some drivability stuff. Nothing complicated. It's been off the road since '08. Throwing some new parts at it, basic tune up, battery, etc. Needs brake work also. Parts are cheap. I'm not worried about the cost to save this piece of vintage iron. This one is worth it. I'll post some pic's later.

The wife and kids don't know yet. I want to be able to drive 'er home, confidently, first.
Mid July will be the maiden voyage of a new chapter of our lives.

Peace. ~RL

Posted By: Leeann on 07/01/15 07:02pm

Welcome! Nice rig to start with [emoticon]

Posted By: regis101 on 07/01/15 07:09pm

Try this link. Password, 73kodiak

http://s187.photobucket.com/user/regis101/slideshow/1973%20Kodiak%20RV

* This post was edited 07/01/15 07:16pm by regis101 *

Posted By: Leeann on 07/01/15 07:18pm

Put 'em up on Photobucket, flickr or the like, then copy the link next to BBcode; it'll have IMG tags surrounding it in brackets.

Paste that here and we'll see the pics.

Posted By: regis101 on 07/01/15 07:22pm

Yep yep. I'm in.

* This post was edited 07/01/15 07:31pm by regis101 *

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