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hard pressed for a proper LD tech
cheers, everyone. I am a full timer preparing for winter in Northern California and the PNW. I own a 1990 mid bath and I am trying to seal/weather proof the entire exterior.

I've recently been through 2 experiences with RV shops that have done terrible jobs. My last attempt was a shop in Grants Pass, OR that just seemed to spot seal areas along the coach leaving entire other areas untouched. A main request of mine was to pay special attention to the windows as they have become drafty and are lacking the vinyl stripping that runs around the interior. (losing heat and creating condensation) When I picked up my RV I found large sections of paint scrapped from around the areas of the outside window that were sealed and it was explained to me that the vinyl weather stripping on the interior can no longer be obtained. When I questioned the paint scrapes I was told that's just what happens when trying to seal an older RV.

I still have items I need addressed, including  getting all of the sealing around the exterior  of the coach, lights, doors, appliances, etc done once and for all. I need to replace my roof A/C shroud, escape hatch and shower skylight. I'm so gun-shy to try another new RV shop. I'm close to trying to do this job myself but I thought that paying a professional would be the way to go.

so, I ask:

Is it in my best interest to drive down to the mothership and have my baby taken care of there? Do I need an appointment? Can any of you recommend a proper RV shop between Grants Pass, OR and Grass Valley, CA?
resist the mundane, embrace the unknown
1990 MB
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #1 –
I can't sugarcoat this. You have a 1990 that is need of work. You knew this when you bought it. What you did not know is that the chances of finding an honest RV shop are slim to none. If you do find one, the wait time is going to be weeks, if not months.

Yes, the Mothership can do it for you and you will definitely need an appointment. And the date may well be weeks out. Their prices will be stiff, but the work will be excellent. For what you will pay them, you could have bought a newer rig,

I would suggest doing all work yourself that you are qualified to do.

Good luck
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #2 –
I suggest you sell it for whatever you can get and then buy a newer one in better condition.   If a person can do all the work themselves then the project could be viable.   Otherwise,  I can't see that it is.    Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #3 –
     Hi MuseMe,  Welcome to the LDOF. You didn't say how long you have had your 1990 MB. I understand your frustration about getting good work done. Especially being a full timer complicates this.
   I don't know what vinyl strip that you say is missing on your windows. You can remove them easily, but it takes two people, one inside the coach, and one to catch the window on the outside. Butyl (grey plastic) tape can be used, I'm pretty sure that is what was used on yours originally. Mostly just cleaning off the old tape with mineral spirits, then alcohol. reapply new tape and reinstall the windows. Tightening the frame inside the MH squeezes out some butyl. After a few days it can be cleaned up easily without damaging the paint.
     I just recently (July) bought a used 2001 MB for some friends from Ma. I bought the needed skylight, A/C shroud, and escape hatch cover from the mothership, and replaced all three. Not all that hard but you need to be a bit handy, and comfortable on the roof. I would pay LD to do it. They do good work. RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #4 –

Museme if you are going to winter in the PNW be sure to bring along your blue tarp! It’s kinda late in the year to get the parts needed and the work done to fully seal the Lazy Daze.

One alternative is to head south, order and pick up supplies at the mothership, and do the work at Quartzsite where there will plenty of fellow LD owners to offer advice.

We don’t know how handy or agile you are, but do be careful on the roof if you undertake the work yourself. There is plenty of good learning here for all this work. As for finding a trustworthy RV tech? Let us know if you find any, By posting to this thread where such information is shared:
REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES

Only you can judge if it is in your best interests to have the mothership do the work. I had them replace the AC on my 92, but did all the sealing myself, as many here have.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #5 –
Quote from: kool83704  - 
I suggest you sell it for whatever you can get and then buy a newer one in better condition.   If a person can do all the work themselves then the project could be viable.   Otherwise,  I can't see that it is.    Frank

Thanks Frank. I appreciate you stopping by to assist. Maybe I made my situation seem more dire than it is but I am certainly not at a point of selling my LD. She's a 1990 with 90,000 miles, new brakes, new tires, new suspension, all new belts/newly tuned up, 100 hours on the genny, all appliances at 100% and a coach that has been meticulously cared for (by previous owners and myself) in and out. This is my first winter full timing. It's the second or third season since her last sealing and other than condensation I have zero issues with leaks or water. The roof is sealed tight and my ceiling is like new. I'm eager to take steps to preserve her and keep everything tight and dry but she is certainly not in a dire state.

It's true that I am a bit of a novice when it comes to RVs. I don't have the handiest hands on the block and that's why I turned to the forum for an assist. Owning a 27 year old LD is a responsibility I fully accept and maintaining her has become a point of pride. I certainly don't intend on giving up so easily.

Best, Mike

resist the mundane, embrace the unknown
1990 MB
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Don Malpas  - 
I can't sugarcoat this. You have a 1990 that is need of work. You knew this when you bought it. What you did not know is that the chances of finding an honest RV shop are slim to none. If you do find one, the wait time is going to be weeks, if not months.

Yes, the Mothership can do it for you and you will definitely need an appointment. And the date may well be weeks out. Their prices will be stiff, but the work will be excellent. For what you will pay them, you could have bought a newer rig,

I would suggest doing all work yourself that you are qualified to do.

Good luck

 thank you, Don! You're right. I knew I was getting into a project when I bought my LD two years ago. I certainly am up for the task. I keep an untouched stipend for unseen repairs and although I am not ultra handy I have spent the last two years improving my knowledge of basic automotive, low voltage, plumbing and carpentry skills. I'm up to the task and very eager to learn. (I must read my LD manual on a nightly basis! :) )

I'm learning that I was misguided in thinking that finding a qualified and honest mechanic along the road would be easier than it is. I'm grateful for this site and sites like it and for fellow RV owners like yourself who take the time out to assist.

Much love, Mike.
resist the mundane, embrace the unknown
1990 MB
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #7 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 
Museme if you are going to winter in the PNW be sure to bring along your blue tarp! It’s kinda late in the year to get the parts needed and the work done to fully seal the Lazy Daze.

One alternative is to head south, order and pick up supplies at the mothership, and do the work at Quartzsite where there will plenty of fellow LD owners to offer advice.

We don’t know how handy or agile you are, but do be careful on the roof if you undertake the work yourself. There is plenty of good learning here for all this work. As for finding a trustworthy RV tech? Let us know if you find any, By posting to this thread where such information is shared:
REPAIR, MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE FACILITIES

Only you can judge if it is in your best interests to have the mothership do the work. I had them replace the AC on my 92, but did all the sealing myself, as many here have.
Paul, thanks so much for the assist. I am leaning towards a trip to The Mothership. Additionally, a lot of my research supports your point of doing the sealing myself. I suppose my first instinct is the lazy approach. I am learning that in the end no one is going to treat my baby like it is their own. I'm really grateful for the resources and support for here that motivate me to take on these tasks myself.

best, Mike

resist the mundane, embrace the unknown
1990 MB
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #8 –
Mike, I’m with you regarding the extra enjoyment we get from rolling vintage. For me, a big part of that pleasure is in the hands-on aspect. The cleaning, fixing, maintaining and upgrading has given me as much enjoyment as the use of the LD. I don’t full-time though, so that is a different story.

Were I full timing, and have the financial means, I would definitely call the Mothership to schedule certain work, or arrange a meet-up with a fellow LD owner who can give support like tools and know how. Many here do that.

If it has been sealed properly within 3 years, a good inspection may be the first step.

Have you traveled the PNW in winter before? What are your plans?
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #9 –
Quote from: MuseMe  - 
<snip>....... 100 hours on the genny, all appliances at 100% and a coach that has been meticulously cared for (by previous owners and myself) in and out.......

This stood out to me.  100 hours over a 20 years.    To me this is not a good sign.   I would suggest you have a generator expert look the generator over. 
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #10 –
Quote from: MuseMe  - 
Paul, thanks so much for the assist. I am leaning towards a trip to The Mothership. Additionally, a lot of my research supports your point of doing the sealing myself. I suppose my first instinct is the lazy approach. I am learning that in the end no one is going to treat my baby like it is their own. I'm really grateful for the resources and support for here that motivate me to take on these tasks myself.
The roof and window sealing can be a DIY project.
Eternabond tape is excellent for sealing the roof seams. Lots of information here in the archives and the LD Companion.
The Lazy Daze Companion: roof sealing

The Mothership charges $2000+ for a roof reseal.
Windows are not part of the job and will be expensive if they are removed and reinstalled. It's a lot of work to take them out.
That could cost another $2000 or more.
The Mothership charges a lot but the work is done as well or better than other shops.

If you can take on any of this work, it will save you a lot of money.
The work is not very technical but it does require being careful and precise work, for a clean finish.
Material needed to reseal the roof, roof vents and end caps and window seams would be in the $200 range.
It's the labor that cost, ready for to add some sweat equity?

While sealing the roof normally requires going up on it, some have resealed most of the roof seams from a ladder.
No matter what, the roof's front seam has to be done from the roof, not being able to completely reach it from either side.
The windows are worked on from the ground or a ladder.
The seams around the roof vents can cleaned well and over-coated with polyurethane or Dicor.

Most of the time the windows and end caps can be resealed without removing them.
 Windows that are popping out of the body are a different problem and do need to be pulled.
Window and seam sealing | Flickr
Yahoo! Groups
I have sealed the windows and caps on both my LDs, and many others, this way and have never needed to removed a leaking window for repair.

I use 3M 5200 Fast Cure polyurethane to seal the windows and end caps.
It has proven itself to be better, in the long run, than any other sealant I have tried over the last 30 years.
Apply enough sealant to fully fill the gap.
Using a wet, gloved finger, pull it along the gap, smoothing the fresh sealant.
When happy with the sealant's appearance, immediately remove the tape, with the excess sealant, before is skims over.
Wait a half hour before attempting to clean any sealant around the edges. Use lacquer thinner for cleanup.

Polyurethane is very sticky and hard to remove from skin and next to impossible from clothing.
Wear disposable gloves and old clothes when using the stuff.
Lacquer thinner, and other solvents, are hazardous, when used in quantity.
I wear safety glasses and use an organic respirator when doing the final cleaning, before applying the sealant or tape.
www.amazon.com/3M-Facepiece-Disposable-Respirator-Assembl.
5 mil Nitrile Powder-Free Gloves 100 Pc X-Large

Larry
 
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Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: hard pressed for a proper LD tech
Reply #11 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
This stood out to me.  100 hours over a 20 years.    To me this is not a good sign.  I would suggest you have a generator expert look the generator over.

Agree.
Lack of use is the kiss of death for generators.
Beside keeping the oil free of condensation and the carburetor's fuel bowl clean, regular running dries any moisture build up in the generator's windings. Moisture slowly eats way at the insulation and will cause it to eventually break down and short out.
It's a really expensive repair to replace the field windings or the rotor..
A monthly exercise run, under heavy load, is the best procedure and cheap insurance..

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze