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2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Hi all, me and the wife just bought a 2000 26.5 rear bath model here in NC.  The coach is in fantastic shape for the year, we made 4 separate trips to visit the RV before we made an offer, during these visits we thoroughly inspected the Motorhome for water damage and found Zero signs anywhere of any water intrusion both past or present. 

That being said, the last week we have received record rainfall and we see nothing but constant rain for another week. While cleaning up the camper we noticed some standing water in the drivers side rear storage compartment.  This was a shock and has us pretty stressed but we want to address the problem and remedy it ASAP.  I have checked the plumbing above this compartment including the water pump and no issues have been found.  The gasket around the door was in bad shape and I replaced it but water still collects in the fiberglass compartment, I’m guessing it is coming from a leak on the roof likely running down the inside of the body.

Our plan is to get the camper under cover ASAP until this horrible weather passes, we will then reseal the roof and windows.  Any other advice on this issue? I have been scouring the bodywork inside and out since this issue was found and have yet seen any other signs of water leaking.  We really want to go about this quickly and properly.
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #1 –
I also live in Virginia.  Yes the past little while has been very wet.  I had a devil of a time chasing down a leak that caused the rear passenger side compartment to gather water during a bad rain.  I had a local shop take out the window above the compartment and reseal the frame.  While the window was out the shop took pictures and told me the wood, insulation, and all else was dry.   I checked the roof.  I put new gasket around the door.  
It still collected water.
Then one sunny hot day I emptied the hot water tank and found the compartment flooded.  I had been in the compartment the day before and it was dry, I had not washed the RV and it had not rained.    I was missing a washer that sealed the area around the drain plug, also some of the caulking around the plate was starting to age.  I used duct putty to seal between the actual tank and the plate that covers the water heater.  I also sealed the rest of the seams and screw holes.  
No more leak.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #2 –
Oh, and welcome and I hope to see you at a campsite some day.    Good luck.
John
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #3 –
Very interesting, with my leak being on the drivers side I do not believe it’s related to a water heater. The window above/to the right of this compartment appears well sealed to the body and I do not see any buildup of water within the frame. 

The end caps on my unit are needing to be sealed, some cracking/expansion has occurred and water is no doubt getting behind them, with my year model the wood should be sealed and water should drain out the bottom but the plan is to seal it good to avoid rot in the exposed lower wood.  The exposed wood around the corner/bumper is defiantly rotted partially but 18 years and 140,000 miles of exposure warrants that.

I believe it’s very possible the door latch/gasket could be allowing the ingress of water, only way to find out is to replace and blast with a hose until I can successfully. Stop the leaking.   Rv is going under a carport today and hopefully next week I can seal the windows/caps with dap 3.0.  Eternabond is going over the roof seals and I figure I will re-coat all the roof rack/ladder standoff’s with self leveling dicor. Any other areas of concern I should pre-emptively seal up? In 18 years this sucker hasn’t put on much age and I really think with proper care it could go another 18.

Good news is by spraying water around the port I can immedietly recreate the leaking, I just gotta figure out where it’s getting in at considering the limited options. 


2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #4 –
Absolutely!! We are ecstatic to be lazy daze owners. Can’t wait to get this camper buttoned up and create fond memories, no RV is perfect but so far the quality of our lazy daze makes necessary repairs/upkeep something worth doing.
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #5 –
Check the interface seal between the aluminum side and fiberglass lower skirt. If the leak is here, it stays below the floorline. Also prod the interior walls gently with a sharp object to determine if a roof leak has caused any wood rot.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #6 –
I have felt around inside and everything feels solid still, how do I go about checking the interface seal? It appears to be screwed on....can it be unscrewed and resealed or just resealed? Definitely seems to be coming from this lower area , no water needs to be sprayed on the window or upper panels so cause the leak.

Obviously when I say solid i mean it feels like paneling sandwhiched up next to the studs. Not sure what soft/solid should feel like but comparing to any other walls/stud connection everything feels solid/consistent.

Thanks!
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #7 –
I suggest pulling all the screws out to see if the sealant is inadequate anywhere above the compartment. If so, perhaps you can spot-seal, or score with a utility knife to avoid damaging the paint if you need to remove the strip to properly reseal. Do not use silicone sealant.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #8 –
10-4! I’ll go ahead and pull the strip, dig out the old sealant and apply new stuff! IF this is a potential spot for leaking it likely is my culprit. It looks like water is leaking from right above the forward corner of the storage bin. Can pictures we posted on this forum of what I find? Or is there already a thread about this repair?
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
.
 Do not use silicone sealant.

Good advice for everyone, do not use silicone on any of the exterior parts, with the exception of the windshield seal (used by the pros when installing windshields.
Once silicone has been used, nothing will stick to it again, if resealing is ever needed.

I don't recall any photos of this, you can post your photos here.
I use Flickr and add links my photos or post them directly.

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
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #10 –
Well semi good news, I dried everything out yesterday and then did a controlled test only spraying a light stream of water around the gas filler/hatch/interface seam....after a few minutes I had water pooling in the compartment. That being said I believe there’s is definitely leaking around the compartment door seam (which I already replaced with what I believe is too large a gasket).  Also I’m guessing water is wicking behind the screwed in strip above the compartment and maybe also at the latch that holds the door open (it was wobbly).  Hopefully all this means my window seals and roof are not the culprit which brings peace of mind, does anyone know the best possible replacement gasket for the compartment doors?
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #11 –
If you mean the catch holding the door open is wobbly where it is screwed in, this is a bad sign, because it indicates the likelihood of wood rot. Remove the catch to inspect the screws for rust. It might be necessary to remove the fiberglass skirting to evaluate the extent of damage to the floor. Remove what you can inside the rig at that location to check for wall and floor damage.

If the screws come out clean, then the wood may be ok. Also note the condition of the screws you remove from the seal strip above the skirt.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #12 –

i used this on my side hatches. has been working great.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
1999 MB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #13 –
I’ll remove what I can, not sure if the catch is factory or not? I could see it loosening up after 18 years of use. If it’s loose then the seal likely has degraded and water has no doubt gotten inside. That being said I’d like to avoid removing any more than I have to inside, the closet is what would have to come out to check. The interior of this lazy daze is mint condition. It’s got 140,000 and has been to every state but you literally cannot find a single blemish anywhere’s on the interior.
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #14 –
Not personally familiar with your model, but in our FL, the closet floor is secured with velcro, and lifts out to access to stuff underneath. If you have drawers, they come out easily to inspect the floor and wall with a good flashlight. At worst, you might have to remove some screws, but LD provides good access to almost everything. If you find damage, then repairs can get very difficult, but with luck, everything will be fine when you inspect.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #15 –
Cor2man,

You asked, “Can pictures we posted on this forum of what I find?“

I always post using my iPhone and often include photos.

Once you have typed your response/post in this “Quick Reply” box, “click” on the “Preview” button (there it is next to the Post button just below and outside the “Quick Response” box). This will open a new window above the “Quick Response” box that shows what you have typed.

Next, scroll down to relocate the Quick Response Box and look below it to find the “Attach” feature. Now, click the “Choose Files” Button. Now a window will pop up below giving you some options. Click “Photo Library” to access your iPhone/smart phone photo files.

Once your photos are selected click “done” and you will be returned to “Response” page. Now click the “Preview Button” again to view your post once again.

Your photos will appear down below the initial unedited response window. Once you are happy with everything simply click “Post” and you will have added your selected images to your response/post/thread.

Have fun. It’s much easier than it sounds and once you’ve done it a couple of times it is actually a very smooth process.

Good luck

Kent (now for my edit) 🤪

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #16 –
Thank you Kent, I’ll post pics from now on.
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #17 –
Updates, yesterday I removed the trim strip between the lower paneling and fiberglass skirting. Indeed the sealing around some of the screws had weathered away allowing screws to rust and likely water to intrude.   This was all wiped down and resealed, the screws were replaced with 1/4 inch longer stainless.  It was thoroughly resealed. 

I also took the time to tape off and reseal my end caps, no doubt water has leaked behind them. With my year model being a 2000 it’s hard to know for sure if the factory sealed behind the end caps or not. If anyone has a 2000 and could chime in that would be great. Long term I could see myself ordering new caps and replacing just for peace of mind for the next decade, but we will be taking these projects 1 at a time.  The only evidence of leaking whatsoever on this rig is a tiny spot of the lower corner of the drivers side window. This appears to be old and it looks like the original owners sealed this up. I will be investigating this area after ever rainfall to ensure it’s good to go.

The end caps are what keeps me up at night, I have eternabond/lap sealant sitting at the house waiting for a nice weekend to go over the whole roof, I’ll be sealing around the windows this summer also. I did remove the access panel beside the Rb tolet and checked the limited framing that can be accessed. This all looked good but the flooring in the rear drivers side corner of the rig has gotten wet at some point. This is at the toilet to if there was a leak in 18 years I’m not surprised, just depating if I want to investigate at the moment.  


For those that have done rot repair, how did you remove the paneling on the interior walls? Did you remove and reuse or just replace and paint? I wouldn’t mind pulling the toilet, and bathroom flooring/rear corner paneling to investigate/repair any damage. The fact that carpet meets the shower stall is just silly design and I’d much prefer some LVP around the toilet/bathroom.

For the most part we plan to hold off on these repairs and enjoy the rig, most likely we will set aside a month or two in the fall to park it under a carport and get these concerns remedied. Just looking for advice on rebuilding the interior once wall paneling has been cut away for investigation/necessary repairs.

2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #18 –
Cor2man,

We have a 2015 RB and love it. If you haven’t seen my post on our end cap issue, I’ll just say that Vince at the Mothership has insured me that where the side and rear aluminum panels join they are completely water tight and sealed to insure no water intrusion in the event that the end cap should develop a crack or otherwise expose the panels hidden beneath them.

That being said, I am not certain if this water proofing has always been done. I seem to recall seeing what lays beneath the end cap on older rigs and water tight they did not appear to be. You would do well to call Vince at LD to see what is underneath your end caps.

Our rig is going in Monday morning bright and early as Vince is fearful that further damage may occur rapidly although he did assure me that water intrusion was not a concern.

I did show him the tube of “Captain Tolly’s“ sealant that Harold mentioned, but he didn’t seem too enthusiastic about it. I will be happy to get the repair completed and I am certainly grateful that Vince could squeeze me in on such short notice.

Carpet in the bathroom is something we do not have and I’m not so sure LD would install it knowing that water is ubiquitous to the bath area and carpet gets really nasty around water. Of course, LD does change their design to suit functionality as time goes by so who knows...Maybe they did install carpet in the 2000 RB.

Your rig looks fabulous, by the way. I am very impressed with the car port. Only in my dreams could I ever imagine having such a parking space for our RB.

One thing I did notice was the right angled fill connection for your city water. Just curious as to whether it is left in place permanently during travel. I’d hate to snag a tree branch with it connected. The damage could be devastating. Just curious.

Otherwise, your current repairs are moving along nicely and it appears your game plan shows every indication of a successful renovation. Good luck in the bathroom area. Someone will undoubtly chime in on the wall panel removal.

Enjoy your RB it is spectacular.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #19 –
Kent, for the record that is a gas station not my car port haha.  I do however have a tall car port to park it under even though it’s 24x24 so the front nose cone pokes out some.  As far as sealing I have found that 1999-2000 was when they started sealing end caps but nobody seems to know for sure...also I have no reason to believe in 18 years of driving it has not leaked through whatever sealant is there.  Me and my wife are in our mid 20’s and probably some of the youngest Ld owners I’ve yet to hear about haha.  We have done pretty big house renovations and rot removal on a camper is something we can for sure tackle when the time comes. 

As far as the full connector it is currently left on...it could theoretically catch on something but at that point I’d be trading paint with stuff already haha.

Carpet is original, goes straight up to the shower opening. Yes this is a dumb idea but I’ve already completely gutted both bathrooms in my house for the same design flaw so it’s not surprising the camper I bought followed the same trend!

I currently I plan to wait till fall, pull the toilet and linoleum/ carpet from the bathroom. Pull out the wall paneling in the rear corner, fix any water damage and install new end caps. Probably put down LVP or just sheet flooring to eliminate the carpet. A big nasty job yes but good luck finding a used camper without the need for such repairs.

For the record we paid 15k and it’s a beautiful camper.
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #20 –
“for the record that is a gas station not my car port haha”.

Well that’s too bad. Who wouldn’t want a gas pump immediately available? Shades of Jay Leno, right?

Welcome to the club. When I was your age, I was camping out under the stars and hitching rides to many of my destinations.

Enjoy the adventure.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #21 –
"We have a 2015 RB and love it. If you haven't seen my post on our end cap issue, I'll just say that Vince at the Mothership has insured me that where the side and rear aluminum panels join they are completely water tight and sealed to insure no water intrusion in the event that the end cap should develop a crack or otherwise expose the panels hidden beneath them.'

Vince is only right for a brand new LD, the sealant doesn't hold up in the long term, based on personally inspecting many rotted LDs.
End caps will develop leak at some point, as the double side tape used to secure the caps breaks down and shrinks.
The same happens to the window seals.

The drain behind the end caps have always been sealed but the sealant doesn't hold up in the long term.
Old LDs were sealed with an asphalt emulsion, newer ones with polyurethane.
Do not assume that the drains are rot-proof.  Whatever sealant was used, it peels off the wood after the passage of time.
You really want to keep the end caps well sealed .

The interior panels are glued and nailed into place. You will find it difficult or impossible to remove without badly damaging it, little in a LD is built to be taken apart cleanly. You can use new paneling and paint to match .

Only older LDs had carpeted baths, a dumb move that was corrected.

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
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #22 –
Sounds good, yeah we aren’t looking forward to the end cap work but it’s simply the nature of the beast.  We will remove any wood damage and reseal with the best stuff we can find. I wonder if anyone has ever sealed the inner exposed wood with eternabond and then capped over it.
2000 RB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #23 –
Hi Cor2man. Your 'new to you' Lazy Daze looks wonderful. In 2000 Ed was still in control of LD and would never have let an LD out the door with white windows. An east coaster wouldn't make the trip to the mothership to repaint the faux windows, so I figure the first owner opted to have the entire front cap repainted white. (with a new label). I think you would have better luck with 3M fast cure  5200 sealant for the inside of your corner caps. I'm not sure you could get anything to stick to the outside surface of the Eternabond tape. I haven't tried that.
   Thanks for explaining how the screws holding my side molding (floor to skirt) got so rusty. Some heads have broken off, so I just glued the heads on for expediency. About time for me to take the strip off, and put in stainless screws. I was going for 1/2" longer. Then I'll have to paint the heads. Please send us a photo when you are done. Are you going to leave the SS heads plain, and how do you think that would look?  
    I'll mention that I wasn't thrilled by the sealing job LD did behind the name plate. A friends 2001 MB had paint bubbling and aluminum corrosion around the screws holding the ID plate on. Fixed that, and took the name plate off of my '99, and discovered poor sealant there also. A quick fix if the paint isn't damaged yet.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: 2000 lazy daze rear lower storage leak
Reply #24 –
Ron, here’s how it al turned out. Honestly the stainless screws don’t stand out too bad, I could paint them but since sealant is obviously spread around the panel I’m just going to leave as is, aesthetics are nice for brand new RV’s but this sucker is old and looking new isn’t the priority. I will likely remove and replace all strip screws with stainless so it will be consistent.

I had 1 screw head rust off, some people may tear down the whole RV for fear of rot but I’m not that guy.  Everything was solid and the screws went in solid enough for me. On the other strips I will be removing the screws and filling with sealer but not removing.
2000 RB