How to fix rotted caravan flooring?

[adan]

 

Hi,

I have recently purchased a 70s Millard caravan.

we noticed some water marks on the wall under the front bed so we removed the wall and there was a fair bit of water, we have since sealed up two holes where screws were missing on the outside have had a lot of rain and don’t beleive it’s leaked since. 

however, when we ripped up the new flooring that was laid, the vinyl underneath was all wet and so was the flooring underneath, alongside a timber peiced that has rotted and is half missing. (I was just advised there is a risk of asbestos in the old vinyl floor and glue, so this will be getting tested before we do anything else) but I am wondering how do we fix this timber and flooring that’s water damaged and wet, is it enough to dry it out and re apply vinyl over the top or do we need to replace this whole timber beam along the front and the board along the whole length of the bed? 
we bought this van pre renovated but seems there was a lot left un renovated so we were never intending to do any major works as we don’t have much idea. 

thanks 

[twocutekelpies]

Hi @adan 

I had similar in my '77 Millard. Is the floor a section that takes weight? ie stood on or is it right in a back corner? Mine was in the back corner and only a small section so I treated the ply with several applications of Earl's Wood Hardener to solidify the timber again (dry the area out first). I believe the vinyl contains asbestos but didn't have mine tested, just treated it like it was, double wrapped and disposed of it per local council instructions. I used a heat gun on low to soften the glue and remove it.

You're lucky that you have an aluminium framed caravan so the damage doesn't extend structurally. Is the missing piece of timber part of the seat/bed? It shouldn't be too hard to replace, a multifunction tool is great for cutting out sections for replacement and a staple gun or pocket jig for attaching new pieces in place. Can you upload more photos of the affected area?

Cheers

Shelley

[EricL]

Hello @adan 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your caravan.

It's great that you received excellent advice from @twocutekelpies. I recommend following their suggestions in regards to the caravan flooring repair. My only recommendation is to examine the floor very well, and where it is anchored should you need to replace that section of the flooring. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric