One of the first steps in a cargo trailer build is to pull out all the plywood / OSB wallboard the trailer had installed by the manufacturer. Once you have the plywood removed, you want to check for any gaps in the sheet metal or evidence of leaks. You can check for gaps by getting in the trailer on a bright day and closing all the doors; any gaps in the sheet metal should be easily seen with the light from outside streaming in. Leaks can be detected by looking the trailer over carefully along all the seams in the roof and sides. You're looking for water stains on the metal or signs of rust. Mark the areas with a sharpie and wait for a good rainstorm, or better yet, grab the garden hose and thoroughly drench the exterior of the trailer. Then go into the trailer and recheck the entire roof and sides, paying special attention to suspected leak areas. I sealed all my wall and floor gaps with great stuff foam, the smaller roof gaps I covered with Dicor self-leveling RV sealant. I then removed every exterior screw on the exterior skin (for good measure) and applied flex seal to the threads of the screws, and reinstalled them (sounds worse than it is). In my opinion, this is one of the most important steps you can take. If you're going to put a lot of time and money into a project, you don't want it ruined by water leaks.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Camping at Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds Nicky and I decided to take a trip to Arkansas to stay at an Army Corps of Engineers campgr...

-
Camping at Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds Nicky and I decided to take a trip to Arkansas to stay at an Army Corps of Engineers campgr...
-
Nicky enjoying the campfire next to the trailer Just after we purchased the cargo trailer, we took it out (as is) on a camping trip to get a...
-
One of the first steps in a cargo trailer build is to pull out all the plywood / OSB wallboard the trailer had installed by the manufacturer...
No comments:
Post a Comment