uploading imagesIs this interior part fixable or concern
Is this interior part fixable or concern
Area under window looking like it needs helps on 2001 Concourse, does this look like major issue to fix or pretty simply? Could it means worse things causing it? I like van overall put not sure how to feel about this? RV looks like it could use good cleaning also.
uploading images
uploading images2001 Concourse XL Lounge model, 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis.
Re: Is this interior part fixable or concern
It's a little hard to tell from the photo, but what you've got there basically is this, moving from outside inward:
--Outside fiberglass shell
--Some expanding foam stuck to it
--Air space of some amount because shell is shaped and wallboard is flat
--1/8" vinyl wallpapered hardboard type wallboard (vinyl is built onto it not put on by Chinook)
--A strip of corian backsplash (separate from counter top) held on by silicone (yup
)
--A 1/2" corian countertop
I'm guessing you're asking about the rusty/brown areas at the top of the backsplash? If I had to guess I'd say it's either dirt/iron from water or something else built up on the silicone, OR the window could use re-bedding (not an unusual thing after 10-15 years).
Could there be worse horrors? Possibly, but it's more likely to be one of the things above, IMO (from one photo only of course).
Worse horrors:
1) Window has been leaking tons of water for years, water ran down inside wall, floor is rotted. This is highly unlikely in my opinion. First of all, it would smell pretty musty I'd think. Second, even if it's of the era of the plywood floor, the floor in that area has quite a bit of fiberglass over it (because the wheelwell is bonded in place with fiberglass cloth, then so is the fuel filler). And if it's the foam sandwich floor, sure water *could* get in between the layers, but not likely without some further signs.
2) Roof has leaked, water has run along some channel or gap, run down the wall, discolored the backspash, then gone on down to cause horror #1. Again, this is extreme and probably unlikely.
As a first step, I'd check these things out:
a) Does it clean off? I see some of the same on the side of the counter by the little mini-divider that separates the couch area. That latter area is extremely unlikely to be leaked on, so maybe it's just gross silicone?
b) If you look under the sink, does it smell musty? Can you see any evidence of water leakage back by the wall? Is the wooden framing that supports the Corian top in good shape? Carpet stains?
c) On the outside, has anyone globbed sealant on the outside of the window trim ring? (This never seems to actually work, but people try it anyway.)
Chinooks have a huge and everlasting leg up on most other RV construction because there are no seams in the shell to flex/move/leak. OTOH, there are still penetrations that need to be re-bedded from time to time. Roof vents and rails, windows, hatches, etc.
--Outside fiberglass shell
--Some expanding foam stuck to it
--Air space of some amount because shell is shaped and wallboard is flat
--1/8" vinyl wallpapered hardboard type wallboard (vinyl is built onto it not put on by Chinook)
--A strip of corian backsplash (separate from counter top) held on by silicone (yup
)--A 1/2" corian countertop
I'm guessing you're asking about the rusty/brown areas at the top of the backsplash? If I had to guess I'd say it's either dirt/iron from water or something else built up on the silicone, OR the window could use re-bedding (not an unusual thing after 10-15 years).
Could there be worse horrors? Possibly, but it's more likely to be one of the things above, IMO (from one photo only of course).
Worse horrors:
1) Window has been leaking tons of water for years, water ran down inside wall, floor is rotted. This is highly unlikely in my opinion. First of all, it would smell pretty musty I'd think. Second, even if it's of the era of the plywood floor, the floor in that area has quite a bit of fiberglass over it (because the wheelwell is bonded in place with fiberglass cloth, then so is the fuel filler). And if it's the foam sandwich floor, sure water *could* get in between the layers, but not likely without some further signs.
2) Roof has leaked, water has run along some channel or gap, run down the wall, discolored the backspash, then gone on down to cause horror #1. Again, this is extreme and probably unlikely.
As a first step, I'd check these things out:
a) Does it clean off? I see some of the same on the side of the counter by the little mini-divider that separates the couch area. That latter area is extremely unlikely to be leaked on, so maybe it's just gross silicone?
b) If you look under the sink, does it smell musty? Can you see any evidence of water leakage back by the wall? Is the wooden framing that supports the Corian top in good shape? Carpet stains?
c) On the outside, has anyone globbed sealant on the outside of the window trim ring? (This never seems to actually work, but people try it anyway.)
Chinooks have a huge and everlasting leg up on most other RV construction because there are no seams in the shell to flex/move/leak. OTOH, there are still penetrations that need to be re-bedded from time to time. Roof vents and rails, windows, hatches, etc.
1999 Concourse
Re: Is this interior part fixable or concern
Tahnk you, it look like paint below above backsplas and under window, not sure if this could be bigger water damage.
2001 Concourse XL Lounge model, 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis.
Re: Is this interior part fixable or concern
Okay, now that you said it's paint, I can "see" it better. So yeah, there is something going on there with moisture. It could always be something catastrophic, but there should then be other signs, I'd think.
The window could have leaked (that is re-beddable) and made stains or even damage to the "paneling" below the window. So they painted to cover it up (but it leaked again and damaged the paint). Or they could have painted the vinyl wallcovering due to not liking the pattern, not prepped well, and it's peeling. Or possibly window condensation dripped down if they camped in cold weather.
Can you look at it again? I'd want to take a look at the wall and adjacent flooring under the sink, with that cupboard emptied out. Also sniff if you have a decent nose. The area is likely carpeted, but that's not a bad thing. You can see/smell if the carpet is musty. Also, you can gently probe through it with an ice pick. Most of that area should have fiberglass over the plywood. If so the pick will run into a hard surface (the fiberglass). There is some plywood so that should feel like "normal" wood not soft or rotten. (I think it was 2002 when they went to the composite core, but that would also be "hard" fiberglass under the carpet pad. It's remotely possibly the coring of the fiberglass composite floor could be compromised, but that's probably unlikely without obvious signs.
So the upshot is that (IMO) while it could be something more serious, there is also every chance it's only a "nuisance" type thing. On the other hand, if they did a bad job there, what else might there be? You probably know the more trouble prone areas to look at (cupboard under the fridge, tire locker, etc.)
If you are still interested in pursuing this Chinook, I can dig up a couple of photos of my Concourse in that area so you can see.
The window could have leaked (that is re-beddable) and made stains or even damage to the "paneling" below the window. So they painted to cover it up (but it leaked again and damaged the paint). Or they could have painted the vinyl wallcovering due to not liking the pattern, not prepped well, and it's peeling. Or possibly window condensation dripped down if they camped in cold weather.
Can you look at it again? I'd want to take a look at the wall and adjacent flooring under the sink, with that cupboard emptied out. Also sniff if you have a decent nose. The area is likely carpeted, but that's not a bad thing. You can see/smell if the carpet is musty. Also, you can gently probe through it with an ice pick. Most of that area should have fiberglass over the plywood. If so the pick will run into a hard surface (the fiberglass). There is some plywood so that should feel like "normal" wood not soft or rotten. (I think it was 2002 when they went to the composite core, but that would also be "hard" fiberglass under the carpet pad. It's remotely possibly the coring of the fiberglass composite floor could be compromised, but that's probably unlikely without obvious signs.
So the upshot is that (IMO) while it could be something more serious, there is also every chance it's only a "nuisance" type thing. On the other hand, if they did a bad job there, what else might there be? You probably know the more trouble prone areas to look at (cupboard under the fridge, tire locker, etc.)
If you are still interested in pursuing this Chinook, I can dig up a couple of photos of my Concourse in that area so you can see.
1999 Concourse
Re: Is this interior part fixable or concern
Thank you Blue-Go. I was going to fly out Monday to look at and drive back half was across country, but with this and some other areas of concern, I am worried about overall condition and how it was maintained.
I will pass as there one other strong contenders,and one long shot, I am pursuing, one I may put deposit down today but I think they are high few grand, we'll see what happens.
Again, I very much appreciate your help and thank you.
I will pass as there one other strong contenders,and one long shot, I am pursuing, one I may put deposit down today but I think they are high few grand, we'll see what happens.
Again, I very much appreciate your help and thank you.
2001 Concourse XL Lounge model, 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis.
Re: Is this interior part fixable or concern
I think I'd do the same as you. I'll go cross country to buy things no problem; but I'm less inclined if they are "iffy" or I can't get enough info to see for sure what's going on. I hope one of your other contenders works out!
1999 Concourse
Re: Is this interior part fixable or concern
Blue-Go, I put deposit this morning on immaculate 1999 on consignment at dealer 1/2 day drive away, we got very close to my offer price so I am very excited. Will check-out Monday and if all good exchange greenbacks for Chinook. Dealer website said "dinette" but when I got pics it was "lounge" style which was a big preference for us, and sealed the deal!
The condition of this is heads and shoulders above what I was looking at with pic posted, so really feel good about this.
The condition of this is heads and shoulders above what I was looking at with pic posted, so really feel good about this.
2001 Concourse XL Lounge model, 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis.
Re: Is this interior part fixable or concern
Hey cool! Of course I'm biased, but I think a '99 with a Club Lounge is a good one 
(The stock club lounge bases give you options as well: They can be modified to be a berth, a mini-dinette, or just enjoyed as lounges.)
(The stock club lounge bases give you options as well: They can be modified to be a berth, a mini-dinette, or just enjoyed as lounges.)
1999 Concourse