New to being a TD owner and to this site. I’m actually not very “handy” so I’m scared but equally excited to start remodeling a used camper I purchased. The fixing and remodeling were not planned when I bought it though. So much learning these last two weeks and I know I will continue to through this forum.
Thus far, I drove 1600 miles and 26 hours roundtrip to bring my TD home to a 13 year old boy and myself. I had hoped we would already be using it but discovered otherwise. I was trying to cosmetically update the camper and
1) removed old caulk and found 1” gaps. Then, saw some wet wood (we drove home in the rain) so I
2) removed the doors and found rot and carpenter ants in the left side door!! Cleaned that up and while it dried, I discovered
3) floor to front was foamed (breaking off now) and poorly sealed with caulk - removed all of it leaving a 1” gap.
4) after rotted wood dried, I sanded it and took out broken pieces then
6) hardened the sanded wood area with some wood restore hardener. After that was dry, I
7) filled the area (top, side and bottom) with wood repair epoxy paste
Now and Next up ... I will
8. sand the repaired area and prep the top for butyl tape to replace the door; the bottom with 3M marine sealant, butyl tape between the aluminum trim and sand the inside for wallpaper.
9) Seal the floor seams inside with Sikaflex.
Problem 1: area by the repaired door has a 1/2 gap (also deep) into the trailer frame....I’m not sure how to fix/fill that.
Problem 2: there is 1” gap between floor and front wall - you can see the inside light shining outside the camper. My plan is to fill it inside with sikaflex - is that too big of a gap though? do I need a foam instead? - and from the exterior seal with 3M marine grade sealant. Later, I will place a trim all around the interior floor.
Problem 3: I have been told that the flooring is treated plywood. Unsure but, what can I put over it to ensure there is no moisture with my mattress and to keep it dry? Cosmetically, I would like a more “refined/finished” look but ultimately, I care more about moisture and water protection all around, especially after I seal everything.
Pictures and videos of all my troubles and this craziness are housed in this folder on google: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JIrFKLAKqW1cwR5k_v8pT6XYR_8rRG8q
Thank you if you read through all this and are still willing to help! ❤️