fixing a "rotted front box", can it be done?

nunlef · Sep 04, 2009, 06:21 PM

Hi, we are shopping around for a pup, and I came across what I think is a deal. 2003 coachmen clipper 1290st for 4900.
The problem is, it has - what the dealer is calling - a "rotted front box". I am under the impression this just means the sheet of plywood that supports the bed. Doesn't really sound like a tough fix to me, but of course i'm brand spanking new at this.
I am planning on taking a look at it next weekend, but i would like to go with some info behind me.
Thanks for any advice.

AustinBoston · Sep 04, 2009, 08:56 PM

I would proceed with caution.

On most older Pups with a front box, the bottom of the box is a cotinuation of the main floor. You could probably just fix the floor in the front box without too much trouble (if you are a project-oriented handyman), but if the rot has spread to the main box floor, the amout of work can be huge (everything inside sits on the floor, so replacing the whole floor means removing everything - cabinets, sink, stove, fridge, etc. It's not always that bad, but it can be.

Austin

nunlef · Sep 05, 2009, 09:54 AM

unfortunately, the bigger project sounds like fun, but there's no way my husband would let me do it.
I guess i will just go give it a look, and see exactly how much damage exists.

Thanks for the info.

flyfisherman · Sep 05, 2009, 10:32 AM

A 2003 model is not that old ...

The first thing I'd be looking for is where the moisture has been leaking in. If it were just a small part of the front wall and had not gotten into the floor or even spread further back into the side walls, I'm inclined to think the repair would be a piece of cake.

But then, what did you say the price of the camper was ...? (run that by me again)

Fly

nunlef · Sep 05, 2009, 05:30 PM

They have it listed at 4950, but after checking the NASA guide, I think we coul get it for less

austinado16 · Sep 06, 2009, 11:10 AM

I wouldn't recommend buying a "rotted out" camper unless it was both a screaming/unbelievable deal, and I had the skills/tools/time to repair what the seller "knew" about, and the other 90% of the damage that they didn't....or didn't admit too.

Rot in a camper is like rust in a car body. What you can see is maybe 25% of the actual damage, and that doesn't address the root cause, and what it will take to repair that.

haroldPE · Sep 07, 2009, 09:02 AM

I've seen a detailed repair story on one of the popup forums with great pictures, but I have not been able to find it for you.

However, since you have not purchased, I too recommend you avoid this lemon and keep looking for a unit with no rot or roof problems, or look for a much better deal. This one is no deal.

flyfisherman · Sep 07, 2009, 09:53 AM

Well, I did'nt want to be the only one to say it ...

But I would NOT consider such a buy unless, like already stated, I could get an exceptional bargin, plus had the time and where-with-all for making the needed repairs. And let me clarifly what I would consider even getting close to a bargin ... that would considerably less than half the asking price posted.

Fly

austinado16 · Sep 07, 2009, 11:35 AM

Quote from: flyfisherman;209905Well, I did'nt want to be the only one to say it ...

But I would NOT consider such a buy unless, like already stated, I could get an exceptional bargin, plus had the time and where-with-all for making the needed repairs. And let me clarifly what I would consider even getting close to a bargin ... that would considerably less than half the asking price posted.

Fly

Exactly. I try to play the mind game of: Am I going to be the last idiot to buy this? And if the answer is yes.....like with my Starcraft Nova.....then I have to be certain that when I'm "done" I'll not only be money waaaaaay ahead, I'll have the car, truck, house, camper, boat, whatever, that I (always) wanted.

So in the case of your $5,000 camper, for me to touch it, it would need to be an actual $5,000-$7000 valued camper fully loaded with all the bells and whistles that I or a future buyer were after, and the price I'd be willing to pay would be about $1,000-2,000.

nunlef · Sep 08, 2009, 10:06 PM

Thanks so much for the advice. I would like it just for the chance to do a project, now that the kids are back in school, I have almost a half hour of free time each day.
I think we are just going to buy new. Called the sales guy this morning, so hopefully we will have shiny new pictures of a shiny new pup soon. I hope so anyway, i already have a reservation at a campground...

Camping Coxes · Sep 09, 2009, 02:38 PM

We are in the process of replacing our rotted front box. DH has experience in building in aerospace -- it's coming in handy! Big job. Had to take front box off, make welded frame for back wall, attach diamond plate (after fabricating it to fit), attach diamond plate to base of box area, attach new box, reattach all plumbing and install water heater. It's about 80% finished and I plan to post pics when done, but it's no small feat.

I would run from this camper. You only know about the rot you can see. It's like cancer and has probably crept throughout the floor. Keep looking. There's always great deals around -- you just have to be patient.

austinado16 · Sep 09, 2009, 05:54 PM

Quote from: nunlef;209978Thanks so much for the advice. I would like it just for the chance to do a project, now that the kids are back in school, I have almost a half hour of free time each day.
I think we are just going to buy new. Called the sales guy this morning, so hopefully we will have shiny new pictures of a shiny new pup soon. I hope so anyway, i already have a reservation at a campground...

LOL, wow, a whole half hour! That's enough time to change clothes, open the garage door, get the tools out, take a look at what you're going to work on, and then put the tools away, close the garage door, wash up, and change clothes!;)

There are a ton of great deals on really nice used pop-ups right now due to the economy and camping season coming to an end in most areas. You could easily save 5 grand or more.

Done Working · Sep 30, 2009, 08:46 AM

It sounds like the dealer is doing the old lets charge a lot for a for a PU in bad shape so that the cost of buying a new one isn't so bad trick.

countryboy · Oct 07, 2009, 04:39 PM

Last month we bought a 2005 Coachman Clipper 1272ST. While examining it closer when we got home I noticed that the floor of the front box was soft. Repaired the floor and later washing it I looked for the leak.. Water was coming in from the top of the small side access door on the door side of the camper. Loosened the screws, siliconed the top of the frame, tightened the screws up. Mission accomplished.

Total cost: about $6 and thirty minutes

That was just mine. Look at yours closely!

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fixing a "rotted front box", can it be done?