When you are looking to get your travel trailer out on the road, the worst thing you want to find before your trip is a problem. During this time of year, water damage can be a huge issue for many RV owners in the Dallas, Texas area. The “April showers bring May flowers” ideal may ring true for nature, but for trailer owners, April showers bring more water-related issues.

At Coach Specialists, we want to help you fix and identify and water damage plaguing your RV. One of the services we provide to all of our customers is water damage repair. We also want to help you understand water damage as a whole and look for ways to identify damage. Our main goal is to get you back on the road as quickly and as satisfied as possible. So check out some ways to take care of travel trailer water damage.

How to Take Care of RV Water Damage

Before we can tell you how to repair any water damage to your RV, there are some important things to go over. One thing to keep in mind is that you live in Texas. And, while that may be stating the obvious, you have to remember that the Dallas and Fort Worth areas face some extreme weather. This is especially true during the spring. Just this past month we have faced several hail storms. One major cause of water damage to an RV is hail damage. Hail damage brings a lot of injuries to the exterior of your trailer. Even the smallest hole can bring a big wave of water damage.

But, hail storms are not the only culprit. If you are someone who takes a lot of road trips with your RV, normal wear and tear can cause dents and holes in your trailer. Some of the most common areas you should check for leaks are windows, the roof, and side paneling. Also be sure to check any tight corners or areas that have previously been repaired.

Different Types of Water Damage

Because you may typically use your travel trailer when camping or on short trips, you may not always associate it with the same issues as your own home. However, just like any house damage caused by leaks or flood can cause severe vehicle or life-threatening problems.

Mold growth is a number one issue to look for after realizing you have water damage inside your RV. If you do not properly identify or even see the damage, this can leave areas inside your trailer unable to dry properly.

Another common issue caused by water is wood damage or wood rot. Many RVs in Texas are fitted with wood floors or wooden cabinetry. It may not always be your first idea to check hard to reach floor areas or inside cabinets, but you may need to start. This type of wood damage, if left untreated, can spread quickly to other areas in your trailer. No one wants to fall through the floor when you are cruising down the road.

Electrical damage is one big issue that accompanies water damage. Leaks can get into outlets or appliances you have inside your RV. This can not only cause these features to stop working, but they could also force short circuits or electrical fires.

Tips for Identifying and Taking Care of Water Damage

• Do not Waste Time

One of the worst things you could do is wait to visit Coach Specialists after finding water damage. If you have an accident, have spent a lot of time at a rocky campground, or encountered a hail storm bring your RV in as soon as possible. Waiting will only make the damage worse.

• Keep a Schedule

When it comes to taking care of your RV, especially in harsh Texas climates, check your RV regularly. We mean make a list and check it twice; maybe even three times. You can never be too safe when checking for water or any other type of damage. The best process you can start with is to bring your RV into Coach at the beginning and end of your camping season whenever you spot an issue.

• Regular Maintenence

This is probably a pretty obvious tip, but you can never be too careful with your RV. The best way to prevent water damage is to regularly check after outings for exterior damage first, then interior. Give your RV the help it needs by using waterproof tape or parts to decrease the chances of leaks.

• Regular Inspections

Taking your travel trailer for regular inspections is a perfect way to fight off or detect areas that can lead to water damage. Coach houses a Sealtech leak testing machine on site. This machine uses a solution of soapy water mixed with air to detect problem areas. The Sealtech draws in outside air via the roof vent and forces the pressurized air outward through exterior faults in the trailer. This forced pressure causes bubbles from the soapy water to visibly ooze through holes.

If you are facing water damage in your travel trailer, come visit us at Coach Specialists. Our experienced technicians are waiting to offer up their extensive knowledge in RV repair and get you back on the road in time for your next trip!