Cheap & easy quick fix to cover interior water damage-HELP

[Shea Milligan]

Hi there, I am a newbie to the trailering world. I bought my 1958 12' Cardinal last summer and camped in it about 4 times with no problem. Even rained on us one night, no leaks. Then we towed in the rain, and that is where we have a problem. The water got in through the front seam and damaged the interior paneling on either side of the window and where the seam is. Now, the interior is not original at all, and is painted a shade of green that we are not in love with. I don't have the time to repaint the interior right now, and don't have the time, money or place to rip out any paneling and replace it. It has been dry now for a year, and has been aired out several times. There isn't any smell of mildew, so I think we are okay.

What I want is to seal the front seam so this doesnt happen again, and cover up the damage until I can manage to do it right. I'm thinking of using grasscloth or grassmat on the front wall, headliner and rear wall to give it a kind of "Tiki" feel.

So, what should I use to caulk the seam?

Should I use some Kilz primer first? What do you suggest I use for the wall covering, and where do you think I can get it cheaply? How do you suggest I hang it?

 

Thanks for your help and suggestions!

[LuvtoCamp]

I am not the one to help with the repair but from a design aspect, I would not use the grassmat inside as it may retain moisture buildup from the air.  I have a couple brand new grassmat beach mats and I put them inside a storage cupboard.  It was warm and I opened the cupboard and the mat has a strong grassy wickerish odor.  I wont be keeping them in the trailer any more.  Just a thought if you want to keep it sweet smelling. If I am off the mark on the product your referencing too, then disregard my post lol. 

Hope someone can help with your seal issue.

[Shea Milligan]

Thanks, I definitely don't want more mildew! I think I will use the faux grasscloth wallpaper instead. Just looks like grasscloth, but not.

[0l9c7nlsuup1p]

Caulk - Do NOT use silicone - preferably 3M 4200 or 5200 - 5200 for a permanent fix

Yes  - Use Kilz if concerned about anything underneath - helps protect against mildew  - good stuff

A lot of wallcoverings are self adhesive now - prep with some windex and squeegee 'em on... but getting back off may be either real easy or a real pain... PO of my coach used it in some areas - doesn't look bad and stays up...I just wish he had trimmed it better....

white panel board - cheap - easy to cut... fasten with small brass screws

drapes - floor to ceiling

Hope this helps - Good luck...

[Shea Milligan]

Thanks. I know that we want to tear the paneling out to replace it at some point, so I'm not worried about having to remove wallcoverings. I was thinking about just using a faux grasscloth wallpaper instead of real grasscloth, as it would be cheaper and easier. This is just a temporary fix so that I don't have to look at the damaged area, because it makes me sad.

 

Thanks for the advice on what caulk to use. I'll go to an RV supplier and get some that will flex.

[Shea Milligan]

also, my trailer is a canned ham, so the front and rear walls are curved, which makes hanging any paneling difficult. Also, because of the angle drapes have to be secured at the bottom and top, as they will hang strange. the damaged area is where the bed/couch is, which adds to the trickiness.

[0l9c7nlsuup1p]

You could spray 3M contact adhesive and attach any fabric/material you choose if you know you will be pulling the panels out later...

Not sue if you can get 3M 4200 or 5200 at an RV place (you may) - but it definitely will be at a marine supply house.