Hurricane Helene flooded undercarriage

[mtbell001]

My wife and I bought a GD 2022 Imagine 2800BH back in April of this year. This past weekend during Hurricane Helene, the river we had it parked on rose above its banks. Unfortunately, we don’t have anything large enough to pull the camper with, and have to have it moved when we want it transported (not too often). The river rose on Friday. We went to see it yesterday (Monday). The living area of the camper was completely dry. We got about 3 or 4 inches in the forward storage, and also got water in the underbelly. The lights and water faucets seemed to work fine in the camper. But, the coroplast below the underbelly was so full it looked like it would eventually pull loose.

My wife and I took a screwdriver and put 3 small holes along the midline of the coroplast to try to drain the water and remove the tension. The water drained for probably 2 or more hours.

My question is now - what should we do at this point? Now that the majority of the pressure is off the coroplast, I thought about unscrewing one side of it to let it drain whatever water may be left in it. Then, taking some kind of forced air (leaf blower, fans, etc.) to try to complete the drying process. I am a little concerned that if I take the coroplast completely off, I will not be able to get it back on.

If anyone has any suggestions (and, yes I have filed an insurance claim, but not sure how long that will take to process), please let me know.

Thanks.

 

[Bungy]

My wife and I bought a GD 2022 Imagine 2800BH back in April of this year. This past weekend during Hurricane Helene, the river we had it parked on rose above its banks. Unfortunately, we don’t have anything large enough to pull the camper with, and have to have it moved when we want it transported (not too often). The river rose on Friday. We went to see it yesterday (Monday). The living area of the camper was completely dry. We got about 3 or 4 inches in the forward storage, and also got water in the underbelly. The lights and water faucets seemed to work fine in the camper. But, the coroplast below the underbelly was so full it looked like it would eventually pull loose.

My wife and I took a screwdriver and put 3 small holes along the midline of the coroplast to try to drain the water and remove the tension. The water drained for probably 2 or more hours.

My question is now - what should we do at this point? Now that the majority of the pressure is off the coroplast, I thought about unscrewing one side of it to let it drain whatever water may be left in it. Then, taking some kind of forced air (leaf blower, fans, etc.) to try to complete the drying process. I am a little concerned that if I take the coroplast completely off, I will not be able to get it back on.

If anyone has any suggestions (and, yes I have filed an insurance claim, but not sure how long that will take to process), please let me know.

Thanks.

I think your plan is a good one, you don't want to drop the underbelly completely if you don't have to, that would open up a whole new can of worms!

 

[markandkim]

I would make a claim with my insurance company to have it done right. You"ll regret it if you dont.

 

[Second Chance]

The underbelly needs to come off completely no matter what. Waiting for an insurance claim to be processed will only allow more time for mold to grow. I would pull the Coroplast, remove any insulation, and set up fans under there (if you have power). It can be drying out while you wait on insurance and an RV technician. A few holes in an underbelly that has been flooded won't do...

Rob

 

[DougW9876]

I agree with Rob, get it opened up and get drying ASAP, otherwise it will get mold and mildew in there and you will have problems forever.

 

[mtbell001]

Thanks, everyone for taking the time to reply. I have already filed a claim with my insurance company. However, Rob and Doug hit the nail on the head about my concern - mold. With all the claims being filed right now due to the hurricane, who knows when I would be able to get this taken care of. I think I will try to drive back over there again early tomorrow and drop that coroplast. I'll have to see if I can get enough fans to blow it out good.

 

[Ynot4me2]

Removing and re-installing the underbelly is intimidating at first but once you've done it, you'll realize its not that bad. Once things have fully dried up and you're ready to re-install it, you can search on here for a few tricks to make it easier.

 

[mtbell001]

Thanks, everyone, for taking the time to answer. I am actually going to head up there today to get started, so will probably be out of pocket for a while. There is still very little cell / internet service there.

 

[Second Chance]

Thanks, everyone for taking the time to reply. I have already filed a claim with my insurance company. However, Rob and Doug hit the nail on the head about my concern - mold. With all the claims being filed right now due to the hurricane, who knows when I would be able to get this taken care of. I think I will try to drive back over there again early tomorrow and drop that coroplast. I'll have to see if I can get enough fans to blow it out good.

Be sure and pull down all the insulation, too - it's what retains the moisture.

Rob

 

[WhittleBurner]

I may be mistaken but couldn't the insurance company turn you down if you don't do what you can to mitigate the damages.

 

[markandkim]

All the wheel bearings and brakes will need inspection too.

 

[jlk111]

I may be mistaken but couldn't the insurance company turn you down if you don't do what you can to mitigate the damages.

I would get an email to/from an RV repair facility nearby asking about a reservation date to get the repair started, it will most likely be months out. That way you will have documented proof you tried to mitigate the damage. They can deny a claim if the customer did much to it before an adjuster/appraiser looked at it. I have been there with Sublimity Insurance in Oregon. Cancelled 4 vehicles, 3 trailers, 3 houses and a 2 million umbrella policy with them, I will never use them again. Cost me over $6000 to repair the damaged horse trailer frame. Wished I had the energy and time to file with the insurance commission at the state level. If there was much water damage it may well be a total loss.