Karen, a suggestion about the vinyl: WAIT FOR WARM (hot would be  better) WEATHER.

So there is some soft wood? Don't ignore it. Doug, I think it was, who recommended the West System--an epoxy material which fills and seals the soft parts (drill holes in the soft part and cover it with their epoxy which soaks into the wood, preserves it and  stops further rot.

Contact them at  www.westsystem.com and request information regarding use in rec vehicles. In Buffalo you certainly have marine supply stores which carry the product and should have the literature. One would be West Marine (no kin to  the manufacturer of the product) and they
are known to carry it.

Give me the word if you need further  words. I'm trying to teach myself to be more succinct in the use of words! Had you not notices that I get quite wordy?

Best wishes to you both,

Donald