I have relocated my father's 2004 Sunnybrook Titan 5th wheel to California's Sierra foothills. We had the first substantial rain a couple of days ago (about 2"), and the roof leaked at the rear of the trailer. I think most of the water came down the driver's side corner where I found it in a wet carpet. After the initial dismay of having to deal with another problem, I took a closer look and have two questions for people that know more about trailers. There is an L-shaped piece of metal screwed into the end of the roof just past the edge of the roof rack that keeps water coming down the sloping roof from running over the back of the trailer. This is just above where water seems to be coming in, and I am wondering if it is a known source of leaks? Also, the interior ceiling and walls are covered with what seems to be a thin wood panel covered with a vernier of formica. Is it possible for water to run down this material without showing and then leaking out at the back of the trailer? Thanks for any suggestions about what needs fixing.JRMunn

Water can ru a long ways. There is only o e way I know of to positively identify leak spots. That is with a seal test. As an alternative you can try a leaf blower.

I had that same kind of strip along the back of our last TT. It didn't ever leak but I was suspicious of what ever thin sealant they used. I ended up putting a piece Eternabond tape all the was across to cover it.

Sorry for my inexperience, but what is a "seal test"? And how would a leaf blower be used to find leaks?JRMunn

A seal test is a means of pressurizing the RV to test for leaks. You apply air to the inside of the RV by using the leaf blower usually through one of the roof vents. You then use soapy water along all joints, windows and seals to see if air is leaking via soap bubbles.You might check YouTube for a video on how to perform one. A quick check of the forums here didn't produce anything but I remember reading how to do it before.On a side note, did a factory tour of the Coachmen facilities this summer and at least on the TT line they did a seal test at the end of the line. Every unit got tested before it left the building.Good luck, John

Pressure test is the best way to determine source of leaks - they cost about $100. Not familiar with L your referring to - might be someone placed it there to mitigate known water problem - if so lousy fix. Check the roof caulking everywhere the actual source of the leak may not be in the vicinity of the wet carpet (water maybe entering from different location and traveling along the interior of the ceiling cavity). Water leaks are PIA and if not fixed quick can result in expensive repairs - don't ignore.

Roof Leak | Good Sam Community

JRMunn
Explorer
Nov 22, 2017
Barney,

The area to the right of your shadow (you must be standing closer to the trailer edge than I want to be)looks very much like the rear of my trailer. It is hard to tell from this perspective, but my end strip might be taller. It does collect a lot of water. And the caulking was definitely lifting at its junction with the ladder post caulking, which looked like a likely spot for a leak. A layer of Eternabond tape sounds like it would be a good final solution for a leak anywhere on the roof. Thanks again for letting me know what works!

JRMunn
BarneyS
Explorer III
Nov 22, 2017
:B :B :B Actually, I was standing on my telescoping ladder leaned against the rear cap. It was not as high up as it looks. I think the angle of the sun makes it look that way.

I always use a telescoping ladder when going up the rear. The built in ladder is too straight up and down and hard to climb for me. In fact, I have just about given up climbing any ladders anymore. My sons and grandsons are assigned those duties now. ;)
Barney
FF286
Explorer
Nov 23, 2017
Do you have to recaulk the roof with using the Eternabond tape? This looks like a great idea.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Nov 23, 2017
Fireman286 wrote:
Do you have to recaulk the roof with using the Eternabond tape? This looks like a great idea.

Not if you seal all the roof penetrations along with all the seams. I'm talking about antenna, vent, etc. penetrations.

Some people put a bead of self leveling caulk along the edge of the Eternabond tape but I have never found that to be necessary. I have used the tape on my last two trailers and neither one of them have ever leaked at all.
Barney
oldbird1965
Explorer
Nov 26, 2017
What kind of paint did you use Barney? I have always painted the tape with elastomeric roof paint. I also paint around all things on the roof even if I didn't put the tape down. Its very flexible and has worked great for me. My wife is allergic to mold so I have to very careful!
BarneyS
Explorer III
Nov 26, 2017
oldbird1965 wrote:
What kind of paint did you use Barney? Snip...!

I used Liquid Roof
and posted about it here.
Barney
JRMunn
Explorer
Dec 12, 2017
Thank you again for all of the roof sealing suggestions. I am ordering the Eterna Bond tape to do a better job next summer. For now, I seem to have stopped the main leak in my father's trailer roof with one can of the Rustoleum Leak Seal sprayed along the end strip after using a stiff brush to clean the surface of existing caulking. After another 2 inch plus rain storm, there were no more drips, but the carpet was still slightly wet. A closer look at the plastic strip covering the contact between the rear cap and the trailer side walls found places where caulking had failed, which might let water in along the wall. I re-sealed this for the winter with new caulk, and now will wait for another storm to see if any more water gets in. In the mean-time, I have dried the carpet with a small heater that has a fan. I have my fingers crossed that this will take care of the water problems. If not, I will probably have to resort to a pressure test to find a less obvious source for water getting in.

JRMunn
jwireman89
Explorer
Dec 12, 2017
Use caution when sealing a rubber roof. Do not use anything with petroleum distillates. Eternabond tape or Dicor caulking.

Forum Discussion

Roof Leak

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Roof leaks

Hallmark Roof Leak Rubber Roof TPO

TT Roof Leak

Roof Leak

Fiberglass Roof Leak