My wife and I bought a new 2013 Leprechaun 317SA that we like a lot except we have very bad water leak issue in it. The front cap on our unit, and apparently on a lot of 2013 Leprechauns, was mounted improperly and it allows water to leak in and collect inside he front cap. This water that pools in the front cap then spills over into the hollow bunk deck and goes from there. I discovered the problem when I turned a corner and water showered down on my head! The dealer has made several attempts to correct the problem over the past 4 months, but each attempt has been a failure. Currently they have the front cap totally off of my unit so they can replace the bunk that has been damaged by the water. We are waiting for the bunk from the factory and they are giving me an estimate of 3-4 weeks before it is here. Once the dealer pulled the front cap off they found that the cap was mounted with non-water resistant, double face tape and then simply sealed around the edge with silicon. if the silicon seal is breached in any way, water comes right in and collects in the cap. According to the dealer, they have several more Leprechauns on their lot that are the same way and have water leak problems. This tells me that there must be a lot of them out there.I think that my dealer is doing the best he can do to make my coach right but I am getting very frustrated with it. I am making payments on an RV that I can't use. I also know from sad experience what water can to do a motorhome and don't want to repeat it.I would be very interested to hear about anyone else with a new Leprechaun that is having water leak issues so we can compare notes. Maybe I can help you with what I have learned too.

Sorry to hear about this issue. I have a 2013 Leprechaun as well. Mine was parked in outside storage for the first 5 months of ownership and was subject to lots of rain (Washington state). It also was on the dealers lot close to 6 months prior to our purchase and further subject to lots of rain. It was moved to covered storage a few months ago. I have pulled up the cushions over the cab a few times to check for any signs of leakage and it has been nice and dry. I will continue to inspect the bunk area as part of my normal routine just to be safe. Will be interesting to see if anyone else has experienced this issue. Please keep us posted on what you find.

I am glad to hear you aren't having problems. The only way I found my problem was when the water shifted when I turned a corner and poured out. If you pull the vinyl covered piece that runs across the front of your bunk it exposes the lower back of the front cap and a piece of fiberglass insulation. The piece I am talking about is about 10 inches wide and runs the width of the front of the bunk, angled against the front wall. Mine is covered with brown vinyl. There are only 3 screws holding it. That is where the water collects. I would pull those 3 screws and take a look. I tried to post pictures but for some reason it won't let me do that.

I plan to visit my RV this weekend to run the generator and get it prepped for winter. I will take a look to see if there is any moisture in the area you pointed out.

How is your dealer going re-install the cap? What kind of sealer is he going to use? A 6" strip of Eternabond tape over the top of the cap seam after they seal it works great. DO NOT let them seal it with silicon sealer. If you have to add to the seal, you can not do it over silicon. Eternabond or any other sealer will not stick to silicon. Silicon won't stick to older silicon.

At a minimum I would have expected the manufacturer to use butyl tape under the fiberglass nose cap perimeter where it meets the body THEN a sealant like Dicor or equivalent - not double faced tape! Sorry to hear but a good warning for current or future owners.

2013 Leprechaun water leak problems | Good Sam Community

128 Replies

vanGogh
Explorer
Sep 25, 2013
Is this the molded fiberglass front cap? Has anyone had a leak problem with the Coachmen Concord as well?
GollyCollie
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
Here is a picture of the water pooled inside the front cap of our Leprechaun. There was at least 2 gallons at the time this picture was taken. This area is accessed by removing the trim piece I describe above. One thing I can say for this cap. It is waterproof. It holds water very well.
yard_dawg
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
I have a 2013 Leprechaun. I have had several problems with water leaking from under the fridge and shower area. The dealer has had this unit back each time I have taken it out. It is getting very aggravating. It seems the water may be coming from under the wheel wells at times and then maybe the shower drain. We have tired several things trying to repair. I am like you getting tired of making payments on something that spends time at the dealer more than camping.
mwebber78
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
At a minimum I would have expected the manufacturer to use butyl tape under the fiberglass nose cap perimeter where it meets the body THEN a sealant like Dicor or equivalent - not double faced tape! Sorry to hear but a good warning for current or future owners.
jdog
Explorer
Sep 24, 2013
How is your dealer going re-install the cap? What kind of sealer is he going to use? A 6" strip of Eternabond tape over the top of the cap seam after they seal it works great. DO NOT let them seal it with silicon sealer. If you have to add to the seal, you can not do it over silicon. Eternabond or any other sealer will not stick to silicon. Silicon won't stick to older silicon.
NWnative
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
I plan to visit my RV this weekend to run the generator and get it prepped for winter. I will take a look to see if there is any moisture in the area you pointed out.
GollyCollie
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
I am glad to hear you aren't having problems. The only way I found my problem was when the water shifted when I turned a corner and poured out. If you pull the vinyl covered piece that runs across the front of your bunk it exposes the lower back of the front cap and a piece of fiberglass insulation. The piece I am talking about is about 10 inches wide and runs the width of the front of the bunk, angled against the front wall. Mine is covered with brown vinyl. There are only 3 screws holding it. That is where the water collects. I would pull those 3 screws and take a look. I tried to post pictures but for some reason it won't let me do that.
NWnative
Explorer
Sep 23, 2013
Sorry to hear about this issue. I have a 2013 Leprechaun as well. Mine was parked in outside storage for the first 5 months of ownership and was subject to lots of rain (Washington state). It also was on the dealers lot close to 6 months prior to our purchase and further subject to lots of rain. It was moved to covered storage a few months ago. I have pulled up the cushions over the cab a few times to check for any signs of leakage and it has been nice and dry. I will continue to inspect the bunk area as part of my normal routine just to be safe. Will be interesting to see if anyone else has experienced this issue. Please keep us posted on what you find.

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2013 Leprechaun water leak problems

128 Replies

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