We were just out in the MH (1997 Damon Hornet) prepping to do some painting, when my wife decided to pull the sheets off in the cabover. That's when she noticed moisture. It had previously been bone dry. We had some heavy rains a few days ago, so somehow, water made its way in. The bottom of the mattress cover was wet, as well as the foam. Not soaked, but wet. The wood underneath is also wet, but definitely not rotting through...yet. The wall to the left of the front window also seems less than perfect. I pried up the wood a little and the Styrofoam underneath is also damp. Obviously, my first step is to find, and stop the leak. I'm assuming it's coming from the front window. The caulk around it does not look perfect. It's dark now, so I will examine a lot more in the morning.Okay, now are the beginning of my many questions:Assuming the leak is around the window, what type of caulking should I use?How difficult is it to pull the ply up, replace the styrofoam and plywood?How difficult to pull the front inside panel around the window? Nothing is rotted through, so I think we're catching the problem early.

what ever you do DO NOT USE Silicone OR Silicone based caulk! when I done my camper I used a product called Sickaflex on my side and raised seals, Dicor is another good product. for my windows around the glass I used a clear polyurethane I got from Lowe's It is crystal clear and it worked very well.My camper is a 78 Travelcraft and I have not found any leaks as yet. Lock-tight has some good caulk too that was recommended by an RV dealer just make sure not to use silicone it will not work.

If the leak is around the window frame seal, then you need to buy some butyl tape and reseal the window frame to the outer shell. I used a white tape when I did my windows, but there is black too. Look on youtube for how-to videos.Proflex RV is a product I see recommended all over (I have a tube in the parts box), but in pinch you could use a DAP brand sealant called Alex (acrylic latex). You can buy it at Home Depot or any other hardware store. It adheres really well to lots of different surfaces and is paintable. It comes in tubes for your gun, or in a pressurized, self dispensing metal can package. I keep a can and some extra Eternabond in the RV for emergencies. Jose

Thanks Jose. I just sent you a private message. I need help and as much info as I can get. I have to redo the whole thing! I tried to follow your link, but it wouldn't load completely.I think I found the leaks, so I'm hoping to repair them today then start on the inside asap. I'm on vacation (luckily we planned on staying home!) For a few weeks, so I am hoping I can get it done.Thanks for any and all advice.

I have to hope we don't have rot. I had not noticed a leak from rain, but the first cold/snowy weather we had, I was running heaters inside because I hadn't winterized yet and the front had lots of icicles that hung off the cabover until it warmed up.I was removing the bedding and noticed the wetness. Just in the corner on the floor--the sheets were wet there and the corner was black already--so I assumed it was the edge caulking. I put on some new caulking--I had some sikaflex left over, but still thought all winter without a thorough sealing would be a problem, so I bought a cover rated for snow and wind and put that on until spring. I'm going to remove the metal edges and put eternabond on the corners. Then reinstall the edging with stainless steel screws and install some new trim. That is what I did to the two rear seams and it appears to work well. I also redid all the roof seams and openings with eternabond. I had bought the supplies for the cabover seams but didn't get to the project last summer. Good luck with your repairs.

Sprayed a hose all around and it looks like the seams in front are leaking. Bought some DAP Clear Flexible Sealant (Met a contractor at Lowes, said it was the best, sticks to everything, lasts forever). Going to seal Everything!Wish me luck.

cabover water damage | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

chefdc1
Explorer
Dec 27, 2014
Thanks Jose. I just sent you a private message. I need help and as much info as I can get. I have to redo the whole thing! I tried to follow your link, but it wouldn't load completely.
I think I found the leaks, so I'm hoping to repair them today then start on the inside asap. I'm on vacation (luckily we planned on staying home!) For a few weeks, so I am hoping I can get it done.
Thanks for any and all advice.
DaHose
Explorer
Dec 26, 2014
If the leak is around the window frame seal, then you need to buy some butyl tape and reseal the window frame to the outer shell. I used a white tape when I did my windows, but there is black too. Look on youtube for how-to videos.

Proflex RV is a product I see recommended all over (I have a tube in the parts box), but in pinch you could use a DAP brand sealant called Alex (acrylic latex). You can buy it at Home Depot or any other hardware store. It adheres really well to lots of different surfaces and is paintable. It comes in tubes for your gun, or in a pressurized, self dispensing metal can package. I keep a can and some extra Eternabond in the RV for emergencies.

Jose
Travelcrafter
Explorer
Dec 26, 2014
what ever you do DO NOT USE Silicone OR Silicone based caulk! when I done my camper I used a product called Sickaflex on my side and raised seals, Dicor is another good product. for my windows around the glass I used a clear polyurethane I got from Lowe's It is crystal clear and it worked very well.My camper is a 78 Travelcraft and I have not found any leaks as yet. Lock-tight has some good caulk too that was recommended by an RV dealer just make sure not to use silicone it will not work.

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cabover water damage

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