Forum Discussion

garymunson's avatar
garymunson
Explorer
Sep 20, 2014

Front wind noise.

I think this will apply to many coaches beyond just Fleetwood products. After insulating the underside of my Fleetwood Flair class A doghouse with a dyna-mat type material, The lessened engine and fan noise made wind noise an issue. At first, I though the racket was the wind blowing around the mirrors but using some plastic tubing as a 'stethescope', I determined it was coming from the front side windows. Fleetwood (I cured a friend's Southwind with this solution, too!) uses an aluminum extrusion for the window frame that, along the bottom edge, has holes punched to allow water to drain from the bottom of the track. The windows I'm addressing have a fixed front panel and sliding rear one. The holes in the frame are under both glass panels. Since the front one is fixed in a rubber gasket, drain holes aren't really needed under it. The sliding window, however, does need them as it is set towards the inside of the coach and rain can collect under it. The holes under the sliding panel make very little noise as when the glass is closed, it sits directly above the holes and muffles the noise. The front panel, however, as it is set to the outside of the frame, does not cover the area of the holes. To stop the noise, I simply covered the holes under the front panel on the outside of the coach with a strip of tape. HUGE difference in noise level. There should be no problem with water buildup as the rear holes are still open and that is where the water would enter. Take a look to see if you have the same issue with the drain holes and try this tape trick. After a few rainy days, if there is no problem with water buildup, I'll plug the front holes with sealant! The track runs, unobstructed, from front to rear so water is free to drain to the back.
  • Effy's avatar
    Effy
    Explorer II
    Scars wrote:
    I too noticed the noise after adding engine cover insulation and took my trusty ol' black electrical tape and covered the holes...big difference in the noise reduction.


    Duplicate post
  • Effy wrote:
    Scars wrote:
    I too noticed the noise after adding engine cover insulation and took my trusty ol' black electrical tape and covered the holes...big difference in the noise reduction.


    Won't your window frames flood and get water in your interior walls? The weep holes are meant to prevent that exact scenario. The weep hole covers you can buy are open at the bottom to let water out. I think taping them would cause a major issue.


    X2 the weep holes are there for a reason.
  • Hey 1BryNelson...pretty funny!
    My original engine dog house insulation was in pieces laying on top of the engine when I took it off. I got a roll of aluminum/bubble wrap attic insulation,spray adhesive & a razor blade from Lowes and re-insulated the dog house.

    As far as water damage from the taped weep holes, I live in Texas, so rain is rare, the MH lives under a carport and I don't drive in the rain...no damage noted so far but I check from time to time.
    The quiet factor is worth it to me :B
  • Re-read my post.. I only taped the front holes which I'm sure are only there because the frame material is punched along it's whole length. The rear holes are still open to drain the water that comes in around the sliding window.
  • I just taped the front holes yesterday and there is a noticeable noise reduction. Thanks Gary