Forum Discussion

fortytwo's avatar
fortytwo
Explorer
Aug 14, 2018

Leak Test Facility

My MH is an Itasca 30T, 2014 model. I have a leak that drips into the shower at the outside wall. The local mobile RV tech has checked and resealed all of the usual suspects. Still leaks, more so in heavy rain. The roof is crowned, so the leak has to be on the shower (passenger) side. Should be relatively easy to seal off the shower and do a leak test.

Winnies have a poor design at the roof/sidewall interface, and it is completely obscured by an awning rail over that seam. Can't see any evidence of separation along the rail and the upper side of that rail has had a caulk seam added.


I'm in Hiawassee, GA (near intersection of GA, NC, and TN). Looking for a facility that can do a test to identify the source. Hope to avoid a total roof replacement - the last resort.
  • About 30 years ago a friend had a new Van that leaked in rear corner.
    He took it to the dealer and they turned on the heater blower with everything closed and checked with water.
    They found a pin hole in caulk in roof seam!!
  • fortytwo wrote:
    The roof is crowned, so the leak has to be on the shower (passenger) side.



    No it doesn't. Water is a funny thing, especially when it is between two surfaces, like the sheathing and roof membrane or covering. I have seen a roof leak on a stick and bricks be on one corner of the house, and the water come through the cieling of the kitchen in the middle 40' away. RVs are the same.

    Do you have factory maxxair vents/fans with the factory installed maxxair covers that attach to plastic eyes molded into the vent flange by chance?
  • Found an RV shop with a SealTech machine in Cleveland, GA. Lots of bubbles around skylight and on other seams. Also a couple of clearance lights, a couple of compartments, and the entry door. Even though the entry door and compartments could not have been involved in the shower leak I had them sealed anyway. I still don't feel they found anything that would have allowed the amount of water I was seeing enter, but won't know until the next big rain.

    Winnebago says the roof sealant must be checked every 6 months, and cleaned and replaced every two years. Pretty onerous requirement, especially as owners age beyond safely getting on the roof. The "semi Class A's" (these models are oriented to entry level and weekend use - compartment doors are like Class C rather than the full size doors on Class A's) like my 30T model have very flexible frames, which I'm certain adds to the likelihood that sealant will be popped loose. If I don't lock all my compartment doors they will pop open while driving.
  • Roof leaks in RVS are part of the landscape. I find it ridiculous that they can’t design and build a roof that doesn’t require so much maintenance. I have talked to tech after tech that says they all leak sooner than later.

    If you don’t store it under cover; awning, barn, etc you’re crazy.