Hi---I'm about to purchase my first RV--an older Class C,---and have noticed during both of my visits that there are water droplets on the outside---not inside---of the overhang. I've looked really closely at the inside of the overhang in the sleeping compartment and saw no evidence of water damage or leaking. But the outside has these water droplets that I can only guess is coming from the AC unit on top? (It may have rained earlier in the day too, so could just be dripping down in front from that?)Anyone heard of this before? Does it sound like a potentially serious issue? I'm so freaked out about "water" issues---just not sure if water on the outside of the RV overhang is the same thing or a warning sign of future problems.Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Do you have a front window? I get water drops on mine from the front window. A little water from under the window trim usually drops water on the cabover part then onto windshield at first stop sign if it was raining within last week. But this only happens when we drive it, not sitting. And only till water that is trapped in the window trim is gone. No more than a couple soup spoon sizes at most. And my A/c can't drip to front of overhang because of the way the roof is held on by a trim piece. Water on mine would have to jump 1/4 or 1/2 inch trim. The way your is built maybe water could fall off front overhang. Should be easy to find out. Next time you see water look up there and see if coming from a/c. But my A/C sure has no problem leaking water to the awning side, which is maddening at times. I try to leave the left side just a bit higher than right side when leveling so the crazy a/c drains to left side of rv. If your really scarred about water damage make sure you get it inspected by someone you trust or should I say pay money to that claims to be a pro? Just did google search of "tell tell sign of water damage & rv" and got 2,300,000 hits. But also many links to how to inspect for water damage.

Only time when not raining I've noticed that is early morning after a heavy dew.

You could have it pressure tested. Cost about $150.Dusty

Have you looked at the entire underside of the overcab mattress for signs of moisture exposure? The front edge and ends are difficult to inspect, but most likely to show signs of leaking. Jim, "Mo' coffee!"

The AC drains on the roof. So if it were on before you were there you will see water drops.

Water droplets on outside of Class C overhang

14 Replies

wbwood
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
gotsmart wrote:
Grandpa Joe wrote:
I also see this on our Class C early in the morning, faint black streaks left behind.

This is why I installed a set of Camco 42134 RV Replacement Gutter Spouts with Extensions. Capillary action is not your friend.

Those are good if the water is running off the side. But when it's running over off the front of the cab, there's not much you can do about it.
gotsmart
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
Grandpa Joe wrote:
I also see this on our Class C early in the morning, faint black streaks left behind.

This is why I installed a set of Camco 42134 RV Replacement Gutter Spouts with Extensions. Capillary action is not your friend.
Grandpa_Joe
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
I also see this on our Class C early in the morning, faint black streaks left behind.
wbwood
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
If it rained that day, then 99.9% chance that's from that. Morning dew will do it too.
ron_dittmer
Explorer III
Jul 24, 2013
It seems that most roofs that are domed, have the roofing material (often fiberglass sheathng) rolled over the sides and have a rain gutter where the roof meets the wall. Pending the parked pitch at the time, roof-top water runs frontward or rearward. At least that is our experience with our roof design shown here. Whether from rain or dew or from the a/c unit, roof-top water is directed to two of the four corners. Most water on the front cap finds the windshield.
path1
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
I am curious about how you leave the left side higher and the water drains off that way. How do you get the water to run uphill?
Your right, posting didn't make much since. Should of wrote, "I try to leave the left side just a bit LOWER than right side when leveling". Good catch, Thanks!
bsinmich
Explorer
Jul 24, 2013
path1 wrote:
I try to leave the left side just a bit higher than right side when leveling so the crazy a/c drains to left side of rv. If your really scarred about water damage make sure you get it inspected by someone you trust or should I say pay money to that claims to be a pro? Just did google search of "tell tell sign of water damage & rv" and got 2,300,000 hits. But also many links to how to inspect for water damage.

I am curious about how you leave the left side higher and the water drains off that way. How do you get the water to run uphill?

For the OP I would be very interested to see howmuch water is inside the cabover panels. Can you push up on it and hear sloshing or get water to run out from some other place. That is the greatest source of leaks on a Class C and can be very expensive to repair.
Mocoondo
Explorer II
Jul 23, 2013
A properly engineered coach roof will route a/c condensate forward and left to the driver's door area. The idea is that this is the least frequently used area when the vehicle is parked for camping. It is not desirable for the condensate to drip down the "camping" side, nor is it desirable for the condensate to drip along the "servicing" side, so they route the condensate to the fwd left corner.
Frosty_s_Mom
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
agree with snowdance; we get the same water droplets from a/c condensate drainage. hate the way it's routed, but also don't want to mess with design as it looks like the route is specifically open (with a mini-scupper) for drainage there. yes, it creates a minor streak, which also bothers me, but then I try to be careful with this thing as it's going to be "home" for awhile yet.
snowdance
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
The AC drains on the roof. So if it were on before you were there you will see water drops.