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bobm253's avatar
bobm253
Explorer
Jun 09, 2015

winnebago front cap leak

Test drove a 2001 winnebago (with a fiberglass roof)during a heavy rainfall and noticed a bownish colored fluid coming from the cabover lower seam on the drivers side. The seal had two areas that were cracked open about an inch long. The rain was hard and the fluid was coming out just as hard.

I'm assuming there must be a leak on top that is letting the water come in and exit the lower seam. What I don't understand is why it is coming out brown (light caramel colored). No interior damage was seen.

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.
Class C

7 Replies

  • Mich_F's avatar
    Mich_F
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2015
    Consider yourself very lucky that you drove it during a heavy rain, otherwise you might not have realized there is a leak. If you can't fix it yourself, or know someone who can fix it properly and cheaply, it would probably cost around quadruple the previous estimate of $1500 - $2,000, to get it fixed. It should also make you wonder, since something as basic as roof/wall/clearance lights maintenance hasn't been performed, what else has been neglected ?
  • bobm253's avatar
    bobm253
    Explorer
    Jun 10, 2015
    Contacted Winnebago and their opinion was that the discoloration was from rotted wood. Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll pass on this unit even though it is low mileage and otherwise in real nice shape. Ironic that I thought the fiberglass roof was the solution to roof problems.
  • Dakzuki's avatar
    Dakzuki
    Explorer II
    Jun 10, 2015
    5Mainecampers wrote:
    Water is brown from rust (aluminum frame), the rotting wood inside or both. Most likely looking at an overhead rebuild: budget $1500 to $2000 or more.


    Aluminum corrosion is white. If there's rust it's from fasteners or steel in the structure.
  • 5Mainecampers's avatar
    5Mainecampers
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2015
    Water is brown from rust (aluminum frame), the rotting wood inside or both. Most likely looking at an overhead rebuild: budget $1500 to $2000 or more.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Jun 09, 2015
    Unless you are getting it for really cheap walk away, NO LEAK IS A GOOD LEAK! It probably is not new so you have hidden damage.
    I would worry about delamination
  • avan's avatar
    avan
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2015
    Pick one

    A) The water is being stained by the wood and glue through which it passed on its way from the outside to your inside

    B) It is colored as a warning to you that there is a leak and possible hidden damage

    C) All of the above

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