Our 1995 Coachmen 5er has developed a water leak in ther rear roof and the first 2 celing panels are starting to deform. I will be attempting to fix the issue myself and I am wondering what would be the first steps I need to take. My common sense says address the leak first then worry about the insde later. I have a feeling the leaking is from the luggage rack on the roof where the supports sit on the roof. I never use the rack and I would like to remove it (as well as the ladder). Anyone have experience with this?

First step would be to get up top and find where the water is getting in. You will probably be able to see cracks or openings in the caulk/self-level. Clean off the old and feel around up there. If the roof is soft you have a bigger job ahead of you. If the roof is still solid apply new self-leveling caulk to stop the leak.

might want take those panels down and see if you can see out, follow the wet marks.

Yes, the first step is stop the leaks. There's no point repairing the ceiling tiles if the roof still leaks.Get up and inspect the roof. If you can't do it, hire someone.Use Dicor Self Leveling caulk on the horizontal surfaces. DO NOT use Silicone.After you find and repair the leaks, the best thing would be cover the seams and areas that leaked with Eternabond.Or just use Eternabond to stop the leaks.The important thing is, stop the leak before it does any more damage.If you can't get to it right away, cover it with a tarp until you can make the repairs.Keep us updated on your progress.

I would pull the panels off inside right away to dry out and stop mold from forming. Don't replace it till the leak is fixed.

by pulling the panels you could get lucky and follow the water marks, and dry things out,mold is not your friend.

Water leak! First steps? | Good Sam Community

13 Replies

PAThwacker
Explorer
Aug 13, 2016
I have a used car business and process 10 rv per year. Any leaking get full component removal/replacement, butyl tape, and lap sealant.
westend
Explorer
Aug 13, 2016
I'd suggest that after you have repaired the leak areas to do a pressurized leak test to uncover any spots that may still be leaking.

FWIW, after I restored my Starcraft, refinished all of the roof, and applied sealants in every conceivable way, I saw two tiny leak spots. When I did the pressure test, I discovered two dozen! A couple of rolls of Eternabond and a couple of tubes of Geocel Tripolymer finally got all the leaks. I do test about every other year with the blower to make sure nothing else is opening up.
PAThwacker
Explorer
Aug 13, 2016
Thats a leak! Check all vents, fans, ac, fridge etc. Remove entire caulk, component, fully remove the fixture, and redo the butyl tape.

Simply caulking over the older caulk is not enough to stop a leak.
chops1sc
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2016
Here's a couple pics of the damage inside. I didn't get any pics of the roof rack before or after taking it off. I'll try to get some tomorrow.

Water actually filled the light cover on this one lol ^
Diesel_Camper
Explorer
Aug 11, 2016
Either way to fix it like it never happened you'll have to pull it all apart. But before you put any new wood or paneling in the leak has to be fixed or you'll just damage the new stuff also.
chops1sc
Explorer II
Aug 11, 2016
Thanks for the replys guys! I hope I can get started on it this weekend.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2016
Tyler0215 wrote:
I would pull the panels off inside right away to dry out and stop mold from forming. Don't replace it till the leak is fixed.

midnightsadie wrote:
by pulling the panels you could get lucky and follow the water marks, and dry things out,mold is not your friend.

X3
While the panels rest on top of the walls cutting at the edge should not be a problem.
If the panels are warpped the leak has been there for a while, be looking for rot!
ScottG
Nomad
Aug 10, 2016
Ah that stupid "luggage rack" they put on most trailers. If I ever have to put on a new roof that idiotic thing will be history.
No harm at all in removing it.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2016
by pulling the panels you could get lucky and follow the water marks, and dry things out,mold is not your friend.
Tyler0215
Explorer
Aug 10, 2016
I would pull the panels off inside right away to dry out and stop mold from forming. Don't replace it till the leak is fixed.

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Water leak! First steps?

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