Forum Discussion

hayesjenn71's avatar
hayesjenn71
Explorer
Mar 04, 2023

Leaking walls

I have a 1998 Forest river wildwood travel trailer. I have noticed that the rain gutter? is hanging down on one side of my trailer and when it rains the carpet in the bedroom gets wet and the water drips from behind the medicine cabinet. I'm wondering if I can either replace or repair the rain gutter? would that stop the leaks?
  • Don’t know about repairing the rain gutter, might depend on the condition of the area it attaches to. There are other reasons your walls may be “leaking”. When (if ever) have you had the roof checked and resealed? When was the last time you had the AC unit serviced to include checking the rubber seal between the unit and the roof.
  • The leak can be anywhere including the other side of the trailer as water can/does travel. Don't assume there is one leak or it's near where you see it inside. Resolve now as water can cause very extensive and expensive damage which may already be in progress.
  • Repairing/replacing the rain gutter is a good idea. It is there for a reason.:) Many times the attachment screws are the source of a leak. Sometimes these screws are tooth pick thin, from rust/deterioration. New screws, if needed, and a bit of sealant added before turning them in can help.

    Like others mentioned, water can enter lots of places, not just right above the dripping water area.

    Jerry
  • You need a thorough inspection of the entire roof and all around the edges and all caulking around vents, A/C, and anything else on the roof. Likely you have cracks in the roofing and/or caulking leading to water intrusion. And if you have a wood frame, it is also likely you have wood rot causing the gutter fastening screws to loosen and pull loose.
  • hayesjenn71 wrote:
    I have a 1998 Forest river wildwood travel trailer. I have noticed that the rain gutter? is hanging down on one side of my trailer and when it rains the carpet in the bedroom gets wet and the water drips from behind the medicine cabinet. I'm wondering if I can either replace or repair the rain gutter? would that stop the leaks?


    I’m sorry to hear of the leak, but the general answer is yes, stop the camper from leaking.
    Beyond that we have no idea the condition of the camper or how deteriorated it is.
    Good luck.
  • CA Traveler wrote:
    The leak source and also be windows, lights, seams etc.


    ^^^. YES..... and any seam on the RV, water can run for feet on the outside/between the wall before it actually goes inside and shows itself.