Slide leaks and Locks

[Ashbourne]

Hi all
My American built, but UK spec'd 5th wheel suffers from an occasional leak. It only happens when driving in heavy rain (something we get a fair bit of). It seems to be getting past the bottom D seal and onto the carpet, remaining undiscovered until the slide is extended. The area effected is directly over the wheels.
My dealer has looked at it and feels that the seals integrity was compromised by a badly routed gas pipe causing a high spot on what should have been a straight flat run. He has re-routed the pipe and the seal now appears straight and true.
However up till now I've had no chance to test the theory. (sods law we've had no serious rain recently)
Does any expieriened member have any thoughts on this and would the use of slide locks help to maintain a better all round seal.
Mark

[Dan50]

I also had water intrusion under my two rear slides when towing in the rain. I installed mud flaps on the trailer and the problem disappeared.

[skipnchar]

I can only say that I have never had a leak in over 80,000 towing miles and never travel without slide locks keeping pressure on the seals. Can't say I WOULD have leaks without them but my slide room DOES back off a quarter to half inch if I try and tow without the locks.

[MFL]

I know that there are times when most RV folks will have to tow in the rain. I have had to a few times myself. I do try to avoid pulling in a heavy rain, even if it means staying another night. I think a lot of coaches will experience some water intrusion at hiway speeds, in a downpour. It may not get inside the coach, but could get into the enclosed belly.

If your slide is not staying tight against the seals, then I think the slide locks would help.

Hope the fix solves your problem,

Jerry