slideout ceiling leak

[Ropdoc]

We bought a new 2014 Montana 3735MK just over a year ago. During the rains night before last the roof for the popout on the dinning area leaked. Soaked the floor and looks like the table may warp. Needless to say I am pissed. The dealer is telling me it is out of warranty. Any advice as to why it leaked or how to fix it?

Thank you

[Ropdoc]

dealer came out, took pictures and submitted them to the manufacturer for approval. The plan is to replace the rubber seal. So lets see what happens. Rain due in next Thursday.

[blofgren]

Ropdoc wrote:
I think I found the leak. The trailer settled to one side. This allowed the water to pool on the slideout roof next to the wall and then leak. It is to rain Monday. We will see if my theary is correct. We are nice and level now.

Most slide out roofs have a distinct "ramp" in the roofline right outside of where the slide seals to the trailer wall to eliminate the possibility of water entering in this location. Is yours not like this? A photo would help a lot although I know it is a PITA to post them on this forum.

Please keep us posted; these are all good learning experiences!

[Ropdoc]

I think I found the leak. The trailer settled to one side. This allowed the water to pool on the slideout roof next to the wall and then leak. It is to rain Monday. We will see if my theary is correct. We are nice and level now.

[jrs1871]

Double check around the solar panel install. It sounds like that was a new addition and it didn't leak before it was installed. As noted elsewhere, water can be getting in quite some distance from where it shows up inside the trailer.

[RustyJC]

Our first Jayco Designer (a 1996 3030RKSS) had a slideout leak that turned out to be the extruded aluminum trim strip that fit around the top of the cutout in the wall and held the top slideout seal. It took several bouts of rain to find that the trim strip wasn't adequately sealed where it slid over the wall - a good dose of Dicor non-leveling sealant at the wall-to-trim-strip junction dried the leak up.

Rusty

[Allworth]

Just all things that have to be eliminated.

It looks more and more like a seam in the roof or the junction between roof and wall. Running water on it until it leaks again seems drastic, but may be the only way to fine the entry point.

I spent a long time looking for a leak at the roof line of a bedroom slide and finally found that it was getting in behind a trim strip about a foot above the floor level. It would run down and out at the floor, but also wick up and appear at screw heads halfway up the walls. We were trying repeatedly to seal the roof seams until one night when there was a tarp over the top of the slide and rain started coming in anyway.

Water was sheeting down the outside wall, getting behind the trim strip and following the screws into the wall cavity.

Elastomeric paint solved the problem.

Good luck with yours. Finding the leak is the hard part. Sealing it up is far easier.

[Ropdoc]

Allworth wrote:
A few questions to try to isolate the problem:

-Was the slide in or out when it leaked?.

It was out, fully

Allworth wrote:
-I assume you do not have slide toppers. Correct?

Correct, we just finished 480 watt solar and storage tray install. Money tight for now. And did not think of them till now.

Allworth wrote:
-Has it been in rainstorms before, without leaking?

We have had storms before with SLIDES out and no leaks.

Allworth wrote:
-Have you brushed that side up against a tree or other obstacle recently? (No matter how gently)

Nope no brushing against anything (Yet)

Allworth wrote:
-Are you SURE the windows were closed tightly?

Yup, windows all closed nice and tight. Not sure how that makes the roof leak. But hey I will answer anyway.

Allworth wrote:
Note that getting pissed may make you feel better, but it will not provide a solution for the leak.

it didn't even make me feel better. It is a new rig and the dealer loves to point out that the warranty is up. Just an agrevation point for me. Wife has pointed out, over and over again. That getting mad doesnt help.

Allworth wrote:
"Popout" must be a Cali thing. I have never heard that before.

I thought that was the correct term. Slide out it is.

[Allworth]

A few questions to try to isolate the problem:

-Was the slide in or out when it leaked?

-I assume you do not have slide toppers. Correct?

-Was it FULLY out (or FULLY in)?

-Has it been in rainstorms before, without leaking?

-Have you brushed that side up against a tree or other obstacle recently? (No matter how gently)

-Are you SURE the windows were closed tightly?

Note that getting pissed may make you feel better, but it will not provide a solution for the leak.

As suggested, inspect the roof of the slide for rips or scuffs. Also carefully inspect the seam where the outside wall meets the roof. The slightest crack in the calking will allow water to get inside the wall and then run down. Remember that you are dragging a house down the road. Things flex, vibrate, and twist. Cracks happen.

If all else fails, take everything out of the cabinets and get in there with a strong light while somebody flows water from the hose on the outside and top of the slide. When and if you see water, trace it around to the outside. Have some towels handy. Stopping the water outside will not immediately stop the water inside.

"Popout" must be a Cali thing. I have never heard that before.

[Tin_Pusher]

Check the ROOF as well.

Tear in membrane, seams, etc, etc.

[Ropdoc]

MFL wrote:
The slide out should be sealed when extended, and also when retracted. You need to look/see if the slide is pressed against these seals. If not your slide/popout may need adjusting. Also be sure the seals are not torn, or pulled away.

Jerry

Ok, Thank you. Will do.

[MFL]

The slide out should be sealed when extended, and also when retracted. You need to look/see if the slide is pressed against these seals. If not your slide/popout may need adjusting. Also be sure the seals are not torn, or pulled away.

Jerry