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Window Leak - New 2015 Forest River Forester 2861DS

ADOR
Explorer
Explorer
We purchased our 2015 RV brand new from Camping World in Mesa, AZ about 4-5 months ago. We drove it back to Las Vegas, NV after we purchased the RV.

We just finished our 23-day road trip to Washington DC, NY, Ontario, Canada, South Dakota. No problem with the RV, except 1.

During one of our stops near South Dakota, we had to pull over because of a passing severe thunder storm. Heavy rain, with 60-70 mph winds. We have camped out and experienced rain in the past short camping trips. NO leaks on any windows. However, in South Dakota, the window next to the dining table had a steady flow of water seeping through. I placed towels and it was soaking wet. Another leak by the small window, next to the kitchen sink. I did not see these leaks during the "regular rain downpour". But with the 60-70 mph wind and rain, that was when I saw the leaks.

Questions to the more experienced RV owners:
1. Should I "try" to fix the window leak myself (using sealants)? Or take it back to Camping World for "warranty work"?

2. Is there a "TEST" that can be done to find any other window leaks, before scheduling warranty work for window leaks? (Might as well have them check ALL windows).

3. How do you start warranty work? Once I asked the service department at Camping World Las Vegas on how to file for warranty work. I was told I NEED to call Camping World from Mesa, AZ since I purchased the RV from them. I am thinking, why do I have to do that? Isn't Camping World owned by ONLY one company?

I don't like to leave my Class C RV for a long time at the CW lot, waiting for repair.

What do you all suggest? Thanks.
9 REPLIES 9

pauldub
Explorer
Explorer
Don't use any silicone. After using silicone, nothing else will ever stick when it's time to recaulk. Not even silicone will stick to old silicone.

ADOR
Explorer
Explorer
Any idea where I can have that "pressure test" done on all windows and other openings where water leaks may come from? I don't mind paying someone who can do a thorough pressure test. That way, I will only have to make one call to Forest River for repair order.

I don't trust my skills to me removing the windows. If it will only take using a tube silicone around the windows, I can do that. But I don't trust myself removing the entire window frame.

Strabo
Explorer
Explorer
Check weep holes too.
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ScottG
Nomad
Nomad
A buddy had an odd leak in his 2 y/o Arctic Fox. The window itself is made from an extruded piece of aluminum that is bent around the perimeter - just like all of them are. There was a seam where the aluminum comes together at the ends and after taking the window out, we could see there was a tiny void in the sealant.

darsben1
Explorer
Explorer
You can have the rig pressure tested to find any leaks. THE ONLY SURE WAY to fix a leak is to remove the window and frame and apply new caulk or whatever sealant THE MANUFACTURER recommends then replace the frame onto the rig. My rig uses a butyl caulk tape.
If you take it into a place under warranty you may get the minimum necessary to get you out the door. This may lead to a leak in the wall which will in time rot out the area.
I agree the correct repair is do it yourself if you can. If not do not have the capability then negotiate HOW the repair will be made and inspect closely afterward.
Better yet do the pressure test both before and after the repair at a different shop if possible. It will cost you $200-$300 but the piece of mind will be great.
Also call Forest River and find out who handles warranty repairs in your area. Camping Worlds attitude leaves much to be desired so I would not let it get anywhere near a Camping World. But no repair shop is required to do warranty repairs on your rig. This is not like an automobile there are no federal laws to protect you and force a dealership to repair the rig.
Truth in advertising forces me to say that I feel I was screwed over by Camping World once so I am very leery of them and of the quality of their work. YMMV
Traveling with my best friend, my wife in a 1990 Southwind

azrving
Explorer
Explorer
My FW was 14 years old and had very little use when I bought it. When I started using it 7 months a year I noticed a window leak at the dinette. I removed the window and found that they had partially missed the hole when they applied the putty tape. I installed new putty and used proflex around all the windows.

I also sealed the top and sides of the marker lights as they were developing water stains inside from water weeping in. If the water leaks in fast enough it will flow through the center hole and go into the wall cavity.

As I have read posts on here over the last few years it seems common for people to have rotted out areas after 3 or 4 years. It's probably not that they got to that age and just started leaking, they were leaking all along and the damage is now evident. The manufacturer has failed you. There is a good chance the dealer could fail you so before I would risk ending up being one of those people on here in 3 or 4 years I would go over every inch of it and seal as needed.

If you take it in to the dealer I would then go over everything when they were done! If you dont get this nailed down, you will be the one with a rotted out rig and all they will say is it's out of warr and you didn't maintain it. I now remember one of the reasons I bought used.

Baja_Man
Explorer
Explorer
tough call on taking back to dealer....

Have you inspected the windows and gasket/rubber seal around perimeter? For that much water to be coming in would tell me seal/gasket may be a compromised in a big way.

Are these frameless window?

I would look up manufacturers website and see if you can find some install information. Perhaps it is a simple seal/gasket issue.
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GizmosMom
Explorer
Explorer
I would place a call to Forest River.

By the way, there is a very information and active Forest River Forum . It is moderated by Forest River owners, not by the company. They do have some reps from the company who occasionally post there.
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sch911
Explorer
Explorer
If it were me I'd take care of it myself...
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