Leak troubleshooting / slide problem?

[bkircher]

Hi all. New to the forum. I have a 4-year-old Starcraft Satellite 16KS with a Lippert/Schwintek in-wall slide. There seems to be a leak when the slide is closed - it looks like it’s coming from the top secondary seal - water pools on the top of the slide and drips down to the floor. There is no leak when the slide is open. I’ve checked the seals and they seem to be in good shape. No cracks or separation. While checking everything I noticed that the slide closes tighter on the top. There’s a 1/2” gap from the camper sidewall to the slide on the top and a 3/4” gap on the bottom. I believe I’ve gone through every procedure to “zero out” the motors. So now I’m wondering if the slide really is closed completely. Can anyone provide any insight that might help me out?  Thanks. 
Bob

[bkircher]

A quick update: I just installed the new, slightly larger seal across the top of the slide. Closed up the slide and trained a hose on the slide for about 2 minutes. Not a drop of water inside. I’m considering this a tentative success - until we get a good rainstorm. As soon as the drip rail arrives I’ll install that. So far, so good.

[bkircher]

A quick update: I just installed the new, slightly larger seal across the top of the slide. Closed up the slide and trained a hose on the slide for about 2 minutes. Not a drop of water inside. I’m considering this a tentative success - until we get a good rainstorm. As soon as the drip rail arrives I’ll install that. So far, so good.

[bkircher]

Thanks, Doug. Greatly appreciate the advice. The larger seal has the same size male end as the slot on the slide, so I should be good there. That, and the drip rail are ordered and on the way. I’ve been out of work since March (%&$#** virus), so once I get back I’ll have the slide looked at. You’ve been a big help. Thanks again.
Bob

[dougrainer]

bkircher wrote:
Doug, wanted to get your thoughts on the slide seal. (I’m ordering a drip rail tonight). The existing seal is this one: https://rv.steelerubber.com/bulb-seal-70-3795-265
I was thinking about replacing this seal along the top with something more robust - like this: https://rv.steelerubber.com/bulb-seal-70-3832-265
What do you think?
Thanks,
Bob

Never installed a LARGER gasket. If the existing track will fit that new gasket no harm trying. Schwintek uses 2 different slide in seals. Make sure that seal you sent me the link too uses that track guide. The problem with NO drip rail is, the water just sits on top between the metal upper flange and that seal. Water WILL migrate inside no matter how tight. Doug

[bkircher]

Doug, wanted to get your thoughts on the slide seal. (I’m ordering a drip rail tonight). The existing seal is this one: https://rv.steelerubber.com/bulb-seal-70-3795-265
I was thinking about replacing this seal along the top with something more robust - like this: https://rv.steelerubber.com/bulb-seal-70-3832-265
What do you think?
Thanks,
Bob

[bkircher]

Thanks, Gary and Doug. It’s in my driveway with the slide out until I figure out what to do next. Appreciate the ideas. Thanks again.
Bob

[dougrainer]

The Schwintek slide will close correctly top to bottom with the side seal the same, IF the slide room is OK. From your description, there is a problem with the way the room is closed. The bad news is, Schwintek slide rooms like you have in the StarCraft are susceptible to leaks coming from the top even when the top and upper sides are TIGHT. Most Trailers have a 2 inch rain/drip gutter(not the roof line but a few inches above the slide room itself) to keep the flow of rainwater running off the upper roof down onto the top of the closed slide roof and that water WILL find a way to get in. Look at this Jayco in the link to see what this drip rail looks like. With a Schwintek slide room IF you have space to add a slide topper I would ALWAYS have a slide topper to prevent excess rain water from getting to the top edge. The TORQUE of a Schwintek is at the top where the motors are, BUT if the bottom pooches out that 3/4 inch, there is nothing to do with using the motors to realign to room. The ONLY solution is to either pull both sidewall racks and realign the tracks and gears(upper and lower) to get straight. But, I doubt this is your problem. IF the room extends correctly and seals all the way around, then the room is correct. If the bottom pooches OUT 3/4 inch when retracted, then when it is extended, the TOP should have a gap of 3/4 inch which you probably do not have. If you did it would leak when extended. Until you get it fixed, I would store the RV with slide room extended. Doug

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2020-Jayco-Jay-Flight-SLX-265RLS-5010141791

[garyemunson]

I would not have an RV without a slide topper. **** hard for a leak to occur when you have one of them. **** hard to prevent leaks without one. Just too much flexing of everything to keep the seals tight. Not impossible but a lot more non-stop monitoring than I would want to do. Many RVs are ruined by slide leaks. You are lucky your's is obvious, many just leak inside the wall and rot everything away before people know there is a problem.