Forum Discussion

swiederin's avatar
swiederin
Explorer
Jul 02, 2014

Water Damage. Trying to FInd Source. What To Do?

i have water that is getting in the walls of my 5th wheel. Only on one side of the trailer
It is a 1998 Hitchhiker II. I bought the camper last year. I notice water had entered the interior on the wall on one side. I got on the roof, checked all rooftop components and sealed all cracks with Dicor. I also noticed the edges of the rubber roof were cracked. I used dicor to seal those roof edge cracks. Still having a problem.

The rubber roof lays over the edge and @ 1/2" or so below that edge is a trim strip. Directly below that trim is the extrusion for the awning.

Not sure whare the water is entering. Should I remove the trim, apply eternabond and reapply the trim? What to do?
  • 3_tons's avatar
    3_tons
    Explorer III
    Jul 02, 2014
    Camp, Forrest, Camp! wrote:
    3 tons wrote:
    You will have to do a pressure test, or have a dealer do one...Close up the slide outs, all the windows, roof vents and tape shut the shower and sink drains. Open up one baggage door or window (or equiv...) that communicates with the Rv's interior, then cut-out a cardboard template and duct tape tight to this only opening. Cut hole in cardboard just large enough to insert a reasonably powerful leaf blower (elect may be best) and run on high speed. Go atop roof and using a spray bottle with a soapy water solution spray seams and joints and watch for bubbling...

    Best Regards,

    3 tons

    I wonder if my Fantastic Vent would build enough pressure for this. I have a similar issue.


    It wont, not even on your smaller truck camper - you'll need the much higher volume a leaf blower can provide.
  • Camp__Forrest__'s avatar
    Camp__Forrest__
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2014
    3 tons wrote:
    You will have to do a pressure test, or have a dealer do one...Close up the slide outs, all the windows, roof vents and tape shut the shower and sink drains. Open up one baggage door or window (or equiv...) that communicates with the Rv's interior, then cut-out a cardboard template and duct tape tight to this only opening. Cut hole in cardboard just large enough to insert a reasonably powerful leaf blower (elect may be best) and run on high speed. Go atop roof and using a spray bottle with a soapy water solution spray seams and joints and watch for bubbling...

    Best Regards,

    3 tons

    I wonder if my Fantastic Vent would build enough pressure for this. I have a similar issue.
  • 3_tons's avatar
    3_tons
    Explorer III
    Jul 02, 2014
    You will have to do a pressure test, or have a dealer do one...Close up the slide outs, all the windows, roof vents and tape shut the shower and sink drains. Open up one baggage door or window (or equiv...) that communicates with the Rv's interior, then cut-out a cardboard template and duct tape tight to this only opening. Cut hole in cardboard just large enough to insert a reasonably powerful leaf blower (elect may be best) and run on high speed. Go atop roof and using a spray bottle with a soapy water solution spray seams and joints and watch for bubbling...

    Best Regards,

    3 tons
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jul 02, 2014
    I would think it will be fairly obvious. Maybe cracked caulking or even signs of leaking behind the lens.
  • swiederin's avatar
    swiederin
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2014
    opnspaces wrote:
    Is there a marker light in the top corner that might be leaking?


    I will look. Will it be obvious or do I need to remove to determine?
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Jul 02, 2014
    Is there a marker light in the top corner that might be leaking?

About Technical Issues

Having RV issues? Connect with others who have been in your shoes.24,190 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 22, 2025