dcb17b
foothills of the adirondacks
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Joined: 02/25/2007
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I bought a 2004 Dutchmen 24 QBSL last weekend that had a soft spot in the front wall. The hitch light on the front was in need of resealing and I was sure thats where the leak was originating. So I removed the light and appled a new seal around it with butyl putty and dried out all the wet wood.We just got back from a weekend camping trip and it POURED on the way home for 10 minutes or so. The wife and I checked the camper over good for any leaks and I found the front wall wet right where it was wet before,so appearantly I did not find where the water was getting in. Man,I am so disappointed that it is still leaking. Well I have the fans running again to dry it out. I checked the roof area where the front metal siding and the rubber meet and sealed a few "suspicious" spots with butyl putty. I plan on applying Eturnabond tape to the roof seams and HOPEFULLY that will take care of the leak. I really do not want to tear the whole front wall out but I fear I will have to if the leak persists and the wood framing keeps getting wet. The wife and I LOVE the floorplan of this camper and just want to enjoy it instead of fixing it. Oh well,sometimes you need to work at something to really appreciate it. Thank you for letting me get this off my chest.
2003 Ford F150 STX Supercab
2004 Dutchmen 24QBSL
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4x4Bob
California.
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Joined: 05/17/2002
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Since you are dealing with an unknown leak entry point, I would suggest that you take your TT to a dealer who will preform a Air Pressure Leak Test.
They will pump air into the unit and then spray soapy water over the outside. They will note the locations of any bubbles.
Then you have a choice of having the dealer seal the leaks or you do it.
Guessing about leak entry points is not a sure fire way of finding them.
Bob
2001 2500 Silverado LS 4x4 6.0, 4.10
2007 Jayco Eagle 288RLS
Cocktails for 6, Dinner for 4, Sleeps 2
--------------------
End of dirt road, no signs in sight, sun going down: I am not lost, just getting ready to go camping.
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TraveLYNN
Michigan
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Joined: 05/27/2012
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If you have a dehumidifier, it really dries things out quickly. Sorry you are having leak issues, i understand how you feel. We had a leak coming from our upper bunk window (delamination). It took us a few rainy days to figure out exactly where the leak was coming from. Good luck, hope you find the problem soon.
2001 Gulfstream Yellowstone 29' Class C
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jerem0621
Sequatchie, TN
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Joined: 05/17/2009
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OP
Have your wife get in the camper near the wet wall.
You get a hose and start spraying down the front of the camper. If it leaks when you are on a particular spot, chances are you found the leak. If you have a front window near by that's where my money is.
You may need a ladder 
TT: 1995 Layton 2910
Tow Vehicle: 1999 F-350, v10, 2wd, Crew Cab, Dually
Hitch: Draw-Tite Trunnion WD Hitch
Sway Control: Valley dual friction sway control
Brake Control: Tekonsha Voyager
"It's Kind of Fun To Do The Impossible"
~Walt Disney~
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TURK2500
SE Michigan
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Check the marker lights, they are notorious for letting moisture in.
Bob
02 Chevy, 2500HD/4x4, 6.0L/4:10, GVWR 9,200lbs., GCWR 16,000lbs.
05 Jayco Eagle, 278FBS, GVWR 9,000lbs.
TV/TT loaded: 14,700lbs.
Loaded Tongue Weight: 1,250lbs.
Loaded TT weight: 8,400
Putnam XDR Class V, Reese HP Dual Cam.
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dcb17b
foothills of the adirondacks
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Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement. The skys opened up a little while ago and I went out and crawled under the bed and looked for any water coming in. I did not see anything,YEAH. I pulled a little more inside wall off the front to expose all the damp areas and put another fan in there. If after I dry it out and Eternabond the front seam and it still gets wet I will do the pressure test to find the culprit. The marker lights look good as does the side seams. I will keep you appraised of my statis,thanks again.
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dcb17b
foothills of the adirondacks
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Joined: 02/25/2007
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I have opened up a little more(now half way across front wall) and have the fans going. The wood in this area looks good so I will go no further. I applied Eternabond tape to the front seam the other day and all went well with that process.If it does not rain I will hose the front and hopefully all will be dry.
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travel-lady
Apple Valley
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Joined: 11/10/2011
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So sorry for this bad news we have our trailer in the shop right now putting on a whole new front.....Water is such bad news......Years ago we had an old TT in the yard we just used for storage never did a thing to it and it sat for 10 or more years and it stayed bone dry.....Does this say something for today's workmanship?
08 PassPort 245RB
08 Dodge Mega-cab W/Hemi
03 Jayco 10X Quest Pop up
Years of Tent Camping
Pickles the camping Papillon 
Leave nothing behind but your footsteps.
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B.O. Plenty
Minnesota
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Joined: 02/04/2010
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If it's metal sided, pull the corner moldings off on the front edges of the siding. Scrape off all the putty tape and reset them using new putty tape. Mine were dried out on one of my old trailers and it was getting in around the screw heads or screws themselves.
B.O.
2011 Big Country 3250TS...2010 Ram CC Laramie 4wd Cummins
15k Super Glide, Firestone Ride Rite, TrailAir Tri-Glide
Michelin XPS Ribs. Just say no to Chinese tires.
Twin Cities Mn.
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HuckleberryHunter
Issaquah, WA
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Joined: 09/13/2007
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Sorry to hear about your leak. They're certainly frustrating. For what it's worth, you're in good company! I've got one around our door that I cannot seem to track down. No matter where I seal, it still leaks water....Keep going, you'll eventually get it.
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