xycarp
Michigan
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Joined: 08/27/2006
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I have a 2008 Rockwood 8298SS travel trailer. We have used it for a little over a year with minor issues. This last weekend was rainy and when we laid down to sleep we found a wet mattress at the head of the bed (the front of the trailer). Not soaked, just a wet spot 10x20 inches. There is a non-opening window at the head of the bed and I am guessing the seal is not good. The front of the trailer is once solid peice of plastic so I don't see where else it could have come from.
What do I need to think about when repairing this? Is there the potential for more damage to surrounding areas? My plan is to unscrew the window, dry it out, caulk the heck out of it, reseal the window.
Anyone else have this problem? Any thoughts about my plan?
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davidj54
South Alabama
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Joined: 06/23/2006
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A lot of mfg's did away with the front window because of leak problems.
You should buy butyl tape and remove the window, clean the old caulking off and replace it with new. Make sure when you replace the window that you center it in the opening. That should stop the leaking if it is indeed the window. You should also check the roof line for caulking cracking. Keep in mind that it could also be condensation wetting the bed.
If I were you I would search here for the process of pressure testing an RV and I'd pressure check the entire RV while you're repairing leaks.
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Admiral
The Buckeye State
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That booger should be under warranty yet but if it's not convenient to take in I'd remove the window, clean the opening, stick on some butyl tape and re-install. Wait a week or so and let it ooze out then cut the excess off and run a neat bead of caulk around the perimeter.
Just in case, take off the front and rear running lights and re-seal them also since they are a frequent source of leaks and can mock a window leak.
All of the above should only take a few hours of your time.
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Steveque
Central California
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Joined: 08/11/2004
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I would take the trailer back to the dealer. Removing a window could void all warranty work. While the window is a good source, check to make sure the window actually shuts tight. It may be installed from the factory in a slightly twisted fashion and not shutting tight.
Also, check your roof vent to make sure it is properly sealed.
I would say that any clearance light problem will leak down inside a wall and show up on the floor, not a bed.
I'm dealing with clearance light issues right now. I did not catch a poor seal and am now replacing subflooring. I intend to replace the clearance light screws with SS bolts and cut a hole in the wall inside my bedside cabinent to do this. Then I intend to trim all putty tape around every window/door/joint and add a white silicon caulk to solve the problem for good.
Steve Quesenberry
Central California
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Merrykalia
SW Virginia
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I have an Rockwood 8317SS and one our way home from the Gulf, we hit rain while we were traveling and then when we got to the campground to spend the night, my pillow and the first 10 to 12 inches of the mattress was wet right under that same window. We haven't fixed it yet, but I was glad to see the question on here.
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Admiral
The Buckeye State
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Steveque wrote:
I would say that any clearance light problem will leak down inside a wall and show up on the floor, not a bed.
I would say that any clearance light problem will leak down inside a wall until it hits a window then soak the mattress that is against the wall below it.
That is not speculating on how gravity works, that is a life experience.
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Adirondack fan
Northern NY
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Joined: 05/31/2008
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We had a similar problem. Did use caulking around the bottom of the window, as it seemed the rain would gather there in a track that didn't have a good drain hole (the hole kept plugging with dirt). This window opens in the middle, but the leak was definitely on one side, that didn't open. I also noticed that with the stone cover thing up, in heavy rain, it would run down the window,not just drip off the end of the stone cover, so one day I put saran wrap between the cover and the top of the camper and it didn't seem to leak.
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mwebber78
New England
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Joined: 08/07/2005
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Pull all clearance lights, the other Rockwood trailer line, the ROO - has had issues with leaking clearance lights. The factory slopped the caulking around the outside but the actual opening to the trailer wall is lacking the grommet for the wire to stop the water.
It won't hurt to take that window out, either. Remove all the screws and carefully remove the window. Inspect for damage/rot and if none is present then simply replace the foam gasket for the window or replace it with a butyl tape seal. Re-seat the window, trim excess putty tape after a few days and run a bead of clear or white caulking around the frame perimieter.
Michael 
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6 Acre's of Maine
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