Finally found the leak!

[OregonArgy]

I am in the process of replacing a piece of the floor near the door (there's always rot near the door, huh?). Yesterday, out of the blue, I had a flash as to where the leak was coming from. When I was grinding out the rusted bolts, I noticed that one of them was so rusted, it was smaller than the hole. This happened to be the one that was internal (the other two go through the the exterior above the step). This is where all the water was getting in after it ran down the door gasket. It was causing tons of rot. Any ideas how to make sure my replacement bolt is water tight? Should I put a couple of plops of Silcone II as I install it?

Check out that bolt hole if you've got a leak!

[HiHoAgRV]

Good insight. Mine was missing that bolt when I bought it (or when it obtained us...)
It makes great sense that the water runs down the exterior of the gasket, down the hole and into the plywood!

Karma to you!

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by OregonArgy

Should I put a couple of plops of Silcone II as I install it?

The general consensus is that TremPro 636 (Vulkem) is superior to Silicone seal in Airstream applications. It is available at a variety of places, including Vintage Trailer Supply or the Airstream store online. I admit, prior the forum enlightenment, I too have Siliconed. I must live with my shame. At least till I get a chance to get up on the roof with the Silicone seal remover I got from Vintage.

[OregonArgy]

Thanks for reminding me of Vulkem. I've used that in applications around my house, especially weather sealing like around windows. Can't I just use the kind that you find at Home Depot?

[vswingfield]

Originally Posted by OregonArgy

Thanks for reminding me of Vulkem. I've used that in applications around my house, especially weather sealing like around windows. Can't I just use the kind that you find at Home Depot?

I guess you could if you could find something similar. I also have a smaller squeeze tube of ALCOA Aluminum Pigmented Gutterseal that I got from VTS that I ordered at the same time as the TempPro caulking tube that I still haven’t used. The small tube is good for small repairs, like yours. I also ordered one of their caps which has become my favorite. I PhotoShoped in onto the front of my Excella as a joke to cover the heavy hail damage. You can see the results at my profile http://www.airforums.com/forums/memb...eld-17830.html.

“So...you bought a vintage trailer, did you, honey? Good deal, was it? Oh, just a couple of repairs, huh?” To quote Colombo, “Just one more thing.”