New member with leak in 1999 Safari

[nadja]

Hello from Colorado!

We've owned a 1999 Safari for a few years, and just a couple weeks ago took it camping into some very wet rainy areas of the northwest and into British Columbia. During this trip we discovered that our Safari leaked (badly!). It appeared to start in the bathroom area, the carpet and floor were soaked and at first thought it was a cracked or broken fresh water line. However upon returning home and literally tearing out the entire bathroom and base under the shower, discovered that was NOT the problem. We discovered that the water was coming somewhere along the backside, soaking the storage compartments and under the bed, then creeping into the bathroom area. Needless to say the carpet and floor are very soaked and getting stinkier as time goes by.

We nearly had it all dried out and thought we discovered an area around the rear window that needed to be sealed (got it fixed). We've had some strong rains the last few days, and discovered today that the carpet is again very soaked.

We're discouraged since we don't know where to look. All our seams look good. My husband inspected the roof closely and even pulled all the rear lights (the ones up high on the rear) and put plumber's putty around each one to seal them up better.

I'm now worried that the wood will rot and disintegrate. How quickly does that happen?

Any ideas or suggestions would be very welcome! Thank you in advance!

[3Ms75Argosy]

water leaks can be so hard to find. A couple of ideas - check those sewer vents up high. Those seem to be a large part of the leaking problem on these trailers. Also, remember that water can travel a far way from the leaks - skylights may also be a source of the leak. Lastly, on the older models (not sure if this is still an issue) is that water could come in from the rear lower beltline right above the storage compartment. Seems the bannana wrap acts as a "scoop" and lets the water go right onto the floor. Seal the top part of the beltline over the compartment (and remember to use vulkum ... nor silicone caulk).
Good luck!
Marc

[nadja]

Thank you so much for your quick reply!

I've been spending a lot of time perusing many forums and threads on water leaks. Lots of good ideas and suggestions. I guess its just a matter of elimination.

We don't seem to think its the gasket around the vents, because of the location of the vents in relation to where we think the leak is starting. The leaks seem to be in the very middle of the vert back or the back quadrant under the bed, so back left (if looking from the front of the trailer). However we will get on top and inspect everything carefully (again!).

Can the beltline or wrap on the 1999 Safari cause leaks as well? We assumed this "belt" was attached over solid sheets.

Also got to looking at the light & license plate holder today, could that area be allowing that much water in? Guess we'll pull that and seal up as well.

[john hd]

check your sewer vents as marc suggested. your trailer is just old enough that the neoprene gasket under the aluminum cap could be cracked.

the average life span of them is about 5 years.

they are inexpensive and easy to replace. here is a thread on how i fixed mine. http://www.airforums.com/forum...nts-24437.html

john

[Waterman]

The referenced vent repair works well on trailers that use the metal vents. My Excella had two of those. However, my 99 Safari, which btw I have just discovered has wet carpet in the toilet/shower (we'd call it a head on a boat), has a cheap looking, plastic sewer vent like you'd see on an SOB. I'm am going to be chasing my leak as soon as we have a break in the weather so I'll check the sewer vent along with all of the other usual suspect locations. We are about to have some sub-freezing weather here in Oregon so it may be difficult to apply sealant in the cold. At least its supposed to dry out for a few days. Ah winter, dontcha love it in the NorthWet?