Disappointed....woke up to a leak

[Stream_tRVlr]

So my fiancé and I have always dreamed of owning an Airstream. Well it became a reality a week ago when we picked up our used 2011 FC20. I posted last weekend after we woke up to a drip from the fan above the bed but found out from the forum friends here that it just condensation. Weekend #2....steady rain here in Massachusetts where we are camping and I don't believe what I just woke up to is condensation.....

[Stream_tRVlr]

[Stream_tRVlr]

A leak in between the reading lights. I looked under the bed and there is some moisture on the floor along the wall. What has me concerned is I have no warranty. I've seen people online talk about newer Airstreams that have leaks that lead to floor rot.

Sorry for the 4 a.m. rant I'm just really bummed to wake up to see this.

I guess my next question would be a good dealer in the CT or MA area to look at it before we head out on our honeymoon with this in a few weeks.

[robandzoe]

You need a leak test.

http://tour.airstreamlife.com/weblog...leak_test.html

Not sure what's in your area.. closest might be Colonial Airstream in NJ.

[65CV]

Classic RV may be able to do it, avoiding the bridges and city traffic. See this thread for reviews and details.

If you want to leak test it yourself, search this forum for "hillbilly leak test" to find ways that people have used leaf blowers to pressurize and test.

[charliejw]

Just had my stream "leak-proofed". In Southington, CT..Heritage Hills RV. They do the test...seal all seams that need it...then re test.

[Wayne&Sam]

You should be able to easily look under the bed at the floor edges to see if there are any water stains on the wood floor. The vinyl flooring is probably curled up at the edges (that's completely normal) so you can see the wood. I check the edges at least annually. Don't despair, we've had a few leaks too, the problem is when you don't catch them and they continue for a long time.

[overlander63]

Just a SWAG, but I think you should look closely at the base of the Fantastic Vent. They are not always sealed with a huge amount of sealant, and sometimes the base will develop stress cracks in the corners.

[louaxtjr]

Don't be discouraged. As good as Airstreams are, they need regular maintenance. An annual inspection and reseal of questionable areas should be done. My rig is MUCH older than yours, but I've found the vents to require attention every time. These frequently leak but the water runs down the outside of the inner skin until it hits a seam, resulting in something like what you have.

[blkmagikca]

I've had seams fixed on my AS just after I got it. I had made an appointment to have it checked at Jackson Center. They found and fixed it.

Depending on what your travel plans for your honeymoon are, you could decide beforehand to pass by JC and have it done while you wait - you would stay at the terraport (the JC factory service area with full hookups). What I like is that you don't have to leave your trailer there and then come back weeks later - they start on your rig first thing on the morning of your appointment and work on it until it is done.

[rodsterinfl]

It will work out. Rent the movie the Long long trailer and laugh out loud!

[Fly at Night]

That initial leak freak is normal. But as others have posted, get it fixed and carry on.

I have had a couple of minor leaks, but they were resolved via my dealer and haven't had another one for almost two years now.

Don't let it ruin your honeymoon!

[Wingeezer]

All RV's leak - Airstreams are no exception despite the higher cost! Moving down the highway, things flex and move and eventually caulking gives way. You can't compare it with a house!

I'm sure you will be able to find and fix the leak. It may be at a spot other than where you first suspect though - water can find unusual paths once it gets into a trailer before it actually makes its presence known!

After you find/fix it, You will find it worth doing a check of all caulking once or twice a year (including the roof) and addressing any areas that are starting to look suspect.

Even that doesn't guarantee the odd unpleasant surprise, but it will at least reduce the frequency!

Don't let it bother you - but do keep it in check, floors only rot when leaks are left
un-repaired for a long time!

Brian

[wolverine]

You might also want to check your skylight in that area. The factory installed skylights are notorious for developing cracks and leaking because of their poor design. Many airstreamers have replaced their factory skylights with Maxxim skylights to correct and prevent leaks. Their are several good posts on how to replace them yourself if you find that is what's causing your leaks.

[Pitou49]

I understand you well, my 3 weeks AS just leak yesterday night...
I'll bright her back to dealer tomorrow, I hope everything will be find.
I feel better after read this post.

[robert claus]

Find and fix the leak, dry out the floor by exposing the wood and put a fan on it, and carry on. In the big picture, it's a small problem.

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by wolverine

You might also want to check your skylight in that area. The factory installed skylights are notorious for developing cracks and leaking because of their poor design. Many airstreamers have replaced their factory skylights with Maxxim skylights to correct and prevent leaks. Their are several good posts on how to replace them yourself if you find that is what's causing your leaks.

I did have that experience also. Maxxims are a great long term investment! Why AS continues to install such rubbish escapes me. Surely they must have had sufficient feedback by now. Don't they believe us - or is it just bottom line$? For what we pay, we should get expect and get better!

Brian.

[Don.44]

Has anyone tried the flex seal as advertised on TV on the roof and around the roof fans & areas of where a leak can occur ? It looks like it could work in a pinch . They make it in clear now too. My 05 leaks too .

Don H

[rodsterinfl]

I did not try flex seal but when I installed my fantastic fans/vents and went over the linear sidewall seals on my roof, I used a tape product called Dicor designed for metal roofs. It is neat and tidy at 2" wide. I still sealed the fans with the prescribed sealer but used the tape as a top cover after a few days of letting the sealer cure.

[Don.44]

I don't think the spray seal is a permanent repair but out on a trip and it begins to leak use it until you can return and make a more premanent repair . I was just wondering if anyone has tried using that and if it worked .I also used a product called butalflex used on metal buildings .
Don