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tinsltootsie · 08-18-2008, 08:13 PM

I saw a thread a while ago, but didn't have time to check it out and can't find it now. It seemed to address the same wetness I have found. The front of our one trailer often has dampness on the wooden floor under the window. Any idea where this comes from? I want to clean it up and paint it, or replace flooring if needed.

purman · 08-18-2008, 08:50 PM

Is your water holding tank in the front? sometimes the pump will leak.

cameront120 · 08-18-2008, 09:18 PM

It could be from the window, the running lights, the TV or radio antenna. Any hole in the skin is a potential source. The water could be running down betwen the outer and inner skins and settling on the floor. Check the sealant around each penetration.

tinsltootsie · 08-23-2008, 04:26 PM

I thought it might be something between the shell and interior wall. We also have a Hehr that doesn't always close securely. I will work on that, and also seal around antennae, and other things. Thanks.

BDandTTs · 08-23-2008, 06:44 PM

I posted recently about water leakage, both past and present, that we found when we checked under the vinyl flooring at the front of our 2005 22' CCD. We used Acryl-R (https://store.airstream.com/product_...roducts_id=138) to seal seams around the entire trailer that appeared suspect. I'll attach photos of 2 areas that required attention around our front window. Don't know for sure if these or others were the culprit, but at least the leak is gone for now.

Good luck in your search.

clean72air · 12-02-2008, 08:30 AM

I am so glad that you posted this. I just discovered that I also have a leak at the base of the floor at the front window. I thought that it must be coming from the window but didn't see any evidence of dripping water anywhere inside of it. Now I can try out that Acrly-R stuff and see if that fixes it!

86Scotty · 12-17-2008, 05:03 PM

I have the same leak, i think. I have just resealed EVERYTHING outside the trailer and was very disappointed to find 2 wet spots on my wood floor (carpet removed) on EITHER side of the front window. In the middle it is dry, but i thought i sealed everything. Has anyone ever heard of water seeping in at the floor level underneath the trim on the front of the trailer between the outer skin under the front window and the banana wrap around the bottom?

thanks, eric

cameront120 · 12-17-2008, 06:52 PM

That can happen. I've removed the trim you mentioned and resealed it. Once the trim is replaced, I ran a bead of sealant top and bottom. Another item to look at is the screws that atach the inside fly screen to the window frame. On my 1972 Tradewind, these screws penetrate the window frame. If water gets past the weatherstripping and into the frame, it will find its way through the holes made by those screws. I put a dab of sealant on the penetrations and solved any water ingress from that location.

BDandTTs · 12-17-2008, 07:02 PM

Although it may be possible, we were repeatedly assured at Jackson Center that water does not flow upwards. Sometimes the leak source is far from the puddle on the floor, so make sure that you check any roof top seams, the antenna and marker lights.

If you have a pressurized leak testing service available in your area, it might be a good investment. After sealing ours to the best of our ability, we took it to GSM in Plattsburgh, NY, and they found quite a few additional leaks in other parts of the trailer that we had missed.

Good luck!

cameront120 · 12-17-2008, 07:09 PM

Jackson Centre must not be familiar with Capillary action. Water will follow the path of least resistance, regardless of the direction.

Shacksman · 12-17-2008, 07:40 PM

With my argosy the front skins came down under the bellyskins so that water could run into the belly. Not too bad except the front skins ended above the floor plywood allowing the water to run over the edge of the floor. When all was new there was caulking in place to stop the water but with age the caulking had disentergrated and the floor was getting wet under the edges of the window.

86Scotty · 12-18-2008, 04:39 AM

Thanks everyone, i'm gonna go over these areas this weekend. I really doubt mine is coming from the roof, i just sealed all that up and have visually inspected the sealant twice and can't see any gaps. I'll try the trim seal at the base of the floor level and the window screws. Pressure testing wouldn't do me any good at this point because i need new window seals badly all around. That is next. BUT i don't think this is caused by the front window seal, because theres no water under the middle of the window, just the corners. I guess it's possible though.

eric

SafariSS · 12-18-2008, 06:50 AM

One thing I think helps when looking for a leak, is does it leak when towing or sitting. If you watch the front of your trailer when towing it is flat pummeled in water when it is raining. Water from the rockshields goes inward partially and there is a "waterspout" up behind the gas bottles. SO, water can go UP and be forced into pretty much anything with a crack or gap.

I for one have verified some water comes in through the condensate drip holes in the HEHR window that faces forward. I used taped on paper that showed the "spray" of water from these holes, and then it hits my pillow as mine has the bed right there.

HowieE · 12-18-2008, 07:27 AM

TINSLTOOTSIE

Please post the year of your trailer.

You may want to look at this post, #19
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ion-35237.html

If the leak has anything to do with the window the insulation just above the floor will be wet for a long time after the rain as it will hold water much longer than the floor will. To check this pull the inner skin back just about the spot on the floor and feel the insulation for dampness. If possible leave this area open until the next rain and then check. If the leak is around the window or above the insulation will show dampness long before the water reaches the floor and under a much lighter rain.

tinsltootsie · 12-22-2008, 06:11 PM

Thanks for all the ideas. My trailer is an overlander 1974 with "skylight" kind of windows. Those do leak, and I'm working on them. Right now, it's winter, and there is very little running water. The leak usually appears in storage, when sitting. I'll keep checking and use many ideas once it thaws and we're getting ready to use it.

Becky B. · 12-22-2008, 07:14 PM

I had a '76 Overlander that had missing rivets behind the beltline & rubrail stripes. It took me forever to find those (sealed all windows, vents, etc first). I had a wet floor after rain, but nothing coming from above it. After I discovered the missing rivets & repaired those, I went all the way around & sealed every rivet under both the beltline & rubrail stripes. No more leaks after that. Good luck!