So I've had my AS for about two weeks now and during a major, torrential downpour today noticed a small leak coming in through the rear window. It wasn't bad but it's going to need to get fixed for sure. My dealer is a two hour drive away though and wondering if anyone has any suggestions for dealing with it. Any temporary fixes to get me through the holidays? Also, there is a Camping World that does maintenance nearby; could I take it there for fixing or am I rolling the dice? I suspect it's probably a more major defect than applying sealant so I doubt the factory would honor warranty work done elsewhere correct? Thanks for the help and Merry Christmas!
Don't take it to Camping World or any other fly-by-night repair shop. Airstream construction is unique and can be screwed up by those who don't know what they are doing.
Be more specific, can you see exactly where the water is entering, or where is it is running down, or where it is pooling? Does your Airstream have an awning over the rear window? Take a look at the three roof clearance clearance lights above the rear window, do any of them appear to be foggy or have moisture inside?
The repair may be as simple as tightening one of the window latches, or there may be a gap, even a pinhole in the sealant somewhere. And sometimes an apparent leak is a matter of condensation collecting on a cool surface such as the window and pooling a bit in the sill. Condensation is to be managed or avoided as it can cause long-term damage as well as a leak.
Hey guys. It's brand new, 2015 Intl Signature. It's the rear window and its a very small leak that appears to be originating from a small gap where the hinge connects to the window itself. It appears to be causing the window seal to open ever so slightly. Honestly it looks like someone (don't know who but again it's brand new) may have tried to treat it somehow. The more I type the more I see this requiring a trip to the dealer. Very, very small margins for error on these window seals it seems. So, what happens if I throw some duct tape over the affected area temporarily? Will it do anything to the aluminum? Any other suggestions on temporary fix.
Leak stopped! Painters tape was not water resistant enough so I went with some clear box tape. Worked perfectly and you can't even see it. Thanks for the advice!
Everyone seems to advise against silicone sealer on an Airstream. Not sure but I think maybe it is because is acidic and can attack aluminum - it often seems to have acetic acid smell to it. Also, I gather, it is hard to remove.
I always use Acryl-R for small gaps and Sikaflex 221 for larger gaps (721) on the roof as it is more UV resistant.
These are products that the factory uses on newer trailers - at least that was so when i was at the factory a few years back. Might have changed now.
The Acryl R is a "wicking" type sealant that you normally apply with a re-usable pump gun and I think it is likely similar to Parbond. It will wick into seams and remains flexible
The Sikaflex is a polyurethane sealer.
There is also a product called "Captain Tolley's Creeping Crack Cure" that folks have use for seams and leaking rivets.
I have a small bottle but have yet to try it. It is a very thin watery liquid that easily wicks in then sets up - only for very small gaps I think.
JC and Airstream dealers (and possibly other sources ) should have the Acryl-R and its pump gun and also the Sikaflex products. Most likely the best source of Capt. Tolley's would be Marine stores. I got mine online at such a store.
I think what is happening is that the rivet that is used to secure the window hinge to the... aluminum strip (?)... That is above the window has a hole in the center of it that not only allows water through it but acts as a drain when that... aluminum strip (?)... fills with water. The leak is right there at that exact same point and there is a tiny, tiny hole where the gasket bonds with the area around the window. Heck, I don't know... I might try a piece of gum. Silicone gun has been put down!
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