More photos and update to our leak

[J5MM]

Had our airstream go through the "SealTech" test at Poulsbo RV in Everett, WA since the middle panormaic window was leaking in the front. Bubbles formed all along the window lines so they sealed that up.

I was so happy and felt so confident that our leak was fixed ($300 later) -- after all SealTech seems like the gold standard in detecting and repairing leaks.

That is until it started raining....

The middle panoramic window in the front started leaking even worse! I was literally in tears and went out in the rain to discover that Poulsbo RV stripped my original seal job along the hinge that holds the middle solar rock guard panel in place. I was in shock! Why would they have taken that off and not resealed it? I also saw what was causing the other leak -- a big screw hole where the screw had wriggled out. I tried to screw it back in but the screw was too short -- I tried to make sure the other screws along that hinge were right and most of them were stripped becasue they kept turning and turning....and turning.....

So now it all made sense -- after it started raining, it always took that darn leak about 20 minutes to show up -- so I knew it was traveling from some place other than that window and low and behold, there it was, coming from that very exposed hole in the body of our airstream!

So this is very bad, but i got despeate, I took out my Sikaflex and caulked the top of the hinge and then Sikaflexed right over those darn screws and also filled up the hole. I was so upset and so incredibly distraught that I had to do something. I know everyone says it takes a machine to get the sikaflex off and to caulk over the screws, well, I was desperate We are keeping her in a very remote place where nobody can really easily get to, to fix her and I don't want to risk floor rot.

Ugh....

So now she is there and I am here and I am worried and I really really hope I plugged that leak. Because if I didn't and it still leaks I will literally just cry (again).

I do have to say, it hasn't changed my feeling about my Airstream. I am completely in love with her still and I do realize they all leak, I just wish it would be over once and for all.

Here are some pictures of our recent trip and some yummy recipes I cooked on the Airstream: Just 5 more minutes

[Splitrock]

In my experience stopping my Airstream from leaking is impossible. Mine was designed to leak. Mine had 11 leaks from the entry door to the front of the front window. Everything from the roof vent to the windows to the seams to the step release slot leaked.

I had to remove the inside panels and sit in the trailer at night with a hunter's spot light to find all the leaks. It took me over a month of thunderstorms to find and fix all the leaks.

The step release slot is designed to leak. In a big rain, that slot let at least a half gallon of water onto the belly pan. There's no fix for that. I installed drain holes in the pan. There's really no other fix. The only really safe dry storage for a trailer is in a storage shed with a good roof.

Gary

[Mike Leary]

Having lived most of my life (with four different Airstreams, same wife) in the PNW, either stock up on blue tarps (the WA State flag) or come join us down here and dry out.

[aftermath]

Mammab,

Sorry to hear about your bad luck. I am not a fan of Poulsbo RV. I was treated rather poorly there as a potential customer and my cousin experienced a bait and switch on a new trailer they purchased. I would go elsewhere for help.

I also don't agree with posters who say that Airstreams all leak. Yours is new and I would guess well cared for. Caulking the window should have fixed the leak and once you get the solar panel caulked all should be fine.

Best wishes from the other side of the mountains. By the way, we have a great dealership here in Spokane. I am sure they could fix you up in no time. Of course winter is here and towing in the snow doesn't sound like much fun.

[J5MM]

Splitrock: I now recall reading your post about your leaky Airstream. You were sitting on a little tiny stool with your flashlight...I couldn't imagine going through all of that. You must have the patience of a saint. Do you have it in covered storage?

Aftermath: That is really such a shame about Poulsbo RV -- we actually managed to get them refund us 1/2 of our $300 -- but it was like pulling teeth I tell you. I also can't believe the bait and switch on the new trailer -- really disheartening! Good to hear the good news about Airstream in Spokane -- will definitely put that on our to do list.

Mike: Thanks for the laugh about state flag, too funny!

[Splitrock]

Originally Posted by Mammab

Splitrock: I now recall reading your post about your leaky Airstream. You were sitting on a little tiny stool with your flashlight...I couldn't imagine going through all of that. You must have the patience of a saint. Do you have it in covered storage?

Yes I was a toad on a stool:-) I am rather good on long projects.

My trailer is not covered. I'm still working on it and it won't fit in my shop. I wanted to build a storage building for my trailers and tractors but I live in Minnehaha county South Dakota and here I'm not allowed to build on my land beyond what I have now.

I live in the country on over 5 acres of land. I have a detached garage that's 1,536 sq ft. The maximum allowed size of a detached building now is 1,200 sq ft. My land was rezoned after I bought it. Now, I'd need 40 acres to build a shop or storage building. I can't afford 40 acres just so I can build a shed.

I'd advise anybody looking to relocate, to skip Minnehaha county . . . maybe skip South Dakota altogether. I'm not very happy with the government or the current laws. The reason we can't build a storage building by our homes is because the county and the city of Sioux Falls are in business together selling commercial/industrial land. By calling anything over 1,200 sq ft commercial, they are trying to force anybody who wants a shop or storage building to go and buy some of their land.

I don't want to get in the car and drive 10 miles to get a drill out of my shop. Welcome to America.

Gary