Leaking Window Gasket

[TMcAna]

We have a 14 month old International 25FBT. We don't get to use it as much as we'd like yet as I have not retired. Our last trip we noticed our mattress on the curbside twin was slightly damp. After investigating we think we found the culprit. Our local Five star dealership told us sorry, not covered.

The leaking window is the Curbside bedroom window above the porthole window. It opens. When we did water testing around that area, we found water was entering through the gasket at the bottom of the window and splashing over the aluminum channel.

My question is, Is the placement of the gasket with the seam at the bottom of the window standard. Should there be enough of a gap that water can leak through?

[Boxite]

I’m not convinced that is the source of the leak… but in any event…it certainly SHOULD be a warranty item.

Personally, I’d caulk it myself either way.

[majorairhead]

Two comments.

1. If it is the upper window that's leaking, you can tighten the closure mechanisms to pull the window tighter to the gasket. The nuts to do so can be reached from outside.

2. Look closely at that porthole window. Make sure water isn't seeping in at the bottom, between the glass and the aluminum trim piece. I've actually caulked all of my non opening windows on my rig.

[richard5933]

I seriously doubt that the small gap you're seeing is the source of the water leak.

First, the water would have be be blown in there with lots of force to get up over that aluminum lip, and then past the interior lip on the aluminum. Other than with a high-pressure garden hose I don't see this happening from rain.

Second, when the window is closed and pulled tight, that little gap should be virtually pushed together and closed. Are you sure that the closure latches are adjusted tight enough?

My hunch is that the water you're seeing is possibly condensation on the inside of the window, or more likely, coming from somewhere much higher up like an exterior marker light which is leaking. Leaks from above will flow inside the skin until they reach the window frame and then enter the trailer, usually looking like the leak is actually coming from the window itself when in reality its source is higher up.

[TMcAna]

Originally Posted by Boxite

I’m not convinced that is the source of the leak… but in any event…it certainly SHOULD be a warranty item.

Personally, I’d caulk it myself either way.

Understood. Our first Airstream was a 2008 Safari Sport! I am just annoyed that I have had more trouble with this brand new International in 14 months than I did with my 14 year old Sport.

[TMcAna]

Originally Posted by majorairhead

Two comments.

1. If it is the upper window that's leaking, you can tighten the closure mechanisms to pull the window tighter to the gasket. The nuts to do so can be reached from outside.

2. Look closely at that porthole window. Make sure water isn't seeping in at the bottom, between the glass and the aluminum trim piece. I've actually caulked all of my non opening windows on my rig.

Yes, It is the upper window. The actual water location we found inside the trailer is on the porthole window ledge.

We have water tested the entire area and the only place we found moisture was
at this spot so far. We tested 10 minutes of water at the awning connections, front curved seams and the lights. We also worked water around all of the window frames.

We will probably seal the gap, and then retest and watch.

[TMcAna]

Originally Posted by richard5933

I seriously doubt that the small gap you're seeing is the source of the water leak.

First, the water would have be be blown in there with lots of force to get up over that aluminum lip, and then past the interior lip on the aluminum. Other than with a high-pressure garden hose I don't see this happening from rain.

Second, when the window is closed and pulled tight, that little gap should be virtually pushed together and closed. Are you sure that the closure latches are adjusted tight enough?

My hunch is that the water you're seeing is possibly condensation on the inside of the window, or more likely, coming from somewhere much higher up like an exterior marker light which is leaking. Leaks from above will flow inside the skin until they reach the window frame and then enter the trailer, usually looking like the leak is actually coming from the window itself when in reality its source is higher up.

I agree that it takes some presssure to get the water over the lips. We did alot of testing and will continue to monitor. Although I did not include a photo of the seal gap when the window is closed tighly, it is still there and significant. My thought is living in Florida, our last trip was through a multiple hour downpour at Highway speeds.

We will seal the gap, retest and keep a watch.

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by TMcAna

I agree that it takes some presssure to get the water over the lips. We did alot of testing and will continue to monitor. Although I did not include a photo of the seal gap when the window is closed tighly, it is still there and significant. My thought is living in Florida, our last trip was through a multiple hour downpour at Highway speeds.

We will seal the gap, retest and keep a watch.

If you're going to reseal the gap, there is a black silicone specifically designed for use around windshields. I've used it in the past to repair tears/gaps in window seals of a vintage vehicle. If you cut the opening to the smallest possible, you should be able to squeeze some into the gap and then tool it to shape easily.

[ai-traveler]

Originally Posted by TMcAna

I agree that it takes some presssure to get the water over the lips. We did alot of testing and will continue to monitor. Although I did not include a photo of the seal gap when the window is closed tighly, it is still there and significant. My thought is living in Florida, our last trip was through a multiple hour downpour at Highway speeds.

We will seal the gap, retest and keep a watch.

I'm having the EXACT same issue on a 2020 Globetrotter 27FB. Same window (passenger front window) that is leaking and is wetting the mattress. I examined the window carefully and it is identical to what you are experiencing.

I'm wondering if the leak is getting somewhere higher up, getting stuck in the window channel and leaking into the mattress.

Was wondering if you solved this mystery?