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10-21-2009, 09:46 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member 
1962 24' Tradewind
1967 17' Caravel
1959 22' Flying Cloud
weatherford
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
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Crazy Question (Can trailer sweat?)
Ok. 62 tradewind. I have been chasing leaks all week. Sealed from outside with sikaflex 221 around windows seams etc. Do or can AS sweat enough to create condensation to mimic a leak???? I have opened up behind the fiberglass compartment in the rear and exposed the back skin. I it appears it has black rubber coating? it looks like it sweats and runs down the back of the inside. The temps today were very humind and now it has dropped 15 degrees and raining.. Perfect time to look for leaks. (Right!) However windows and skin appears to be condensating enough to drip off glass etc. 
Other question about construction of trailer. does the subfloor go under the walls? or does the floor stop just before the wall. Any leak would run down and sit on top of wood?
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10-21-2009, 10:24 PM
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#2
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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Yes, they can sweat, and yes, the floor goes under the sides of the shell.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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10-21-2009, 10:32 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,177
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Seams are not the only place that leaks are found. I have a few loose rivets(or so I've been told). They are very hard to find. If you have a space heater you should put it the tradewind so you can eliminate the condensation. Then get out the hose and look for leaks.
The black stuff is sprayed onto the inside of the shell to prevent leaks. I don't think it helps, but it doesn't hurt either.
Good luck,
Rich the Viking
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10-21-2009, 10:43 PM
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#4
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2 Rivet Member 
1962 24' Tradewind
1967 17' Caravel
1959 22' Flying Cloud
weatherford
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
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Black stuff! Rubber Coating????
Thanks. The black stuf is rubber coating???.
I hope its just the temp inside vs. what the temp is outside. It has rained all week and very hard to tell whats condensation or just a leak. I'm pulling my hair out now. Frustrated! I Think I seal one and then hear comes another.
Im going to go crazy with sikaflex sealing every seem I can find! Im just very picky and want it to look good with nice edges and smooth..
I thought AS didn't leak! Until now.
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10-22-2009, 03:39 AM
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#5
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Moderator

Vintage Kin Owner
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, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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Have you considered performing a pressure test to check for leaks?
That way you will have a reasonable level of certainty that things well sealed.
Just a thought.
Kevin
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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10-22-2009, 07:30 AM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member 
1962 24' Tradewind
1967 17' Caravel
1959 22' Flying Cloud
weatherford
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
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What about smoke testing like they use for sewer pipes?
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10-22-2009, 08:11 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master 
2005 30' Classic
Burlington
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
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One of the products of burning propane is water vapor which would increase the humidity level in an RV if the stovetop burners or oven are used a lot without adequate venting.
That could increase the liklihood of sweating within a trailer.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell
2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
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10-22-2009, 08:15 AM
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#8
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Moderator

Vintage Kin Owner
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, ...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,696
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trophycare
What about smoke testing like they use for sewer pipes?
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Soapy water is typically the medium of choice.
Here is recent thread where a forum member did the testing him self.
Regards,
Kevin
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...light=Pressure
__________________
"One of the best lessons I've learned is that you don't worry about criticism from people you wouldn't seek advice from."
William C. Swinney
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10-22-2009, 08:31 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member 
1975 Argosy 24
Malakoff
, Texas
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 490
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Sweat - yes.
Moisture will condensate on the warm side.
Winter or summer.
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10-22-2009, 09:13 AM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member 
Currently Looking...
tallahassee
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 361
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Trophycare
The black stuf is rubber coating???.
I hope its just the temp inside vs. what the temp is outside. It has rained all week and very hard to tell whats condensation or just a leak.
Im going to go crazy with sikaflex sealing every seem I can find! Im just very picky and want it to look good with nice edges and smooth..
I thought AS didn't leak! Until now. 
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Anything as small as a trailer which isn't vented enough can have problems with condensation. I have a 1955 Spartan and all the original documents for these trailers go into great detail about how to counter that reality. Here in the South, the problems are increased do to the high humidity. Certainly the leaks need to be sealed but do remember if you don't have some air flow (open a vent) the condensation will be a constant problem.
I don't believe it's reasonable to expect a vintage trailer to be leak free after fifty years. Riding down the road can jostle the the panels loose. In fact, just sitting out in the weather can cause the aluminum to expand and contract enough to have a leak.
Carol
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