Crazy Question (Can trailer sweat?)

[Trophycare]

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?

[overlander63]

Yes, they can sweat, and yes, the floor goes under the sides of the shell.

[VIKING]

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

[Trophycare]

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.

[Kevin245]

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

[Trophycare]

What about smoke testing like they use for sewer pipes?

[Wingeezer]

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.

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by Trophycare

What about smoke testing like they use for sewer pipes?

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

[kennethowens]

Sweat - yes.

Moisture will condensate on the warm side.
Winter or summer.

[tallytwo1994]

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.

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