More leaks in cold weather?

[Flynavy]

Has anyone noticed the AS leaks come and go with changes in the temp. I've been chasing a couple leaks the past few days and it seems as though I find more of them on colder days. I'm talking a change of 20-25 degrees or so. Am I nuts or is the metal expanding and contracting that much?

[perryg114]

Yes it expands and contracts that much. Aluminum has a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. Also polymers like vulkem will shrink and become hard when it is cold which also opens up gaps. Ask NASA about this one when they blew up a space shuttle when the O-rings got hard from the cold and would not seal.

I don't know if a totally leak proof Airstream is possible. This is why I think putting drains in the C-Channels is a good idea. I am also against completely covering the floor for the same reason. Floor coverings hide and concentrate water. If you know something is going to happen have a contingency.

Perry

[Flynavy]

Perry, how do you drain the channel?

[perryg114]

There is no way for water to get out of the C-channel unless you add a drain. There is a gap where the corners meet the straight wall sections and there is where it drains into the sub floor. There are other places for water to get out but all of them involve leaking into the sub floor. I would bridge the caps in the C-channel and put drains on each side. You would need 8 drains for all 4 corners. Something like this.