Outer Compartment Leaks

[Silver.Gypsy]

We have a 2006 30' SO Classic, twin beds. When it rains we get water in the outdoor rear side compartment (door side), back corner. The last torrential down pour the rear compartment was soaked. See no signs inside of the AS. And the water is found at the rear corner of the compartment and seems to wick to the back.

We've had it to a dealer twice, had the Seal Tech Leak test done. And they were to check all seals and caulk. Got her home, thunderstorms hit and she is still leaking from somewhere. So she is staying in storage.


Anyone have this specific issue? Findings? We are not major DIY with the AS so we need a dealer to find this and fix. But so far to no avail. Would like to take to another dealer or even the Mother Ship this spring with some suggestions for them. Since we bought her used we have never dealt with Jackson Center. Would they be able to find the issue better than a dealer? I assume they would be more knowledgeable?

Thanks for any ideas/suggestions to get this fixed.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Given your location in Michigan, a "quick" drive to JC may be the best bet. How much that drive costs you .... who knows ( = JC does charge a bit for their work ). They aren't miracle workers, but they do seem to do a better job than the typical dealer tech.

Bob

[richard5933]

Not much good now if you're in Michigan during the winter, but the best way is to do this the old fashioned way - with a garden hose and a good set of eyes.


Put a garden hose without a nozzle on a moderate flow, and work your way from the bottom up on the outside of the trailer. Pay particular attention around the compartment door.


You'll need a really good set of eye in the compartment from the inside, which hopefully is accessible under the bed or other furniture.



My guess is that there is a fault in the gasket around the door, or a bit of bad caulking somewhere in the area. The gaskets can develop folds in them or just wear out and then water will get in.


If it's not leaking when you soak the door, then work your way up the trailer trying to hit only one problem spot at a time, giving time for the water to be found.


There is a lot of hardware located above the compartment, likely things like the awning support mounts, marker lights, etc. You might have a window above the compartment as well.


Of course it will be a good idea to do a thorough inspection of all the caulking in the area of the compartment door and everything above it, possibly even 5-6 feet on each side of the compartment going upwards. You'll be looking for cracks in the caulking, missing caulking, caulking which has pulled away, etc.

[Silver.Gypsy]

Thanks for your input. Do appreciate your time to respond.

The caulking should have been taken care of on our visits. Who knows, you pay for something and trust it is done. It will be something we will take a closer look at in the spring. thankfully she is in storage now and dry.


On another note, can we get parts yet for our babies? We wanted to replace all three compartment seals/gaskets but the dealer told us they couldn't get them from JC. We also need to replace some other items (AS specific) and again told they are not available.

[richard5933]

I replaced my compartment gaskets with new ones from Out Of Doors Mart. My trailer is a few years older, so I don't know if they have gaskets specific to yours. My guess is that they have them.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I think you will find that the gasket material comes on a roll. You cut a piece to length and then glue it in place. Since this is AS and they love to change this and that, things may be different on your trailer than on mine.

Bob

[richard5933]

Here's the stuff that I replaced on my compartment doors.

https://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?...roducts_id=337

This stuff is a press fit. Other types are like Bob mentioned and get glued on. Best to check with a place like Out Of Doors Mart to make sure you get the right kind for your trailer.