Starting with the roof

[matthews]

We have begun work on our 77' Excella and are already up to our eyeballs. It seems the previous owners 'forgot' to mention that the front and back vents leak and have been leaking for some time. When I asked them why they failed to mention it even though I asked them directly about leaks, then said they had taped a plastic bag to the 'inside' of the roof vent and hadn't seen a leak since and so they did not even think about it when I asked (I was the first to inform them that that bag only managed to channel the water down the walls).

To begin I removed the old surface of the vent and used some cutters to remove the rivets. I cut the plastic to size and used some foam to seal the gap. Setting it on the alluminum cover I drilled the new rivet holes based on the existing holes in the cover and then riveted them together. Looks real sharp but I think that that was a mistake as water is coming through the rivet holes. The second one I did I used vulkem and it seems to be holding up just fine.

The other problem I have is the curcular vent above the rear bathroom. The plastic is all shot and leaking. Any ideas on what to replace that with?

Also it seems that no matter how firmly I close the front and rear roof vents one side is held up in the air by the springs not allowing it to completely seal. Do any of you have experience setting this straight?

[gean235]

I wish someone with expertise would answer you "matthews" as I would like to hear the answer myself for future reference.

[Fyrzowt]

You might try PMing InlandAndy about that plastic cover, if he doesn't stock it, he can probably order it for you or tell you where to get it.

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ter-%2Bin.html

[wahoonc]

How I missed this post I'll never know If you have the Hehr vents, they are square aluminum with a plexiglass plate on top. You basically did the right thing by using the vulkem. However regular pop rivets are not water tight...they have a little hole down the middle so you have to cover them with sealant. The rear bath vent (if it is the one I think it is) is a standard RV item and should be available at most RV parts centers or via mail order. The vents not closing evenly is caused by a couple of things, one they are binding, something like WD-40 on the pivot points may help, if it doesn't they may well be bent. FWIW I am going to replace at least 2 of my 3 vents with something a bit more modern. Don't forget to take care of your plumbing vents while you are up there, they are a quite often overlooked major source of leaks, then on to the awning rail!

Aaron