weatherproofing suggestions

[russell d]

I towed my 19' Bambi in the rain, the other day, and noticed that the floor near the door and near the fridge, became wet. I know that the access panels/ventilation doors for the fridge is a notorious area for letting in water. I plan to fabricate some means of preventing water from entering at the base of the doors and I also plan to seal the fridge compartment better. A question in this regard: should this area (the floor of the fridge access area, which has the 2 doors via which the rear of the fridge is accessible) be completely sealed, or is there/should there be a drain hole in there, just in case some water comes into the compartment at the base of the access door? If so, where should the hole be? Is it there already (?hidden or otherwise?) or will I have to make a hole and where should this be?
Also, and more importantly, I believe my main area of water penetration is under the door. I see that the edge of the plywood is showing, just under the step. I plan to fabricate a cover out of aluminum or galvanized metal to cover this and then to try to seal this with some putty material, which I should be able to press into any gaps, which may be there. I could probably use caulk, but I think the putty may be a better plan. It's pretty far under the step, so one can't see it easily, without getting down there to look. Any thoughts on any of this? Good plans? Other sources of leaks here that are known? Thanks, RD

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by russell d

I towed my 19' Bambi in the rain, the other day, and noticed that the floor near the door and near the fridge, became wet. I know that the access panels/ventilation doors for the fridge is a notorious area for letting in water. I plan to fabricate some means of preventing water from entering at the base of the doors and I also plan to seal the fridge compartment better. A question in this regard: should this area (the floor of the fridge access area, which has the 2 doors via which the rear of the fridge is accessible) be completely sealed, or is there/should there be a drain hole in there, just in case some water comes into the compartment at the base of the access door? If so, where should the hole be? Is it there already (?hidden or otherwise?) or will I have to make a hole and where should this be?
Also, and more importantly, I believe my main area of water penetration is under the door. I see that the edge of the plywood is showing, just under the step. I plan to fabricate a cover out of aluminum or galvanized metal to cover this and then to try to seal this with some putty material, which I should be able to press into any gaps, which may be there. I could probably use caulk, but I think the putty may be a better plan. It's pretty far under the step, so one can't see it easily, without getting down there to look. Any thoughts on any of this? Good plans? Other sources of leaks here that are known? Thanks, RD

Sewer vent pipe gaskets are good for about 5 years.

Many times, a simple adjustment of the compartment door latches, so that they hold the door tighter, solve water leak problems, assuming those gaskets are good.

Most of the time, entrance door water leaks are from bad gaskets, improperly installed gaskets, warped door, or a worn out striker pocket and/or the lock striker bolt.

All the door gaskets can be tested with the dollar bill method.

Close any door on a dollar bill. Gently pull on the dollar bill to see how much pressure is on it.

If you feel resistance, that part of the door gasket or fit is ok.

If the dollar bill offers no resistance, then you found a water leak.

Nice thing about that test, is when your done, you still have your dollar bill, or 5, or ten.

Testing the bottom of the entrance door gasket, is a good place to start.

You can also use the same test on suspected opening windows.

Andy