TrailManor Owner's Forum  

Go Back   TrailManor Owner's Forum > TrailManor Technical Discussions > General Maintenance and Cleaning
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

View Poll Results: Have you had rain water leak into your TM?
Yes 11 73.33%
No 4 26.67%
Voters: 15. You may not vote on this poll

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 02-03-2008, 04:54 PM   #21
vnmtm1
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Post Hard rain only

My wife and I are new to TM'ing and this forum. And yes, we have a roof leak.

We purchased our '03 3023 last year and took it out just 3 times before storing it in the garage for the winter. Each time out, we had measurable precipitation but no leaks during the first two trips. However, on the third trip out we were in a real downpour for over 2 hours and observed a steady stream (.25" wide) of water coming down the right side rear shell where the wall and roof meet. The water comes down and pools slightly just behind the stove and then drips down to the floor by the door. The leak would seem to be right where the front shell and rear shell overlap.

I did a quick inspection and did not see any gaps or obvious missing caulk before I put the TM away for the season, so I plan to do a careful check when I de-winterize, hopefully in March.
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-17-2008, 06:24 PM   #22
rumbleweed
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Smile Leaks

We had several leaks on our new 2009 TM. All were due to what appeared to be failures in the caulking. Several were hard to find as the actual entry point was some distance from where the water showed up inside. Finally recaulked all the roof /trim and exterior light seams ( after removing original lose caulk)and all is well. Used Dow 5200 marine sealant as it is more viscous and and remains more flexible than silicone. To find bad caulk joints, use a hair dryer on cool setting and direct air flow at caulk/ TM surface interface and look for movement of the caulk edge ( flapping). Dirt under the caulk will confirm a bad seal. A little recaulking from time to time is a small price for the benefits the TM offers.
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-17-2008, 06:41 PM   #23
Wavery
TrailManor Master
 
Wavery's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 2,824
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rumbleweed View Post
We had several leaks on our new 2009 TM. All were due to what appeared to be failures in the caulking. Several were hard to find as the actual entry point was some distance from where the water showed up inside. Finally recaulked all the roof /trim and exterior light seams ( after removing original lose caulk)and all is well. Used Dow 5200 marine sealant as it is more viscous and and remains more flexible than silicone. To find bad caulk joints, use a hair dryer on cool setting and direct air flow at caulk/ TM surface interface and look for movement of the caulk edge ( flapping). Dirt under the caulk will confirm a bad seal. A little recaulking from time to time is a small price for the benefits the TM offers.
If you use 3M 5200, I would suggest practicing with it a little before taking on the job.

I have been a sailboat owner for many, many years and I have used 5200 for many applications. I can tell you that, if used properly, it will be the last time that you will ever have to caulk.

A few things to remember. Make sure that your work surface is extremely clean. Wipe it down (carefully) with acetone on a rag (don't' pour acetone on the surface, it will melt the foam core if it gets inside). Use Mineral spirits for clean-up and keep your bead small.

3M 5200 takes 24 hours to skin, 3-5 days to set and 30-day + to cure. For best results, caulk when you will not be moving the trailer for at least 30-days.

If you ever have to remove 5200 (God help you) it is not easily removed. Hopefully, you won't have to. That stuff adheres like nothing you have ever seen before. I have places on my 1st yacht (which I am still in contact with the owner) that were caulked in 1983 and are still holding, even after that boat has been sailed around the world twice.
__________________
TrailManor Elkmont
640W solar- 230AH LiFeP04 Battery
Wavery is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-17-2008, 07:41 PM   #24
ShrimpBurrito
Site Sponsor
 
ShrimpBurrito's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sunny Beaches of Los Angeles
Posts: 3,233
Default

I second the stickiness of 3M 5200. For those instances where you think you may need to take it off, use 3M 4200 instead.

Dave
__________________
2000 2720SL & 2007 3124KB
2005 Toyota Sequoia
Twin Battle Born 12v 100Ah LiFePO4 (BBGC2) batteries, 300W solar on rear shell, Link 10, Lift kit, Maxxis 8008 225 75/R15 E tires
ShrimpBurrito is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2008, 05:13 PM   #25
rumbleweed
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

You are correct. I thoroughly removed old caulk and cleaned well and used the smallest bead the tip will provide. Then let cure for 3 days before closing and several weeks before moving. I also use 5200 on my boat and choose it so I would not have to caulk again. It takes extra patience , but is worth it.
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2008, 07:53 AM   #26
Al-n-Sue
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I had a small leak around the A/C unit after a particularly hard rain. Turns out the mounting screw had worked loose. The dealer found it and tightened it and I've had no problem since.

BTW, why is there no choice for No? It seems that a comparison of folks on the forum who have had leaks with those who have not would be instructive.
  Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2008, 09:28 PM   #27
Alrhall
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Quote:
BTW, why is there no choice for No?
Same problem. I thought I was opening the ballot and next I would get to vote yes or no. Instead I voted yes without knowing.
Come to Florida there is an opening on the elections commission.
  Reply With Quote
Old 07-23-2013, 08:02 PM   #28
Adirondackham
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default Adirondackham

Yikes. Recently bought an '06 2619 from Camping World only to find the unit leaks like a sive. Water is under the interior ceiling aluminum skin in the corner by the door and drips onto the rear, left, corner of the stove.
2nd location for water is the vent directly in front of the AC unit in the ceiling. It apparently originates from the one corner under the clear caulk in place That required a bucket - major leak.
3rd location is in the passenger side forward corner near the reading light under the overhead storage shelf. Given the condition of the reading light fixture, this has been going on for some time, thank you very much previous owner(s).
4th location list night was a few drops in the curtain channel above the base of the forward bed.
5th location was dripping out the top of the large window to the right of the sink.
Last but not least (#6) , water last night was found trickling behind the mounting of the awning on the exterior of the camper siding above the door. One would think that would not be of concern except that this water promptly disappeared behind the top edge of the door, entered the interior and ended up on both the floor and magazine rack.
I recently recaulked much of the upper parts of roof seams and vents/AC with exterior with high grade latex caulk but obviously the effort was for for naught. Love the concept and design of the camper but we are about to drag it back to the dealership in total frustration. We are both deeply disappointed and frustrated.
  Reply With Quote
Old 07-23-2013, 08:57 PM   #29
Dimaggio24
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I hear your pain. We purchased an 01 and almost got flooded out. That said the middle seem was the culprit. I used eterna bond redid seams of vents used 3m 4200 and redid all roof seams and lights. So far it has been a simple fix. Don't give up
  Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2013, 05:54 AM   #30
JBYRNE7844
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Default

We have a 2004 3326 and once in a while we will find water on top of the wardrobe. Not sure where it may be coming from. Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Jimmy
  Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 2022 Trailmanor Owners Page.