I have a 2013 13', the rear side window on the drivers side has a leak I can't seem to stop. I used 100% silicone around the outside top of the window, just down the corners part way though. All the rest of the original caulk looks fine. I just bought this a few months ago. I wasn't leaking the first couple months after I got it, but this has me baffled. Is there anywhere else on or around the window I should re-caulk? Should I remove all the old caulking first?
Wed, 08/10/2022 - 21:11
#1
Window leak.
Try cleaning out the two drain slots on the outside bottom of the window frame. A key works well. If rain can't drain there, it will come in.
I never thought of that. I'll check first thing tomorrow and report back.
asfizer
Well, the weep holes are fine. On to findings another possible cause.
asfizer
I think I have the leaking issue fixed. This morning I went inside the Scamp and saw where it leaked again. What's weird I thought, was it didn't rain the night before. A light came on. I have used silicone all around that window, I couldn't believe it leaked, plus the no rain thing. But the A/C condensation would come down against the edge of the window. I turned on the A/C and watched for the water. Sure enough here it came. But as I mentioned, I didn't think the water could be getting in there. After awhile the condensation almost stopped. Hmm. It was a terrific humid day, but it started me thinking of something else. I checked the A/C on the roof and sure enough one corner you could lift it about three inches. So thinking that was where the condensation water was going inside and down the rat fur. I went inside took off the grill and sure enough that corner the seal was up above the edge from where it should be. I tightened it down, the seal seemed okay, not dry and stiff. I left the A/C running the rest of the afternoon , no more wetness. I'll keep an eye on the area but I think it's okay. If it still leaks I think it would be because of a bad seal after all. I'm leaving in in a couple days for a five night trip. Rain is forecasted for the first day only, but as I said, I think it was the A/C water from the unit being loose at the seal. Fingers crossed.
Note to self, check the bolts and seal on the A/C at least at the beginning of camping season each year.
asfizer
Glad you were able to find the leak. Leaks can be elusive. Thanks for following up.
Oops, leak is still there. I thought the A/C was the issue, maybe, maybe not. Could it be the A/C sill? It felt okay when I tightened the screw. The water puddles at the inside lower corner of the window toward the front of the Camper. It's the rear side window on the drivers side of the bed/dinette. Yes, it started raining again today. The A/C has been used some both yesterday after the screw on the A/C corner was tightened. Everything dry, until tonight. The off and on rains started this afternoon, plus the air has been used because it's so humid. The leak returned tonight. Rain predicted tonight and part of tomorrow. A small towel in the window corner catches some of the water. We are leaving for a five day camping outing in the morning. No rain and cooler temps forecast after tomorrow. I'll have to search for the cause after we return home on Friday evening. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
asfizer
This probably isn't it, but we ran the A/C for three weeks straight (all day and night) last year. The filter screen became dirty enough after the first week that the excess pressure drop across the filter screen was keeping the condensation from draining normally. It leaked inside rather than drain to the outside. We started cleaning it more often after that.
The filer is fine. One of the first things I checked. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll remember to check it often too.
we're in a campground now. It rained part of the way, a four hour drive, here. When we got here and checked the cloth we rolled up and put in the lower part of-the window edge it was soaked. So rain comes in from somewhere too. As does it seems ac condensation. I've sealed that window ever well, I can't believe it leaks. The weep holes are clear. Are there any other areas the water is supposed to drain from around the window besides the weep holes? In case I plugged something up I should nit have done. Does anyone think I just need to remove the window and get new seals and re-install? Is that a big hard do do job?
If condensation is the problem because if a plugged hide for, or a bad ac seal or gasket, how could it only be coming in at the lower corner of the side window? No wetness on the fur anywhere. Only below that corner if we don't stop it with a cloth. Everwhere else is dry.
asfizer
How about the rivets and snap caps that hold the curtain rod brackets? If they are leaking it might show at the corners of the window.
That could very well be the problem. Soon after we bought this Scamp my wife wanted new curtains plus a change out of their brackets and rods. She a pretty good dyi'er of smaller projects so she did that change on her own. She removed the old rivets and put in new ones for the new brackets. She said she used 100% silicone on the heads of each before putting the caps on. Another issue that could be the leak cause, is on the window that leaks and in it's corner that gets the water below the new install she had a hard time getting the rivets in there so she used short bolts with the nut inside. She just told me, but I used silicone on the heads before putting the caps back.Bingo, I think that's it. On farther discussion with her, huh seems there wasn't leaking before the new install of brackets.
of course I told her "that's okay honey I'll fix it". LOL. I'll remove the darn screws and whether I use screws or rivets I'll use butyl tape around the rivet or screw first. I saw that suggestion in a different thread about leaks.
I'll do this in a few days after we return home and give a update. Thanks everyone
asfizer