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Old 02-22-2017, 04:45 PM   #1
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HELP - Water Leak

We are in Florida and having heavy rains. Suddenly we have a leak over the driver's side mostly near and from the defroster fan. Never had any leaks before. Only change is a new Magna Shade sunscreen, which I can't imagine being a cause. The headliner that the fan (and everything else up front) is mounted to is obviously soaked so I will need to get it opened up to dry out and hopefully find the source of the leak. Does anyone have experience taking down all of the valances, shades, etc., in order to get the headliner down?

I can only guess the seam between the roof and front cap is leaking so I'll coat it and any other fixtures with sealant.

Any help with advice and/or pointers would be greatly appreciated!
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Old 02-22-2017, 05:06 PM   #2
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You are probably right in thinking the seam between the roof and front cap is leaking. FR resealed ours last year at the rally. As for trying to see inside you might want to take out the thin piece of plywood on the top of the cabinet above the driver's console. Once out you will see it packed with fiberglass. Remove the Fiberglass to allow it to dry out. You might want to run a hose on the roof to see if you can visually see where the water is coming in while the plywood panel is down and fiberglass is out.
Also check the seal around the tv and radio antennas. Water can travel on the wires.
Good luck. Leaks are a PITA
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Old 02-22-2017, 05:13 PM   #3
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While your up on the roof, check the orange running lights. Make sure the side that says UP is up, I had 3 that did not and they leaked a lot and dealer could not find them, I just decided to seal them and found some upside down...Always fun.
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Old 02-22-2017, 05:15 PM   #4
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Mmnsc: Thanks for the tip! The screws are square drive so heading out to the toolbox now. Hopefully I'll be able to spot the problem ......
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Old 02-22-2017, 05:18 PM   #5
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Quote:
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While your up on the roof, check the orange running lights. Make sure the side that says UP is up, I had 3 that did not and they leaked a lot and dealer could not find them, I just decided to seal them and found some upside down...Always fun.
Billr: Do you have to take the lenses off in order to see the 'UP' marking?
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Old 02-22-2017, 05:29 PM   #6
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Nope. Printed on the outside.
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Old 02-22-2017, 06:23 PM   #7
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I removed the thin plywood inside the cabinet over the steering wheel and found a big wet spot. Can't pinpoint exactly but looks like either the seam or the far-left running light. I will seal both and more tomorrow!
Leaving everything open to dry - hoping I won't have to take down the headliner.
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Old 02-22-2017, 07:30 PM   #8
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You don't want to take down the headliner. It is foam backed and glued to the plywood underneath. The headliner will be ruined and is tough to replace.
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Old 02-23-2017, 08:34 AM   #9
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Anyone know what type roof material is on a 2014 Berkshire? EDPM / TPO / other ?
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Old 02-23-2017, 08:56 AM   #10
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All Berkshires have a fiberglass roof
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Old 02-23-2017, 09:34 AM   #11
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Mmnsc: Thanks for the answer. That's what I thought it was but in reading about roof repairs it seemed to indicate that there was an overlay of material like EPDB/TPO. Guess I just misunderstood - thanks for clearing it up.
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Old 02-23-2017, 10:23 AM   #12
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And there have been reports of cracking of said fiberglass in some places on some occasions, especially around cutouts.

I would do a very careful inspection up there.

And remember, water travels. Sometimes a long way.
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Old 02-23-2017, 10:34 AM   #13
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Quote:
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And there have been reports of cracking of said fiberglass in some places on some occasions, especially around cutouts I would do a very careful inspection up there. And remember, water travels. Sometimes a long way.
OSCARVAN, Just wanted to say
that i took some time on your blog it's FANTASTIC.
well done & keep up the great blogging.
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Old 02-23-2017, 12:05 PM   #14
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Thank you! I always appreciate when people share their ideas and the solutions so I don't have to "reinvent the wheel". Figure I should payback to the cause and take the time to document my efforts.
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Old 02-23-2017, 06:23 PM   #15
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On my last motorhome, one day after a large rain storm, I went into camper to find water all over the dash. I took off the orange running light covers and resealed with marine grade silicone. No more leaks after 8 years.
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Old 02-23-2017, 09:01 PM   #16
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I'm going to have to give that area some attention. First thing I'll have to do is remove the 1/2" of masking tape that the factory never removed after the paint job.
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Old 02-25-2017, 07:46 AM   #17
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Hello all. Found the source of the leak! It was on the seam between the roof and front cap. It looked like the sealant just pulled away along the top edge for about three feet on the drivers side. Very thin opening but then it doesn't take much (as I learned the hard way). I bought some Dyco C-10 which is made for fiberglass roofing and will finish the job today. Be nice to put everything back together inside now that it's all dry. Thanks to all for the great suggestions.
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Old 02-25-2017, 03:25 PM   #18
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Glad you found the leak. That seems to be a common problem on Berks. I had the same issue but FR fixed it.
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Old 02-25-2017, 11:14 PM   #19
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Memo to self.... inspect frequently!
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Old 02-26-2017, 01:05 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RKC02 View Post
Billr: Do you have to take the lenses off in order to see the 'UP' marking?
Sounds like I need to amend my PDI for a detailed thorough inspection of the roof installation and any roof penetration. Correct me if wrong, but aren't all Berkshire roofs a fiberglass panel attached then lap sealed as are the clearance lights and other roof penetrations.

Sounds like an additional question for Forest River Diesel Division tomorrow.
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