Rain water leak in slide-out

[Richard W Eason]

Does anyone have experience with a rainwater leak in a slide-out? During rain, substantial water drops appear inside at the upper rear seam of the cabinet ceiling, above the head of the bed, about three feet forward of the rear end of the slide out. It migrates downward and drips from the door end of the cabinet (and down onto my shoulder, making sleep difficult!) It does not leak when the slide is in. I have looked in at the roof of the slide from both ends under the exterior roll-out cover and it is not apparent where the water is getting in. My next step is to remove the roll-out cover so I can get a better look. Any cautions on removing the roll-out cover? I appreciate any help offered.

-Richard
2011, GT 374DS

[Iggy]

If you get heavy rain and wind everyone may get water inside.
No rubber will hold out 100% of the moisture during high wind and rain.

Now with that said all I can suggest is to inspect all the rubber seals on the slide and especially the one at the top which could have leaves or a twig making the leak or the rubber is just tucked under and not laying flat.

Take some pictures while you are you up there so we can see the top of the slide.

Thanks

[5picker]

The slide covers are spring loaded just like a main awning.
Proceed with caution and the proper knowledge before just unbolting things.

[Richard W Eason]

It was not a blowing rain, nor particularly heavy, and the unit was level. The roof of the slide is inclined outward, so I don't suspect the seals. I expect to find the leak at the joint between the slide roof and the slide side panel.

As to the slide cover danger, I'm hoping the spring is not as substantial as that of my old Pace Arrow full awning. There were several You Tube presentations on the subject, and I had a good/safe plan. However, the vice grip popped loose during that fabric replacement and the spring unwound in a hurry. The end bracket banged my thumb and gave me a cut. ...Sore for a week; I have great respect for these springs!

[bruceconley]

I had a leak on the main slide out that sounds similar. I caulked the area where the fiberglass roof met the outside wall of slide out. The fiberglass roof is slid under the metal and screwed in. Never has leaked again. On each end of the side topper you can rotate it toward the coach till see two holes match up. Put a small nail or other object through the holes. That will keep the spring in place when you unhook the slide out topper. You can then just lay the topper on the roof while you caulk.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by bruceconley

I had a leak on the main slide out that sounds similar. I caulked the area where the fiberglass roof met the outside wall of slide out. The fiberglass roof is slid under the metal and screwed in. Never has leaked again. On each end of the side topper you can rotate it toward the coach till see two holes match up. Put a small nail or other object through the holes. That will keep the spring in place when you unhook the slide out topper. You can then just lay the topper on the roof while you caulk.

X3. Don't try and hole it with vise grips, as you already learned, that is simply flirting with danger!

[pmsherman]

If your slide has a fiberglass roof, you may have the same problem I had on my 2011 Georgetown 327. The plastic protective cover that the fiberglass manufacturer put on the panel wasn't removed before the edge trim was sealed to the roof. It was removed after the sealer was applied. This allows water to run under the plastic and into the rv.

The solution is to reseal the trim to the roof panel of the slide, extending the sealer an additional 1/4" onto the roof.

Phil

[Richard W Eason]

I examined all four edges of the slide out roof joints and found no apparent place where water could enter. However, I went ahead and sealed all four edges with a "Goop"-like sealant. Your explanation about the plastic covering not being removed before installation for the roof sheet and only after installation would leave a path for water and seems like a good fit with the (lack of) evidence. I've attached some pictures of the project. Thanks everyone for the input. -Richard

[SilverbackMel]

Water entry is one of the most difficult challenges and potentially the most destructive.

My Cedar Creek Silverback HAD water leaking into BR floor. Of all things, it was an outside trim piece not sealed ( behind ) and not visible, acting like a catch funnel allowing water to trail into BR.

I had mine back in Topeka to fix other issues and they took off all of my trim and sealed or resealed every "possible" point of entry. Problem solved!!

NO NORMAL BUYER WOULD HAVE FOUND THESE DEFICIENCIES UNTIL WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED.

Just say'n...... keep sealant handy.