2017 FR FKHW Rear Bubble Window Leaks

[DocHaley]

Have not found this in any other post. I do apologize if I just did not see it. Rear bubble sky/light/window at the bottom has water between the bubble and the exterior roof metal. Nothing at the top of interior of bubble nor sides. Bubble not riveted in, just held in place with caulk/adhesive. I can actually press up against the interior finished side near the cut out and see water squeeze out between the bubble skylight and the exterior roof metal. This is not condensation since I turned off all heat and let it set while it rained for half a day and it's still dripping in several places (3) along the bottom side of the bubble window/skylight. I'd like to find the source, not just tape it up and go on about my day. Anyone ever have this specific experience?


Stephen

[sundancer330]

The only way to fix this problem is use Eternabond tape. I taped mine when new, it didnt leak but I had read so many stories about these windows leaking I didnt want the problems. If you take it to the dealer they will just make a mess with some sort of sealant, have heard that story several times and it still leaks. In the early days they sealed and screwed the windows in place, but most of them cracked from movement. So now all they do is use the sealant but the window still moves and sooner or later it will leak again. I just finished my third season and still no leaks, I sealed all three windows and the fan frame.

[backpacker3]

Eternabond it and forget it. Will last for years. Have done it on my last two AFrames and no leaks.
Happy Camping

[Bluepill]

Even with tape (I used 3M) you need to keep an eye on the flange for cracking.



It is not uncommon to have roof sag of 1/2 inch, which puts a lot of stress on the mounting flanges.

[DocHaley]

Originally Posted by Bluepill

Even with tape (I used 3M) you need to keep an eye on the flange for cracking.



It is not uncommon to have roof sag of 1/2 inch, which puts a lot of stress on the mounting flanges.

So what is the ruler for? The 1.75 inch approx. measurement of the skylight? Means nothing to me without an explanation. If you roof is sagging it should be covered by warranty. IF it's out of warranty, then brace it from the interior (top and bottom of sky light) and be done with it. Or am I missing something here.


Stephen

[DocHaley]

Oh and by the way if you will store your A-Frame with the roof "up" then this sag will be less likely to happen, or as earlier noted, support it from the interior, or from the exterior.

[Bluepill]

Originally Posted by DocHaley

So what is the ruler for? The 1.75 inch approx. measurement of the skylight? Means nothing to me without an explanation. If you roof is sagging it should be covered by warranty. IF it's out of warranty, then brace it from the interior (top and bottom of sky light) and be done with it. Or am I missing something here.


Stephen

1. Explanation: If you look carefully (It is not obvious at first look), I am using a black painted steel "T" bar as a straight edge. The gap between its bottom and the roof is 1/2 inch. It looks a bit less in the photo because the camera lens is about 1 inch above the roof.

2. The camper is 3 years beyond warranty. During the first year when it was in warranty, the dealer replaced the widow. After a few months, it was leaking again and they resealed it. That failed again in about 6 months. At that point I applied the 3M tape around the flange.

3. With both sides folded in and the roof fully down, I do not think that there is any space on the bottom (inside) of the roof to fit any support.

[ddeanb]

I second, (or third) the Eternabond tapping.


AND I have the same problem with roof sag, there is no room to add support, and my dealer in Golden, CO was not much help. The problem with the roof sag is that the water seal is not good and it leaks. I store mine outside, with the tongue raised high, and I bought a cover so hopefully that will solve the storage roof leak.


Probably does nothing to address the original post, though..

Merry Christmas from a snowless Boulder, CO.