Water coming in through A/C ducts

[BMATT]

Morning all,
I have noticed that when I drive in the rain, or when I wash my 31'-0" Forest River Sunseeker that I get water coming in through 1 (or more) of the A/C vents on the interior ceiling.
Am I correct in assuming that this is because the water is getting in through the roof mounted A/C unit?
If so, can I just travel or cover the unit with my winter cover to keep the water out?
Thanks for the help.

[hkreck]

I'm thinking there's more to it than that, check the chalking around the AC unit and maybe put more around it. I wouldn't think that the water is coming in through the AC unit itself, but not sure, I'd be looking at seals around the unit. JMO Good Luck.

[ilmor]

Originally Posted by hkreck

I'm thinking there's more to it than that, check the chalking around the AC unit and maybe put more around it. I wouldn't think that the water is coming in through the AC unit itself, but not sure, I'd be looking at seals around the unit. JMO Good Luck.

I agree. No water should be coming in. Also check all caulking on the roof and esp. the front cap which is a known problem area. Water can travel.

[5picker]

Most A/C units have a foam type seal that seals the outside unit to the roof.
It is possible the bolts that hold the unit in place are improperly torqued or the seal simply could be bad.

Covering the outside unit will not help. There is nothing under the cover that would allow water intrusion unless the A/C pan/frame was broken or rusted through.

Replacing the foam gasket is not hard work but usually requires more than one person as you have to disconnect the wiring and lift the unit to replace.

[SeaDog]

The AC sits on a seal on the roof pull the cover on the AC and check that area for leakage. If the water is coming from the pan on the AC it would mean the the drains are plugged while you have the cover off clean these

[Flybob]

There is a large compressible seal between the AC and the roof. If you remove the inside access panel, you should see 4 bolts that hold down the AC. Occasionally these will not be tightened sufficiently at the factory and they can leak. Check the four bolts. They should compress the seal about 50%.

[phillyg]

Not familiar with your unit but if similar to mine, a fully ducted whisper air, it has developed fairly significant leaks at the two return air vents during heavy rains, even when that AC unit is off. I can't see or inspect the bottom of the AC unit from inside. I checked the foam gasket from the roof and it appears intact, so I suspect there's a clogged drain hole under the AC shroud that's allowing water ingress. I'm trying to get the mfgr. to authorize a mobile repair since we're on the road.

[5picker]

In addition, the water 'could' be getting in the duct work from somewhere other than the A/C unit. The advice above to check all other areas of the roof are good points.
Most of that duct work is routed into the roof panel during assembly. It is possible water is getting in under the roof membrane and coming out the vents. I sure hope not!

[hbillsmith]

x2 on the 4 bolts.

When my 2016 Wildcat was only a month or so old, I got caught in a huge torrential downpour driving around Wichita Falls Texas. We pulled off the road and decided to wait it out in the front bedroom. I noticed a little dripping coming thru the right side A/C return air vent (not much, maybe a cup or 2 that I caught with a pot). I called the dealer to arrange to take it in for warranty. The service manager was very helpful and setup a date for me but at the same time he explained that those 4 bolts often just need a little more tightening and in his experience that usually solves the problem.

Once on the roof, removing the A/C cover is really very easy. Once cover off, I could see the 4 bolts he was talking about. I gave them each about a 1/4 to 1/2 turn and then put the cover back on. I cancelled my warranty appointment thinking I could always do it later.

Its been a year now and I've been thru a couple of storms just as bad as that one in Wichita Falls. Happy to report, no leaks. Not even a small one.

[robbdrell]

Might experiment with Eternabond tape (4") around the perimeter of a/c unit. Might just solve the problem. Great stuff. Never travel w/o it.

[hikerjohn7]

Originally Posted by robbdrell

Might experiment with Eternabond tape (4") around the perimeter of a/c unit. Might just solve the problem. Great stuff. Never travel w/o it.

I think the use of seal taping around the AC could block the rout for condensation water to escape out on to the roof. The condensate drains out through holes in the bottom of the lower shroud and has to exit from under the AC.