Cub Hybrid - Leaks around fold-out beds during rain events

[Fat Tire]

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to repair leaking fold-out beds. We have replaced the black rubber gasket (obtained from dealer) but it still leaks across the top of the door when it is closed up. Thanks for any suggestions....and we're trying to repair this without taking it to the dealer. This is a 2006 Cub.

[Triguy]

Hi Fat Tire,

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

I am not sure how many here will have had experience with the bunk end seals on that trailer as it is a Dutchman aerolite. Yours may or may not have seals similar to a Forest River Roo, Shamrock, or Surveyor model hybrid. I'm sure the doors are a bit different, too.

The first thing you need to do is isolate the cause. In general, first determine that the water is an outside leak or if its condensation.

Assuming this is not condensation, determine where it is coming from.

You say the top. Is it the throughout the top? Is it the middle - possibly indicating the bunk door is bowing so that the middle is not making a tight seal.

Are there any soft spots? Are all the screws caulked well? Is there a gutter above the door when closed and is it damaged?

This could also be a leak in the the roof or outside lights that is showing up at the top.

I wish you the best of luck. Leaks are no fun and its good you are tying to figure this out before too much damage.

[bikendan]

there used to be a Dutchmen Owner's forum, that had a Cub/Kodiak section.
but it closed down.

there's is a new one that might have some Cub/Kodiak owners that could help.
Google Dutchmen Owner's Forum.

or you could try RV.net's Hybrid forum. quite a number of them there.


one possibility is that the bunk door has bowed and the middle of the top is bowed out, allowing water to get in.

try and find a dealer with experience dealing with hybrids.
i have to warn you, have read posts from many frustrated Cub and Kodiak hybrid owners, stating that Dutchmen basically doesn't care to help them.
they have found Dutchmen unwilling to help.

[baldy]

Another great forum is rvitch.com. I have been pondering about a sunbrella cover for the whole front that fastens securely with an awning track (in place of rain gutter) at the top sealed with eternabond. Then have some poles made up to function as an awning above the end while in use.

We'll see what the dealer comes up with and go from there. I want to eliminate the possibility of water getting to the seals. I would consider this a wear item that would need to be replaced but would expect it to be much cheaper than anything else on the trailer.

[Smitty75]

I had a similar issue with a hybrid I recently sold. When I purchased it 3 years ago, I could tell that it had a leaking issue with the bunk ends. Unfortunately by the time I got it and found an easy fix, some water damage had already set in.

My fix was simple, just went to a local rubber supply store and grabbed a small chunk of 1/4" rubber sheeting. Cut out (4) 1"x2" rectangles and used them for spacers to tighten up the bunk latches. If you have a similar latch setup, just use one spacer in between each of the latches and the bunk end and it will force the bunk end in on the gasket tighter. That latches already had a small rubber/foam spacer to push the bunk end tight, however it was worn out and flat. Never had a drip after that and only cost $5.

[baldy]

My solution was way more expensive. I bought a 8306SS!

[Smitty75]

haha, I guess mine too in the long run. Going to pickup my new 2109s tomorrow. I will miss the hybrid, but I won't miss dealing with the bunk ends.

Fat tire - do you have any updates on your leaking bunk ends?

[baldy]

Originally Posted by Smitty75

haha, I guess mine too in the long run. Going to pickup my new 2109s tomorrow. I will miss the hybrid, but I won't miss dealing with the bunk ends.

Thought I would miss it but haven't yet!