Slide Leak

LTRVing · 02-08-2017, 01:16 PM

We have a 2013 SS2170DS and are currently on the road.

Last night we had a fairly heavy rain storm with decent winds. That being said, this morning we had about a cup or so of water on the top bunk, it appears that the water entered from the joint area just above the window, the top of the valance was damp and there was water in the window trough. I unscrewed the valance and water slowly dripped from one of the screw holes, it stopped dripping in a few minutes.

So, in past years we have had to be careful that the outside seals were lying down properly as we had a couple of leaks and found that the seal hadn't extended properly, totally exposing the inner area of the slide. Being sure that the seals were ok, we hadn't had any further problems until now.

At our current location, the bunk/bedroom slide is slightly tipped downward, just a bit, that would tend to let accumulated water run away from the coach.

I am guessing the top bunk window is leaking or water is coming in from the top of the slide where there is a joint in the slide construction along with top screws. Attached is a photo of the slide top. I know water is tough to trace any educated or un-educated guesses?

N.B. FOUND IT, hosed the top of the slide, the area shown in the photo, in less then a minute in came the water. Need to pull the toppers and silicone the joints and screw heads.

KayleysMom · 02-08-2017, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTRVing

We have a 2013 SS2170DS and are currently on the road.

N.B. FOUND IT, hosed the top of the slide, the area shown in the photo, in less then a minute in came the water. Need to pull the toppers and silicone the joints and screw heads.

We picked up our new 2017 Forester in mid-January. I was on the roof a few days ago to check out how much and what width Eternabond tape I need to order to go over the seams and other caulking. I noticed when I looked under the slide-out toppers that the screw heads had no caulking and figured I should put the Eternabond tape / caulking over them also. I would need to remove / release the slide toppers to do this. Do you know what is involved and if this is a difficult process?

LTRVing · 02-08-2017, 02:26 PM

I'm pretty handy, removing them appears easy (you tube), but, if Murphy's Law strikes, I'm not in a position to do a major fix. RV guy stopping by tomorrow for a look and qoute. Don't know if sealant is the way or the tape. Like tape if it doesn't interfere with slide function. If I was home I'd do it, but need a good fix as we'll be gone another 2 1/2 months.

5picker · 02-08-2017, 02:43 PM

Check those screw heads for tightness and be sure none of the water has created a soft area where they won't tighten.

I have seen those screws work slightly loose so just don't put sealer on without checking first. Not sure I'd use silicone either.
Geocel and/or Lexel are better choices.

LTRVing · 02-08-2017, 03:41 PM

Thanks, I'll check those sealers and screw heads.

Garrette · 02-08-2017, 10:00 PM

IMHO, I have thought about this and I would use the Dicor tape because I would be worried about the seals rubbing off the caulk and making a mess. Thoughts?

gmacklem · 02-09-2017, 09:23 AM

Before I got my Sunseeker, I had a Flagstaff Microlite. Two actually. Neither had slide toppers but did have the Eternabond tape over the seam with the screws. But the screw heads wore through from the slide going in and out because the poke up and rub. So I put Dicor on the screw heads. So my advice would be to go ahead and tape the seam but be prepared to Dicor the screw heads eventually.

KayleysMom · 02-09-2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmacklem

Before I got my Sunseeker, I had a Flagstaff Microlite. Two actually. Neither had slide toppers but did have the Eternabond tape over the seam with the screws. But the screw heads wore through from the slide going in and out because the poke up and rub. So I put Dicor on the screw heads. So my advice would be to go ahead and tape the seam but be prepared to Dicor the screw heads eventually.

Makes sense. Thank you!

LTRVing · 02-09-2017, 05:14 PM

I'm thinking tape too, but the screw heads could be an issue eventually. RV guy coming tomorrow am, we'll see that he says.

LTRVing · 02-14-2017, 08:55 PM

Well finally got the RV repair guy at our site for the repair, before the next forecasted rain. I assisted in getting the Topper's pinned and removed (really a simple process once you see it done)
Tightened all the screws, only 2 needed a little snugging. Cleaned the area in question very well with acetone and laid down a strip of white Eternabond over the seam and all the screw heads, covering them all well. Pressed the tape well into the slide, using good pressure for a good activation. Replaced the Topper, ran the slide in and out a couple of times, the tape didn't hang up at all on the slide gaskets. We will keep a eye on the tape for any wear on the screw heads. So, I think we're good, we'll see how it all pans out after the next rain.

BTW the rig next to me has factory installed Eternabond tape over the same area on his slides, maybe the factory figured out something?

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