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Old 09-26-2009, 06:28 PM   #1
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Found a water leak

Last time we had a bunch of rain, Kitty found a small bit of water on one of the bed pillows. We had an appointment today, to get a slide topper installed at Camping World. Since I hurt my hip, I wouldn't have been very able to do it myself.

We hooked the camper to the truck and drove the 33 miles to CW... In the pouring rain.

I asked Kitty to check the front window/stone guard when we got home and the comforter, sheets, pillows, mattress and bed frame itself were soaked!

I could wipe the water off the wall and it would immediately be dripping with water again. I decided to start removing the valance, blind and frame. At first, I thought it was coming in where they had put the screws in the window frame. After looking for a while, I found water dripping in around the lower-left side of the outside edge.



Looking at the other side, I found the same thing. This side quit leaking, when I pulled the frame off.



Since it is still pouring down rain, I am unable to pull the window out tonight. As a temporary measure, I put a grease rag between the wood and window frame. It is acting as a wick, to direct the water into the bucket. I'm hoping for a break in the rain during the day time, to get this leak fixed tomorrow.



If there are any suggestions on how to go about fixing this.... PLEASE let me know!

Gary
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Old 09-27-2009, 02:17 PM   #2
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Between the rain today, I pulled the front window out and put a ring of plumber's putty around it. The putty worked well and passed the garden hose test, with flying colors.

I know plumbers putty is not what Sunline used, but is what I had on-hand and will work until I can find the right stuff to use on it.

Anyone know what the name/brand of the stuff is, that Sunline used?
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Old 09-27-2009, 05:23 PM   #3
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The front window of our '04 2499 has a small leak, too.

The window seems to be set in that putty tape. Perhaps with all the sun and UV and weather exposure over the years, it has hardened up in spots, allowing gaps to form... allowing water to get in.

First I'm going to try caulking the entire perimeter of the window frame.
If that does not work, I will remove the window and go buy some of that putty tape to make a new gasket.

Question: does plumber's putty harden? If so, it might not be the best choice over time, given the flexing and vibration our coaches live with on the road.
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Old 09-27-2009, 06:11 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkasten39828
The front window of our '04 2499 has a small leak, too.

The window seems to be set in that putty tape. Perhaps with all the sun and UV and weather exposure over the years, it has hardened up in spots, allowing gaps to form... allowing water to get in.

First I'm going to try caulking the entire perimeter of the window frame.
If that does not work, I will remove the window and go buy some of that putty tape to make a new gasket.

Question: does plumber's putty harden? If so, it might not be the best choice over time, given the flexing and vibration our coaches live with on the road.
The plumber's putty is only a temporary "Patch" until I can get some butyl rubber. They sell it at Camping World. I'm 99% sure that is what I need. I was advised against using any kind of caulk or silicone, since they harden and will separate from one of the surfaces. That would leave you wide open to more leaks.
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Old 09-28-2009, 09:52 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EMD_Driver

The plumber's putty is only a temporary "Patch" until I can get some butyl rubber. They sell it at Camping World. I'm 99% sure that is what I need. I was advised against using any kind of caulk or silicone, since they harden and will separate from one of the surfaces. That would leave you wide open to more leaks.
Good call on the plumbers putty. That should keep things watertight plenty long enough to get your hands on some tape.

There's 2 different kinds of tape. The first is the "putty tape" which is usually grey or white and is pretty much standard issue on any trailer I've ever seen. The second is butyl tape, which is a step up from the regular putty. The butyl is typically black, but I wouldn't be shocked to see it in another color. When I bought the butyl to do the repairs on mine, it was maybe $2 a roll more than the cheap stuff.

One little tip I read somewhere online was to put the butyl tape in the freezer for a while before using it. I tried this and it did indeed make it 1000 times easier to work with.

- Frank
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Old 09-28-2009, 02:58 PM   #6
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Sounds like the butyl rubber tape is what I need to use instead of the regular putty tape.

Camping World sells a 30 ft roll of the 3/4-inch stuff for $8.
PPL Motorhomes sells a 20 ft roll of the 3/16-inch stuff for $6 (sale price)
Dyers online sells a 20 ft roll of the 3/4-inch stuff for $4.50

Would I need the wider 3/4-inch material to reset the front window?
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Old 09-29-2009, 08:26 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkasten39828
Sounds like the butyl rubber tape is what I need to use instead of the regular putty tape.

Camping World sells a 30 ft roll of the 3/4-inch stuff for $8.
PPL Motorhomes sells a 20 ft roll of the 3/16-inch stuff for $6 (sale price)
Dyers online sells a 20 ft roll of the 3/4-inch stuff for $4.50

Would I need the wider 3/4-inch material to reset the front window?
You should be able to measure the width of the section of the window frame that the putty tape will be applied onto. That may give you an idea of what to order.

Failing that, I'd order the wider stuff on the theory that you can always trim it back (use a plastic picnic knife for that) and save the excess for another job. Put the excess and any remaining tape in a ziplock bag to preserve its freshness.
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Old 11-07-2009, 05:01 PM   #8
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Kitty bought two rolls of butyl tape and if all goes well tomorrow, we hope to get the front window fixed properly!
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Old 11-08-2009, 05:16 PM   #9
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Took the window out today and then got the tape Kitty bought for it. It was then, that I found out that it wasn't butyl tape. It turned out to be putty tape. I went ahead and used the putty tape, since it was good enough for Sunline to use it. I also had a tube of Pro-Flex, so I sealed it on three sides with that. Once the Pro-Flex dries, I'll do my water hose test to look for leaks.
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Old 12-16-2011, 07:37 AM   #10
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Thanks for the information. Is removal of the front window an easy project (special tools?) that can be accomplished at home? It appears to be just a series of screws.
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Old 02-12-2012, 02:49 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EMD_Driver View Post
Took the window out today and then got the tape Kitty bought for it. It was then, that I found out that it wasn't butyl tape. It turned out to be putty tape. I went ahead and used the putty tape, since it was good enough for Sunline to use it. I also had a tube of Pro-Flex, so I sealed it on three sides with that. Once the Pro-Flex dries, I'll do my water hose test to look for leaks.
What the Heck happened?
The suspense is to much!

Oh and BTW...looking for a good weather striping to reseal my outdoor storage compartments and doors as the old stuff is pretty much gone.
AND I am looking for a sealant to seal behind (between the back side of fixture and the side of trailer that it is attached to seal out water) some of the outside fixtures on the side of the TT such as the water fill fitting, potable tank drain valve....and such.
There may come a time when I have more to contribute other than questions.....sadly it may be a while.
I thank you for your advice!
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Old 02-12-2012, 03:14 PM   #12
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What the Heck happened?
The suspense is to much!

Sorry bout that!!!

I hosed down the window for several minutes and did my best to see if it would leak.. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there were no leaks!
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Old 02-12-2012, 03:50 PM   #13
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EXCELLENT!
I always have a cross finger moment when the moment of truth is at hand......
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Old 02-19-2012, 04:35 PM   #14
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Soo..over the weekend we went up to Hillsborough State Park near Tampa. Nice place by the way. Great tour of Fort Foster...
Welcome to Florida State Parks.
But anyway, got some rain on Friday night and had a leak on the front window (which does not open). Hope it's just a "dob of some kind of goo"...type of repair and NOT a Yank out the window and re-tape the thing....we'll see
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Old 03-17-2012, 06:07 PM   #15
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Soo..over the weekend we went up to Hillsborough State Park near Tampa. Nice place by the way. Great tour of Fort Foster...
Welcome to Florida State Parks.
But anyway, got some rain on Friday night and had a leak on the front window (which does not open). Hope it's just a "dob of some kind of goo"...type of repair and NOT a Yank out the window and re-tape the thing....we'll see

Any update?
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Old 03-17-2012, 08:07 PM   #16
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Any update?
DANG! I let you down....
Heck no, we have had about 15 gully washers since and no further leakage. As of yet I see no obvious (to me) problems above that front window.
BUT, on the good side, I am keeping my eye on it....
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Old 03-18-2012, 02:49 PM   #17
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DANG! I let you down....
Heck no, we have had about 15 gully washers since and no further leakage.
BUT, on the good side, I am keeping my eye on it....

Thanks!
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