Water intrusion

[Brakeman48]

2016 Hurricane 35C.
Just had a pretty intense rain storm. Drivers side slide out was in the in position.
I have water on the floor only from both corners of the slide.

What seals should I be looking at?
Any experience replacing the slide seals?
If you had an RV place do yours what did it cost?

[RVwife]

Originally Posted by Brakeman48

2016 Hurricane 35C.
Just had a pretty intense rain storm. Drivers side slide out was in the in position.
I have water on the floor only from both corners of the slide.

What seals should I be looking at?
Any experience replacing the slide seals?
If you had an RV place do yours what did it cost?

Not sure if your model is done the same way our 2018 Axis is, but when it was new and still under warranty we had a possibly similar problem - water/small puddle on the floor under one corner of the retracted slide.

We had it in for repair more than once. It would seem the problem was solved and then it wasn't. We'd have a puddle again. Always small but obviously water was coming in somewhere. Eventually it was beyond warranty and Thor would no longer cover it even though the problem really had never truly been solved.

We decided to investigate ourselves. Very carefully and systematically sprayed the side of the slide down with a hose. Eventually we found an area of the caulk along the lower trim/bezel on the outside of the slide that had an almost invisible gap. Recaulked the area and have had zero problem since. We still check for a leak now and then. Just did so after a very strong down pour the other night. All is good.

Go check the caulk VERY carefully. Hopefully the fix is that easy (and cheap). Otherwise, unfortunately not sure what advice to offer.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by RVwife

Not sure if your model is done the same way our 2018 Axis is, but when it was new and still under warranty we had a possibly similar problem - water/small puddle on the floor under one corner of the retracted slide.



We had it in for repair more than once. It would seem the problem was solved and then it wasn't. We'd have a puddle again. Always small but obviously water was coming in somewhere. Eventually it was beyond warranty and Thor would no longer cover it even though the problem really had never truly been solved.



We decided to investigate ourselves. Very carefully and systematically sprayed the side of the slide down with a hose. Eventually we found an area of the caulk along the lower trim/bezel on the outside of the slide that had an almost invisible gap. Recaulked the area and have had zero problem since. We still check for a leak now and then. Just did so after a very strong down pour the other night. All is good.



Go check the caulk VERY carefully. Hopefully the fix is that easy (and cheap). Otherwise, unfortunately not sure what advice to offer.

And, I’d add, re-check a couple of times a year. Sealants are not eternal and our structures move and shift as we drive. There is a reason manufacturers warranty against leaks is so short. Roofs are, perhaps, obvious but every seam, joint and penetration can be a problem. Check carefully and use the correct (I.e. not silicone) products when you find a suspect area. I learned this the hard way. Don’t be me.

[Scubawise]

What product or products do you recommend for these leaks?

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Scubawise

What product or products do you recommend for these leaks?

I use Dicor (brand) self leveling lap sealant on horizontal surfaces like the roof and I’ve learned not to do it on very hot or cold days so it can flow out nicely. I have been using a polyurethane caulk on vertical surfaces but more recently switched to a product called Lexel from the big box store. I also use a windshield sealant from the auto parts store sometimes when it’s a small seam. I go over the roof carefully on my hands and knees and use a ladder to check the sides. It usually takes a good hour or more and I do it 2 or 3 times a year. It is somewhat unusual for me NOT to find something suspect that I can address. Some folks are fond of Eternabond tape. I’ve tried it and generally don’t care for it. It’ll do the job though. I do use it for securing wires and such that go across the roof as for my solar panels. I had a number of small leaks on my first RV many years ago that I very naively failed to notice or address. It rendered an otherwise nice unit very nearly worthless due to a “musty” smell of mold. Dealers don’t often tell you that this needs to be done and it’s not really difficult but it is an owner’s responsibility. Also, if you do find evidence of a leak you should waste no time getting it located and repaired. Good luck.