2002 Diplomat Drivers Side Window Leak

[Mutt]

I have chased this problem before, but apparently, the caulk I used will not seal the joint where the front cap joins the sidewall. The forward corner of the Drivers side window sits across the lap which causes an extra 1/8 inch void to be filled with caulk. Every one who has this model will eventually have a window leak if you don't already. The vibration going the pothole Interstates will certainly break the factory seal. Surely, someone out there has had this problem, and hopefully found a fix. Please let me hear from you. Thanks, David.

[Mutt]

Maybe I asked the wrong question. What type of sealer have some of you tried on your exterior trim, that seems to remain flexible and not get hard and crack. Since my original post, I did find a small piece of caulk missing on the trim piece along the roof above the window. Could this possibly let water come down the inside wall to the top of the window channel? Thanks Mutt

[ArmyEOD]

Mutt, I had a small leak just above where you are talking about. I used masking tape and taped off on both sides of the seam leaving about a 3/16 space overlaping the seam. Note I had removed all the lose materials. I then used a product that I got at advance auto parts it was called windshield sealer, it is clear and is designed to run into the cracks. I continued to "chaulk" with it until it was full allowing about five mins between passes. After it was good and tacky I removed the tape and had a nice clean seal. I have had no other issues with it 4 years now. Hope this helps you out.

George

[Mutt]

For what ever it's worth. I have discovered that my caulk job is not the real problem for my continuing leak problem. It appears that the Trim Strip that covers the Roof/Sidewall lap is not tight against the side of the coach. During manufacture Monaco put rivots through the Trim Strip in an effort to secure the sidewall to the roof. The rivots have pulled loose and thus the caulk covering the joint just pulls loose from the roof letting water run inside the wall. Fortunately, the only place that appears to have come loose so far is near the drivers window area. A call to Monaco Tech Support gave me the suggestion to redrill the Trim Strip through to the MH Box-Tubing-Frame, take a Tap and thread the Box Tubing and screw the trim strip back to the side of the MH. Also, he told me to be sure and use a good grade Silicone Caulk. I admit that this procedure is a little drastic, but I suppose that's my only alternative to hopefully stop the water. So tomorrow, I will travel down to the local ACE HWD to get some No. 10x1 inch screws, all Stainless Steel of course. Just my experience so far, and again, FWIW. Take care all.
Mutt

[Mutt]

Just a final note FWIW. I failed to mention that the aluminum rivets which were loose seemed to have reacted to the interior steel tubing. It appeared that this contact disintergrated the rivet end letting the rivet back out of the tubing and let the roof/sidewall move slightly away from the tubing(which is the MH Frame for those who may not be familiar MH fabrication). If you see cracking of your roof edge trim, you might want to investigate the reason. I pray that no one has this problem. Happy travels.
Mutt