Community Forums

findleyt · 03-27-2018, 09:19 AM

2003 Southwind 34v

New owner. While driving we feel a cold draft that seems to be coming from the front dash or windshield.

Any ideas as to cause would be appreciated?

MSHappyCampers · 03-27-2018, 09:45 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

That may be hard to find. Wind can squeeze through some mighty small places! Keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

CountryB · 03-27-2018, 09:47 AM

I prefer cold draft. But not while driving.
Never liked my beer warm like the British drink.

Ljwt330 · 03-27-2018, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by findleyt

2003 Southwind 34v

New owner. While driving we feel a cold draft that seems to be coming from the front dash or windshield.

Any ideas as to cause would be appreciated?

I'm not at all familiar with your coach, but since you are a new owner there may be some overlooking of the HVAC controls on the dash that is allowing air to enter. Look closely at your air/vent/fan controls on the dash, read the manual, and insure that all air flow controls are off. Never assume you know the functioning of the dash controls due to your general familiarity with similar controls on other vehicles. Ask me how I know

.

DWB · 03-27-2018, 09:57 AM

I have a Travel Supreme (2005) which had a cold draft coming through the dash and footwell, with some digging in the drivers footwell and front Gen set pull out I found a large opening where the wiring came through into the dash area. I used spray foam to close up the gap. Just start looking into these areas and you will be surprised at what the manufacturer missed.
Dave B

Dov327 · 03-27-2018, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by findleyt

2003 Southwind 34v

New owner. While driving we feel a cold draft that seems to be coming from the front dash or windshield.

Any ideas as to cause would be appreciated?

My Fleetwood Storm has a seam along the dash where front shell bolts to rest of unit. When I first bought it I noticed after several trips cool air blowing at me and the dash cover puffed up. Researched this site and others had same issue. I pulled the trim piece off the track and the screws, the small amount there was were backing out so the seam was loose allowing air in. I tightened screws and added several more. Leak gone.

Waiter21 · 03-27-2018, 10:04 AM

My 1999 Southwind is reasonably tight. However, look up under the hood and you can see the underside of the dash, verify no broken or missing screws / bolts.

On my old 2001 Mirada, I found several large gaps at the front of the doghouse. These would allow cold air to blast on the drivers feet. A can of expanding foam took care of these.

findleyt · 03-27-2018, 10:24 AM

The dash controls are fairly simple and very much like any pickup. It's a GM Workhorse Chassis. I read the manuals already. I'm thinking maybe it comes in somewhere else and gets sucked forward and bounces off the windshield/dash area. Burrr

findleyt · 03-27-2018, 10:27 AM

CountryB, You are a funny guy! :-)

findleyt · 03-27-2018, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWB

I have a Travel Supreme (2005) which had a cold draft coming through the dash and footwell, with some digging in the drivers footwell and front Gen set pull out I found a large opening where the wiring came through into the dash area. I used spray foam to close up the gap. Just start looking into these areas and you will be surprised at what the manufacturer missed.
Dave B

I looked some but I'll have a better look, Thanks

findleyt · 03-27-2018, 11:39 AM

I looked around under the hood. Did'nt find any obvious holes. However, the fiberglass dash top panel is exposed directly to the cold under the hood. No insulation on that what so ever. Humm Got to figure out a way to get some insulation up in there.

findleyt · 03-27-2018, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dov327

My Fleetwood Storm has a seam along the dash where front shell bolts to rest of unit. When I first bought it I noticed after several trips cool air blowing at me and the dash cover puffed up. Researched this site and others had same issue. I pulled the trim piece off the track and the screws, the small amount there was were backing out so the seam was loose allowing air in. I tightened screws and added several more. Leak gone.

I think that is contributing to my cold air getting in also. In addition that panel that serves as the top plate for the dash has no insulation under it. Would like to add some insulation there. Thanks

keger · 03-27-2018, 12:27 PM

If you have a large window fan or can rent, or borrow one try placing it in front of your MH or inside the front slide and run it at high speed it may simulate your drive down the highway then you can casually look around your dash for any leaks. Also if you do have openings you'll want to seal them up since if air is getting in water can find it's way if your driving thru a rain storm. Good luck hope you find your air leak.

wildtoad · 03-27-2018, 12:35 PM

First, make sure your air control is set to recirc versus fresh air. I have found even sitting on one place if there is a breeze cold air will come through the vents.Then when it’s dark outside raise the hood of your motorhome (I assume it’s a gasser) and have someone on the inside shine a really bright light under the dash on say the drivers side, and then on the passenger side. Check and see if you can “See the Light”. If you can, fill the hole with something like spray foam insulation.