Outside Air Intruding through Dash

[findleyt]

One of the first things I noticed with my 2003 Southwind was outside air coming through the dash top. The air can either make us cold or hot depending on the weather.

Looking under the hood, there is nothing in the way of insulation on the underdash and the seam there isn't as snug as it could be (think sealant).

Is this typical of Fleetwood coaches?

If so, how have others coped with this?

[wildtoad]

Many motorhomes have less than ideal sealing around the dash. Get someone with a fairly bright flashlight go inside the MH and you be “under the hood” with a can of foam sealant. Have them start on one side of the dash and shine the light under and over the dash and look for the light. Fill the void with the foam. Move to the other side. You want foam that expands just a little. Another thing to do, is when you stop for the night, make sure the dash AC control is set to recirculate.

[Fiesta48]

The steering column boot was loose on one, had a large gap between the upper part of the firewall and the dash, several small to large open holes on another.

[IggyTech]

In my engine compartment Forest River used that foam sealant you get at Home Depot to fill in all around the dash in the engine compartment.

It expands and dries hard in the cracks.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/GREAT-ST...3937/206977048

[2usaretired]

Originally Posted by findleyt

One of the first things I noticed with my 2003 Southwind was outside air coming through the dash top. The air can either make us cold or hot depending on the weather.

Looking under the hood, there is nothing in the way of insulation on the underdash and the seam there isn't as snug as it could be (think sealant).

Is this typical of Fleetwood coaches?

If so, how have others coped with this?

This happened to us in our Tiffin Allegro. Froze last winter driving from NH to FL - we won't leave late again!! The dash is held down by screws into the front cap of the MH. Turns out they were all broken. I was going to use foam but decided to try to replace the screws first. We bought stainless machine screws and nylon locking nuts as replacements. On our first trip after the repair we did not notice any infiltration. I still may go ahead and add the foam for insurance. An added benefit is that it may help stabilize the dash and protect the screws from bending.

[sbleiweiss]

Had big gaps left by the factory on a Thor (not my current one). On a factory visit they filled with the same foam everyone is recommending and no more problem.

[Dav L]

One little detail, you can buy "Pond" expanding foam which is black and looks a little better than the yellow stuff you buy at Home Depot. It also states the critters don't like to chew on it.

[redcolorado]

In my 2008 Bounder the windshield pillars were hollow and open to the engine compartment allowing air from the engine compartment to enter the coach. I filled them with foam and no more air.

[Hurricane Owner]

I tore my dash out and added sound deadener. Sealed the front cap, and added insulation to the overhead area. Every little bit helps. Did the entire floor too.

[findleyt]

Originally Posted by Hurricane Owner

Attachment 215090

I tore my dash out and added sound deadener. Sealed the front cap, and added insulation to the overhead area. Every little bit helps. Did the entire floor too.

Wow! That's a serious attack on the problem. I may go a tad bit simpler....:-)

I'm surprised the manufacturers don't do better in this area, for the money we spend for these rigs.

[findleyt]

So surprised at the lack of quality in these Class A cabs.

[Hurricane Owner]

I’m not surprised by much anymore. The sound deadening made a huge difference. Quieter, and cooler. Normal conversation, and radio settings are attainable.