Slide Leaking

[pthomann]

We have a Terry Dakota 829T Travel Trailer with a slide-out in the LR area that is leaking. Upon inspection, I discovered that there is a vinyl or rubber type material on the top of the outside framework of the slide that has a 6-7" L-shaped tear in it. I'm assuming it was torn because of some type of debris left on top before closing the slide. MY questions are:

1) What is this material, is it vinyl or some type of rubber roofing material?
2) Can this tear be repaired?

3) Should I replace the entire piece, rather than try and repair it?

Ironically, the trailer leaks when the slide is closed up and the only way to stop the leak is to open the slide. The rubber gaskets appear to be in good shape and they appear to make a good seal when the slide is closed up, yet it leaks?

Any feedback and/or positive suggestions would be greatly appreciated to help fix this problem.

[Frankenstien]

You will need to replace the seal, it is not that hard to replace, once you see how it is installed. I recommend using a little dish soap in the tracks when you replace.... if its the slide in type, some are held in with screws.

[pthomann]

Does anyone know who the manufacturer of the slides was for my 2003 Terry Dakota (Fleetwood)?

I have looked at several other slide-outs on different trailers than mine and they all appear to close flush with the outside of the trailer. Mine doesn't, it closes up against the gasket material and the gasket material apparently creates the seal to prevent it from leaking. This also, however causes the slide to close tighter at the bottom, than it does at the top. I don't know if there is an adjustment procedure for this particular slide or not. Can anyone help me with this?