Community Forums

mk-lady · 09-10-2010, 10:20 AM

We just bought a 22 ft 1977 Holiday Rambler, it's in good shape, but discovered there is a leak in the overhead bed. (We just had a rain) The leak seems to be running down from the top seam. I'm new (green), but from what I have read, thinking the best thing to do is use the Eternabond tape. Is this the correct thing to do?

leadman · 09-10-2010, 01:53 PM

Have you inspected the roof yet? Is it metal or have a hole in it. Knowing the condition and type of roof will help you get answers on how to repair it.

mk-lady · 09-10-2010, 02:24 PM

The roof is metal, it has 2 seams on it completely across the front of the motorhome fairly close together and then a seam down the middle from the last seam to the back of the motor home. The seams have some unknown sealant on them. There is a sealant around the vents & air conditioner. Don't see any holes in the roof.

TheDubs · 09-13-2010, 07:08 PM

I used the etrna bond tape on mine 6 months ago, And it doesn't stick as well as I thought it would. I cleaned the heck out of the roof too before I stuck it down. I tore most of mine off and replaced it with some dicore lap sealant last week. In my opinion the etrna bond tape is for newer rigs. I think the lap sealant works better on the older rigs.

mk-lady · 09-14-2010, 09:08 AM

Where do you get lap sealant at? Don't think I understand what that is.

Elkhartjim · 09-14-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mk-lady

We just bought a 22 ft 1977 Holiday Rambler, it's in good shape, but discovered there is a leak in the overhead bed. (We just had a rain) The leak seems to be running down from the top seam. I'm new (green), but from what I have read, thinking the best thing to do is use the Eternabond tape. Is this the correct thing to do?

Where the drip is may be a long way from where the water is coming in. I just found a leak in my mh and it was from the a/c unit. You may want to check that also. I removed the inside trim and tightened the four bolts and eliminated my leak.

Good luck.

leadman · 09-15-2010, 07:32 PM

Lap sealant can be bought at an RV store. It is a type of caulking that comes in a tube that you use with a culking gun.
Look for bad sections in a seam or around a vent, air conditioner, etc. If the ceiling is badly damaged on the inside you will want to remove this to avoid mold formation. This may also help with finding the leak. You may have to have an assistant either man the garden hose or watch for thr leak.
Once you find the leak all old caulk, etc., will have to be removed down to bare metal. If the metal is damaged it will need to be repaired or patched. You can post pictures here so advice can be given.
Main thing is to be sure you have found the source of the leak. If you find the source you can do a temporary repair to confirm the source, then do a permanent repair.