Community Forums

shejake · 09-13-2005, 06:20 AM

We had a leak thru our fluorescent light above the kitchen sink/stove. So I removed the cover to see where the water might have been co ming from. Then it happened, while we were both looking in the light trough, the whole assembly came crashing down and hit the counter where the silverware drawers are. Oh yes, the tubes were still in and that glass goes every where, stem to stern. A piece of it even stuck in the wood blind behind the sink six feet away from the strike zone. Fortunately, neither one of us or the dog were injured in any way. Suggestion to all who have the four foot double tube flourescent lights, carefully remove cover with help to make sure it doesnt fall. From this point forward, have someone help hold the light assembly while the tubes are removed then remove the center cover while still making sure that someone is still holding that light assembly and check the mounting screws. I added six holes (four real close to the ballast) and six drywall screws. there are only two screws holding the light assembly and they are square head. If you have driven on any rough roads I strongly suggest checking yours.
Linda,Doug,Buddy,"04" MDTS... P.S. Fixed the leak, we hope, with "3M Marine Adhesive Sealant Fast Cure 5200" as I was unable to find the recommended alpine sealant.

shejake · 09-13-2005, 06:20 AM

We had a leak thru our fluorescent light above the kitchen sink/stove. So I removed the cover to see where the water might have been co ming from. Then it happened, while we were both looking in the light trough, the whole assembly came crashing down and hit the counter where the silverware drawers are. Oh yes, the tubes were still in and that glass goes every where, stem to stern. A piece of it even stuck in the wood blind behind the sink six feet away from the strike zone. Fortunately, neither one of us or the dog were injured in any way. Suggestion to all who have the four foot double tube flourescent lights, carefully remove cover with help to make sure it doesnt fall. From this point forward, have someone help hold the light assembly while the tubes are removed then remove the center cover while still making sure that someone is still holding that light assembly and check the mounting screws. I added six holes (four real close to the ballast) and six drywall screws. there are only two screws holding the light assembly and they are square head. If you have driven on any rough roads I strongly suggest checking yours.
Linda,Doug,Buddy,"04" MDTS... P.S. Fixed the leak, we hope, with "3M Marine Adhesive Sealant Fast Cure 5200" as I was unable to find the recommended alpine sealant.

Jim A · 09-13-2005, 07:30 AM

Thanks for the warning about the fixture. What was the leak?

Jim A
2004 36' MDDS

swansnest · 09-13-2005, 09:53 AM

Thanks for the "heads-up"!

We have had trouble with that light for 2 years now. Have taken it in 3 times to be fixed but they never fixed it. It would only operate intermittently. Now it doesn't operate at all.
We are considering just replacing the whole thing at some point in time. It hasn't been a priority really.

We have had the fixture over the table fall twice. Didn't break - luckily - but we try to remember to tighten the screws every 6 months or so.
The Swans
'03 Alpine 40' MDTS

shejake · 09-15-2005, 07:29 PM

Hi Jim. Sorry for the delay in my response to your question. I think it was old caulk on the drivers side of the coach, about three inches from the side and they were about four feet apart. It looks like there was something attached there like a rail of some sort and then removed. Also I noticed that I could push down on the top about four inches from the side on the top and it flexes a bit. In fact before I applied the caulk I pushed on the area quite a few times to get the water out as it would squirt up at me. Now I'm waiting for more rain to see if I got it right. I also noticed that the caulk around one of the solar panels might be cracked or loose. I will update on this post later. Thank you for your question.
Doug, Linda and the Dog...

Tom and Patty · 09-15-2005, 07:46 PM

The fiberglass roof on our coach has some flex near the edge too. Dave F says his is the same. I believe Dave said he had his checked at WRV. It's a bit like there is a air pocket under it near the edge from front to back.