Window leak

[dabrooks]

We have a new Tiffin Allegro 35QBA. It is parked in the driveway. Yesterday during a heavy rain shower I noticed that water was running from the bottom of the passenger window and collecting on the arm rest that is part of the wall under the window. I am not sure whether it is leaking from the top and running around the frame or leaking at the bottom. I am going to use a hose and start by putting water on the bottom and slowly working my way up until I hopefully find the leak.

It seems that I have read that silicone should not be used on a rv but it looks like Tiffin put a bead of silicone around the top of each window. If it looks like the window needs to be totally resealed I am going to take it back to the dealer but if it looks like an easy fix I may try to seal it myself. What would you recommend I use to seal it with?

[ronspradley]

The only way to properly seal a window is to take it out and start over. I do not know what Tiffin uses on new motor homes to make this seal but windows should not leak. That will cause extensive and expensive damage. Take it back to dealer and get it fixed right, under warranty.

ronspradley

[dabrooks]

Thanks for the advice. I did find the leak so I know where it is coming from. I am going to make sure it is fixed right. I don't want a Band-Aid repair. Tiffin put a bead of caulk just around the top and bottom of the window but not all the way up the front or back. The bottom bead comes up about 3 inches on the front edge and stops. When I put water there it acts as a funnel and directs the water under the window. I will see what the dealer and Tiffin say tomorrow.

[Pigman1]

When Tiffin seals the windows, they use a bead (tape) of butyl all the way around the underside of the outer flange of the window, so it will be squeezed against the outer sidewall when the window is inserted and tightened down. They then run a bead of silicone at the window/sidewall joint, but this doesn't go under the flange very far. The silicone only goes over the top and part way down the sides so if any water bypasses this first seal it is free to drain out at the lower part of the window. If you decide to do it yourself, use a flexible razor blade to cut the silicone and then clean the residue completely off the both surfaces. After the window removal, be sure the butyl is also thoroughly removed.

All that said, since the rig is still under warranty, let them do it. Just watch closely so you know the tricks for next time. I had to pull the driver side window to swap our Nevercold for a residential refrigerator on our 2008 Allegro Bus. Window removal and install is not a hard job, but it can be tedious, and the double pane windows tend to be heavy.

[dabrooks]

Thanks for the advice. I would not take the window out on my own. I have stopped the leak for now and plan on using the motorhome a couple more to see if anything else needs to be fixed. I plan on probably taking it back to the dealer although there is a Tiffin rally the first week of Oct in Georgia. I might wait until then and see what the Tiffin factory people say at the rally.