Community Forums

OpaRon · 05-21-2008, 03:42 PM

We are on the road and I just noticed a small puddle of water that drained out of the water drain hole in the basement area for water/sewer hookups. It appears to be coming from a hot water source (small 1/4"? line) and drips on to other lines, finally into the bay and out the drain hole. There is a panel that covers up the area and also holds on the outside shower fixture, fresh water inlet, black water flush inlet, and a factory installed water filter. It looks like I would have to remove all those items to get the covering off and access the line. I can feel up in the area but can't seem to find the source of the leak. It is worse when we are hooked up for water or when we leave the water pump, so I'm leaving it off except when needed. (I hear the water pump cycle on and off briefly every hour or so, even when no one is using water.)

Question: Am I hurting anything not to do anything until we get to our destination and stay on the trip? (We have to be in the Portland, OR area by Saturday, so that will be about 3 more days of travel for us.) Of course that's Memorial Day weekend and probably no service available until Tuesday.

BTW, I am still in my Newmar 3 year warranty period, but there's no longer a Newmar dealer in the Portland area.

OpaRon · 05-21-2008, 03:42 PM

We are on the road and I just noticed a small puddle of water that drained out of the water drain hole in the basement area for water/sewer hookups. It appears to be coming from a hot water source (small 1/4"? line) and drips on to other lines, finally into the bay and out the drain hole. There is a panel that covers up the area and also holds on the outside shower fixture, fresh water inlet, black water flush inlet, and a factory installed water filter. It looks like I would have to remove all those items to get the covering off and access the line. I can feel up in the area but can't seem to find the source of the leak. It is worse when we are hooked up for water or when we leave the water pump, so I'm leaving it off except when needed. (I hear the water pump cycle on and off briefly every hour or so, even when no one is using water.)

Question: Am I hurting anything not to do anything until we get to our destination and stay on the trip? (We have to be in the Portland, OR area by Saturday, so that will be about 3 more days of travel for us.) Of course that's Memorial Day weekend and probably no service available until Tuesday.

BTW, I am still in my Newmar 3 year warranty period, but there's no longer a Newmar dealer in the Portland area.

GaryKD · 05-21-2008, 03:59 PM

It sounds like you have the right idea to leave the source of pressure off, until you get to your destination. In addition I would:
1. open a faucet to releive all pressure.
2. contact Newmar immediately and document the claim.
3. Ask Newmar for an authorized service center in the area of your destination. Newmar will allow service centers (other than Newmar dealers ) to do warranty work.
4. If Newmar says there is nothing near you, consider finding the most prestegious RV service center in the area. Vist them and see if they would talk to Newmar about becomeing an authorized service center. This doesn't take long and would benefit both you and Newmar.

RV Wizard · 05-21-2008, 04:57 PM

OpaRon, unbtill you get it to a shop you should not have any serious adverse effects if you forgot to turn of the water pump while on your way. You probably have a loose connection on a fitting and tightening it may stop the leaking. You should also be able to remove the panel and not have to remove all the plumbing to get it out enough to see behind it. Good luck and keep us posted.

OpaRon · 05-21-2008, 06:21 PM

Gary & Mike, Thanks for the really, really quick replies - and the confirmation that I probably will not do more damage. Normally, if I can see what needs to be done I can generally "fix" it - but I really can't see how to get the panel covering up the tubing off, etc without undoing a LOT of stuff. Thus, I will leave it to a professional - especially since I'm still under warranty.

Carvin Marvin · 05-22-2008, 04:22 AM

My Southwind is built like yours. I took a mirror and was able to see where the drip originated. Removing the panel would be a job because of the plumbing. If you can get it done under warrenty that would be the way to go. Otherwise you are looking at $100 an hour shop labor. Good Luck.