Community Forums

Duster73 · 10-12-2021, 01:18 PM

So when we get excessive rain, there is a pretty bad leak in the front windshield. Where should I start to look for the leak/ leaks? It runs down from the top of the windshield and pools on the dashboard. We have to put two towels down to soak up the water.

I've searched Google and there are many places to start. Does anyone have a few places that might be a first to check.

I found maybe the yellow running lights on the top, adding butyl rope to the outside windshield cover, somehow pulling the front part off inside the cab to get access to the windshield and using silicon, pulling two windshields and resealing them(if they dont crack).

If you have a suggestion, any tips would be appreciated if you have been through this.

Unplanned Tourist · 10-12-2021, 02:01 PM

There are places that pressurize your whole rig by drawing air in from the roof vent and then checking for air leaks (water) from the outside with soapy water. Bubbles will appear wherever there is an opening big enough to let water in.

Check around with RV dealers, and maybe there's a mobile outfit that will come and check it.

Unplanned Tourist · 10-12-2021, 02:05 PM

Here's a YouTube video to watch. On a trailer, but same thing for a MH.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANQF17FFjYQ

Duster73 · 10-13-2021, 07:37 PM

Well I re-sealed the front cab lights today. Now I need a decent rain storm or garden hose to check.

grldst · 10-13-2021, 07:52 PM

Could be a bad windshield seal.

Teamfoxy · 10-14-2021, 06:02 AM

Ours leaked after it was replaced. The curve of the windshield did not quite match the front cap so there was a gap with not enough urethane. The glass company finally pulled the glass and reinstalled after 3 attempts to fix it. Been good for a couple years now.

**Lt Dan** · 10-14-2021, 07:28 AM

We had the same thing in our '06 Itasca. The gaskets under the clearance lights were deteriorated to the point they were useless. After resealing the lights I didn't have any more leaks.

JoeSR · 10-14-2021, 06:39 PM

I thought that only Winnebago had the problem.

I sealed my clearance light, but that was not my problem. My leak came from a piss poor windshield sealing design.

Winnebago glued the windshield to the steel frame. They then used double sided tape to glue a “U” shaped channel around the windshield in the gap between the fiberglass cap and the windshield. A “T” shaped rubber weather strip was put into the U channel. Water that made it past the weather strip was trapped. This caused the steel frame to rust which resulted in a leaking windshield.

My fix was to seal the edges of the rubber weather strip. I first used a clear windshield caulk/sealant sold in the automotive parts stores, Walmart, etc.. This worked for a year or so. I then tried Eternabond tape. This has worked for more then two years and shows no sign of failing.

Good luck.

Ray,IN · 10-14-2021, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duster73

Well I re-sealed the front cab lights today. Now I need a decent rain storm or garden hose to check.

We once had a 5er with a water leak near a bedroom window. Turned out the front clearance lens were leaking but the bottom side was plugged with dirt. Water built-up and overflowed into the wiring hole in the front cap.
I solved the water in lens issue by drilling a 1/8" hole in the bottom of each lens.

I repaired the water damage and never had another leak.

beaverfever · 10-14-2021, 06:54 PM

sealtech leak detector or someone similar. it will save you time and frustration.
water can travel along way.

Duster73 · 10-15-2021, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeSR

I thought that only Winnebago had the problem.

I sealed my clearance light, but that was not my problem. My leak came from a piss poor windshield sealing design.

Winnebago glued the windshield to the steel frame. They then used double sided tape to glue a “U” shaped channel around the windshield in the gap between the fiberglass cap and the windshield. A “T” shaped rubber weather strip was put into the U channel. Water that made it past the weather strip was trapped. This caused the steel frame to rust which resulted in a leaking windshield.

My fix was to seal the edges of the rubber weather strip. I first used a clear windshield caulk/sealant sold in the automotive parts stores, Walmart, etc.. This worked for a year or so. I then tried Eternabond tape. This has worked for more then two years and shows no sign of failing.

Good luck.

My front windshield has the same design with the T shaped rubber weather strip. I noticed when I would touch the weather strip, lots of what would come out. Maybe I can also seal this weather stripping. Thanks for the heads up.

puttin · 10-15-2021, 10:07 AM

If the water is coming in at the top- I ran a full length piece of Rescue Tape along the the top of the windshield. Half covering the rubber gasket and half on the cap. That was 3 years ago...no more leaks. BTW, you can't see it unless I point it out to you.

Ray,IN · 10-16-2021, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puttin

If the water is coming in at the top- I ran a full length piece of Rescue Tape along the the top of the windshield. Half covering the rubber gasket and half on the cap. That was 3 years ago...no more leaks. BTW, you can't see it unless I point it out to you.

Rescue Tape is silicone and only sticks to itself.

Duster73 · 10-17-2021, 10:27 AM

Turns out the leak is still here, and sealing the marker lights on the top didn't work.

Now it's time for some rescue tape or butyl rope on the windshield.