Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Carl Cox on September 10, 2016, 01:20:47 am

Title: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: Carl Cox on September 10, 2016, 01:20:47 am
Latest minor problem with our new to us 1997 U270 36' is a minor, recurring leak after rain that wets the carpet under the drivers feet.  Previous owner thought he had the problem licked by recently sealing with a proper poly caulk the front endcap seam top and side....but it happened again this week in the recent rain here in Anacortes WA.  My plan is to caulk with 3m 4000 UV (is this the best caulk for the job?) a little more thoroughly and also around the front marker lights.  I will also recaulk the fittings on the roof including the horns and TV penetration and perhaps the screw heads (?).  These all look well sealed now but somehow water is mysteriously still wetting the carpet under my feet where I drive.  The roof looks fine and no other water is evident anywhere and for the life of me I can't figure out how only the carpet got wet (not sopping but definitely wet).

List of things we have fixed since purchase of this coach is still small:
Toilet vacuum break $35
Allison Trans dipstick hole plug $27
And now a 10 oz tube of 3M 4000 UV: $25

I consider myself pretty lucky after 2000 miles and 2 months of ownership!
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: nitehawk on September 10, 2016, 08:54:51 am
More recent bathroom breaks?? >:D  >:D  :))  :))  >:D  >:D
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: craneman on September 10, 2016, 09:35:05 am
There is a trim strip at floor level with screws going through it. If the fender was removed to do air bags in the past or for some other reason it might not be sealed.
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: Bill Willett on September 10, 2016, 09:37:45 am
Take a water hose and check the wind shield gasket from bottom to top.
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on September 10, 2016, 09:46:14 am
Carl,  there is a vertical panel in front of the steering column at the floor level. It is held in with velcro on mine. Pull it out and check in there where wires come through the floor. The other place is where the steering column goes through the floor.  It is just a rubber gasket. I don't think I get water through there but I can see a bit of light at just the right angle.
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: craneman on September 10, 2016, 09:50:27 am
I didn't ask before, does it leak when you are parked or when you are driving. Could make it easier to diagnose.
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: Carl Cox on September 10, 2016, 12:37:30 pm
I didn't ask before, does it leak when you are parked or when you are driving. Could make it easier to diagnose.

We have not driven much in the rain.  Wet carpet happens after modest rain while parked.  The coach is level.  The gasket around the steering column is distorted and I can see a little light ..... but I would be surprised that water could come up thru that area while parked...will have a look.  BTW...is 3M 4000 UV the best sealant?
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on September 10, 2016, 12:45:57 pm
It is a good sealant. Tough and removable.  Be sure you get all the way through the floor to the bottom to keep the floor structure sealed.
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: Retired Navy Chief on September 10, 2016, 12:51:35 pm
I experienced the same leak.  Mine was the front clearance light.  Replaced with yellow LED'S and a good goop of sealant.  Problem solved.  Hope this helps.  David 
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: Horace B. Cupp on September 10, 2016, 02:03:49 pm
Mine was a leak around the base of the Ramco mirror mount.
Title: Re: Minor water leaking after rain under the drivers feet.
Post by: Carl Cox on September 10, 2016, 09:09:04 pm
Sealed and resealed the front cap seams, roof fixtures and the front clearance lights....one was 1/3 full of water.  Waiting for rain...hope this works as not much else to seal (maybe drivers window frame?)  No news is good news.  I used 3m 4000 UV fast cure which seems like great stuff and set up in 25-35 min....$17.99 for a 10oz tube at Ace hardware.  Thanks for all your advice.