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Topic: Roof Leaks (Read 1022 times) previous topic - next topic

Roof Leaks

Good Morning!
We're in Nashville, and it's raining quite a bit.

Unfortunately, the front AC is leaking again. The leak appears on the ceiling only on the forward side and passenger side of the AC grill. The leak drips through the chandelier light fixture of our U320.

The rear AC also appears to be leaking a very small amount. But the leak might originate from the bathroom fan.

The leaks did not appear in Texas at MOT even after some heavy rains, after the AC's were tightened down.

Ant recommendations would be appreciated.


best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #1 –
Are you level, and have you checked the shrouds for new cracks?  I had a leak that came in that way, not under the seal. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #2 –
My rear AC leaked. It turned out that the water migrated from one of the bolt heads that held the shroud/cover on, thru the insulation and then down the copper tubing into the coach. I put caulk on the top of the bolt heads and outward for about an inch--no more leaks. I didn't put the caulk inside the shroud/cover as I wanted to be able to remove it without prying as they tend to get a little brittle from the sun.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #3 –
Thanks!
As near as I can tell, we ARE level. Our shower door is usually a good indicator of out of level.

But the location of the forward AC leaks suggest to me the rear and driver's side of the FT is a bit low (causing a bit of pooling against the AC on the front and passenger side of the AC) I plan to air up and re-level.

When/IF it stops raining, I'll look at the shrouds. I'm not allowed on the roof.


best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #4 –
Thanks! Good tip. I'll look into this if it ever gets dry here.


best, paul


Quote
My rear AC leaked. It turned out that the water migrated from one of the bolt heads that held the shroud/cover on, thru the insulation and then down the copper tubing into the coach. I put caulk on the top of the bolt heads and outward for about an inch--no more leaks. I didn't put the caulk inside the shroud/cover as I wanted to be able to remove it without prying as they tend to get a little brittle from the sun.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #5 –
Paul:
Wish I could offer some advice, but fortunately we don't have any experience with roof leaks.

For what it's worth, we LOVE Nashville though.  Hope the weather clears up and you get to enjoy the area.

Dot and I send our best to you and Kathleen.  God Bless.
Russell
'99 U320 CAI 40ft w/Xtreme Full Body Paint
Baton Rouge

The selected media item is not currently available."Tetons"

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #6 –
Thanks, Russell. And our very best to you and your lovely bride.


best, paul


Quote
Wish I could offer some advice, but fortunately we don't have any experience with roof leaks.
For what it's worth, we LOVE Nashville though. Hope the weather clears up and you get to enjoy the area.

Dot and I send our best to you and Kathleen. God Bless.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #7 –
Paul, sorry but I forgot to mention the following: under the shroud/cover there are usually rubber washers that the bolts go thru and that act as seals. You will get a leak if these rubber washers are dried out, cracked, or not replaced when reinstalling the cover. Also can leak if the bolts are just loose enough to let water in. This looseness can also occur if the rubber deteriorates.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #8 –
Norm, I'm not sure but I think Paul has a U320 with Dometic A/C units. I believe your GV has Coleman A/C's. The shrouds are quite different. At least the A/C units and shrouds on my U225 were quite a bit different from my those on the U300.

Paul, I would be interested in hearing what you find to fix the problems.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #9 –
Correct.

best, paul


Quote
Norm, I'm not sure but I think Paul has a U320 with Dometic A/C units.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #10 –
But Norm, your desire to help another forum member is greatly appreciated.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Norm at camp Foretravel. You won't find better people, if you don't consider his jokes.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #11 –
No cracks in shroud.
I just heard back from MOT. They say the next best thing is to raise the AC units up and put a silicon seal around the foam seal and re-attach them to the roof top.

There IS a Camping World in Nashville.

Anyone have recommendations for service around Nashville or up to Akron, Ohio?


best, paul


Quote
Are you level, and have you checked the shrouds for new cracks? I had a leak that came in that way, not under the seal.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #12 –
Paul,

Personally, if I was going to do what MOT suggested, the labor would not be much more to replace the foam. Since you stated you had units tightened down a short  while ago they may be your problem.  I also would recommend you buy the foam from the factory.  Lots of cheap stuff out there that doesn't work or hold up well.. FWIW
We are only strangers until we meet; however, some of us are stranger than others

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #13 –
Thanks! Good idea.
Is the foam specifically patterned for each AC model? Or cut to fit?


best, paul


Quote
Personally, if I was going to do what MOT suggested, the labor would not be much more to replace the foam. Since you stated you had units tightened down a short while ago they may be your problem. I also would recommend you buy the foam from the factory. Lots of cheap stuff out there that doesn't work or hold up well.. FWIW
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Paul Smith –
Thanks! Good idea.
Is the foam specifically patterned for each AC model? Or cut to fit?

Paul, if your 320 is the same as the Grand Villa it is a standard 14" hole in the roof and takes the standard foam seal. The difference between seals is the density of the foam which will last longer and whether they come with the overhang support piece. I purchase mine from FOT just to be sure I get the best quality. Cost is around $35 per set as I recall. If not overtightened, they should last over 10 years or more. 
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Roof Leaks

Reply #15 –
Kent, thanks
We are only strangers until we meet; however, some of us are stranger than others