Thar She Blows... Another leak

[Sean Donohue]

Found another leak this morning. After following the trail, It starts at the top of the slide in a yet to find hole, is coming in at the top of the upper fridge vent towards the back, drips down inside the fridge compartment, then comes out under the draw under the fridge. I have wiped off the roof, placed a shammy in the vent area (this is temp untill I can get plastic to cover the top off the slide. The immediate plan is to cover the slide with a sheet of plastic and put a ball under the topper to cause the water to drain to the sides.

I noticed the topper awning really leaking water. Anyone priced a waterproof topper material that I can replace this CareFree topper. I am really handy and can do it myself. Thanks folks.

[David T. Richelderfer]

This might be something to investigate.  I have no personal knowledge of their products or service, but I will need to replace my toppers within a few years so have been looking around.

http://www.toughtopawnings.com/AboutUs.html

They claim their awning material is better, and they have a couple videos to look at.  One of the videos is made just for you - the do-it-yourselfer.

[Joel Ashley]

BCS just removed all my toppers and had the seams restitched with stronger thread, resistant to rot, hopefully.  The part of the topper that doesn't roll into the case is exposed to the elements constantly, discolors, and the thread disintegrates there.  It can then unwrap in the middle from the cord that holds it to the coach mount, and then belly in the middle due to the looseness.  

The labor and seamster cost was pretty steep, and if there's a next time I'll try the job myself.  The topper spools are spring loaded, so you have to know what you are doing to be safe.

Joel

[Sean Donohue]

you are absolutly right, I have a pin for the spring.

[Bill Sprague]

One of my "rants" is that the 'topper' has nothing to do with keeping the rain out.  If keeping the rain out was a purpose, the ends would not be wide open.  The smallest breeze sends rain onto the top of the slide out.  If the slide out is not perfectly waterproof there will be leaks.

Making the topper more waterproof will not stop the leaks.

[Sean Donohue]

I believe you BIll, but standing water on the slide (about 18" long x 9" wide on the seam) from large amount of water coming off the topper seems to be seeping in the seals. The toppers have a few holes in it and a big droop in the center. They are coming up on 6 years old and the fabric is fading. Time to change them. While we were in the dry southwest we never had a issue. but right now we are relocated to Portland OR. When it rains... Well if you are in Portland it is natural. The last few days of storms has brought these leaks to our attention. We are heading out for a month and will be back here again next month for a while. Hopefully with new toppers. At the same time I am going to reseal the top of the slides and use the suggestion you sent me about using either the .125 sheet metal or cove to divert from the seal. Between the top I am hoping to achieve a dry slide. I currently have a 4' X 25' plastic sheet protecting the awning for the next 2 days. If that fails, the slide will have to come in until I can fix it right. Thanks for your inputs.

[Roy Warren Co-Admin]

You might want to do a search and see the solution Tim Bentley had and put on the Forum.  It helps to drain the topper also and then you don't have the waterfall when you bring the slides in after the rains.

[Robert Mathis]

Sean, I recently treated my toppers with 303 and it seems to have reduced the amount of water coming thru them. I plan to replace all 4 slide toppers this winter with new ones from tough tops before we leave for Alaska. I know the toppers don't keep out to water, but I can't help but think that water standing on the slide is an invitation for leakage.

[Sean Donohue]

Robert... 303? My plan is to reseal the slides while the awnings are replaced as well as modifying like BIll suggests.

Tough tops is right across the river from us in Vancouver WA. I will likely use them too since they are so close. I can also get a 2 day turn on the order. Was thinking about asking them to make the awnings with the modification as Tim Bentley did, gutter sewn into the middle.

Thanks, time for a coffee and finish packing.

[Robert Mathis]

yep, 303 waterproofing spray. Clean with 303 cleaner first, let dry and apply. We've been using it on marine canvas for years.