Water damage in front storage

[jimtrvl917]

I'm new to this forum and am hoping that someone out there can help me. I have a 2008 Starcraft Antigua 195CK and have owned it for the past 5 years. Overall, it's been pretty reliable, but I'm having an issue with identifying the source of a water leak that is rotting out the flooring in the front storage compartment that runs the width of the trailer. It's about 11 inches deep, and when I peeled up the vinyl flooring that was in there, I found the plywood completely soaked. I put in new gaskets around the front bunk, as well as both doors, and I cleaned and recaulked the seam that runs across the roof (where the rubber membrane meets the hard plastic on the front. Yet, water still seems to be getting into the storage compartment. Before I can even consider repairing the floor of the storage compartment, I have to get the leak fixed. Anyone out there experienced a similar problem? If so, any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

[ALJO]

Replace the storage door frame seal with a butyl seal and you are good. Better is replace all frame seals with butyl seals. Present manufacturing seals are prone to leaks.

[oldmanAZ]

Welcome to the forum.

[jimtrvl917]

Originally Posted by ALJO

Replace the storage door frame seal with a butyl seal and you are good. Better is replace all frame seals with butyl seals. Present manufacturing seals are prone to leaks.

Thanks for the suggestion. Looking online, I haven't come across any butyl gasket material that would appear to work. Do you have any specific recommendations as to a product/supplier/store?

[JJaxon]

I repaired a very similar situation on my 2006. My slanted roof drains rain and the condensation from AC down the front around the bunk, usually the door side. This puts the constant water trickle into the bunk latch. Poor design. I did not expect that to be the source of water intrusion, but it was. When I put a wrench to the outside bolt heads they spun, and were rusted to the inside flush nut. I had to drill them out, replaced with stainless hardware, and Dicor sealant. The core was solid and my storage compartment has been dry all summer. I have my repair on video but not edited to post yet. On the road now so itll be awhile before I can get to it.

Check those latch bolts.

Originally Posted by jimtrvl917

I'm new to this forum and am hoping that someone out there can help me. I have a 2008 Starcraft Antigua 195CK and have owned it for the past 5 years. Overall, it's been pretty reliable, but I'm having an issue with identifying the source of a water leak that is rotting out the flooring in the front storage compartment that runs the width of the trailer. It's about 11 inches deep, and when I peeled up the vinyl flooring that was in there, I found the plywood completely soaked. I put in new gaskets around the front bunk, as well as both doors, and I cleaned and recaulked the seam that runs across the roof (where the rubber membrane meets the hard plastic on the front. Yet, water still seems to be getting into the storage compartment. Before I can even consider repairing the floor of the storage compartment, I have to get the leak fixed. Anyone out there experienced a similar problem? If so, any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

[jimtrvl917]

Well, it sounds like I have some work to do! This is great information. I'm going to go check out my trailer this morning and see if I am having the same issue. Were you able to find replacement hardware locally, or did you need to order it on-line? Thanks again!

[DocBrown]

Also take a look at the seam molding just below the bunk door. Especially the edges where they "join" the corner seams. The ends may not have any caulking on them. Its drys out and comes off because it is a small area. As small as the opening may be enough water can get in and cause damage. Make sure those are caulked. I've had this happen on our old hybrid.

[ALJO]

Go to a hardware store (gray flat in different sizes) or automotive store (black round in different sizes).

While you are doing the work extend your gutter drains.

[jimtrvl917]

So, sure enough, I went out and checked the bolts as suggested. At least one of them just spins, so I am sure this is an issue. Once the monsoons end (the remnants of Hurricane Florence), I'll be drilling out the old bolts and replace them on both bunks. I'll also caulk anything that isn't moving! Is there a reason people suggest using Dicor sealant versus a standard silicone sealant for these sorts of repairs?

[JJaxon]

Originally Posted by jimtrvl917

Well, it sounds like I have some work to do! This is great information. I'm going to go check out my trailer this morning and see if I am having the same issue. Were you able to find replacement hardware locally, or did you need to order it on-line? Thanks again!

I went to lowes and bought regular Stainless bolts for the outside, large fender washers and nylock nuts for the inside.

[JJaxon]

Originally Posted by jimtrvl917

So, sure enough, I went out and checked the bolts as suggested. At least one of them just spins, so I am sure this is an issue. Once the monsoons end (the remnants of Hurricane Florence), I'll be drilling out the old bolts and replace them on both bunks. I'll also caulk anything that isn't moving! Is there a reason people suggest using Dicor sealant versus a standard silicone sealant for these sorts of repairs?

Yes, silicone is less than perfect when it comes to seal and bond, which are the 2 things you need for it to be water tight. Many say it's ok to use it, but I've never had it seal and last so I don't use anything but Dicor, and Eternabond tape on my rig.

Replace all the bolts, even if they aren't spinning yet, they are likely exposed, and time will show the result. With the open hole put as much sealant into the cavity as possible, then install the bolts wet. Clean up after, but don't be using too little.

[norty1]

Here are some sources:
https://www.amazon.com/Butyl-Window-.../dp/B0070O93HA

[jimtrvl917]

So, I replaced the bolts for the bunk ends, I caulked all the holes before replacing them as well, I replaced the seals on all the storage doors, re-caulked the seam where the roof meets the front portion, and then I dried out the front storage area with a space heater for the better part of a week. It rained last night, and when I checked the storage area, it was damp again! So, before I torch this thing, is anyone aware of what else might be the source of the water seepage?

[vaskohop]

I stay away from dicor sealant and any silicine based. The dicor doesnt seem sealed enough on the edges. Look into using duralink. It flexes better with the trailer.