Water Leak

[dlb53151]

Hello Livin' Liters! 

The following appears to be an OEM design problem that would affect all of us....

I have a 2016 CL16TBS trailer.  We have experienced issues with water leaks while driving in rainstorms over the years.  This past week while driving 9 hrs to Petoskey, MI we encountered heavy rain the entire way.  Upon arrival, we had dirty road rainwater inside the entire perimeter of our unit.  A lot.... Had a mobile RV tech look at the underside and indicated because of no underbelly "skin" that OEMs typically use (corrugated plastic) the water will enter the inside through the gaps where the aluminum understructure meets the frame.  Not to mention, water will also enter where screws are exposed - see pic.

Option A:  He said if it was his he would fab a piece of the corrugated plastic and secure it under the entire unit, except for freshwater holding tank,  and that would do the job.  All of the wiring of course is of course is currently exposed.  He would relocate the spare tire under the front of the frame under the propane tank to do this. 

Option B:  thoroughly pressure wash under the frame perimeter, let it thoroughly dry, and then use a sealant in every nook and cranny where the understructure meets the frame.

Has anyone done anything to mitigate this leak issue?  If so, how, and what were the results?  I can imagine the cost of option A will be very, very expensive and if I would ever need to access the wires that would be a big task.  I appreciate any thoughts on this.  My cell is 414-651-1518 if easier to discuss.  Thanks!



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[Merlin]

Sure enough, water can get in. A couple years ago a very heavy rain stayed over us all day all the way across Wisconsin and the entire floor under our foam and carpet was soaked. However, that was epic and not the norm. For our 2014 16TBS the main culprit in a normal rain was the wheel wells which I solved shortly after purchase with a tube of silicone pumped into each wheel well. I also installed large mud flaps behind the second axle which help a lot with road spray from the trailer tires. Now, a typical rain doesn't get anything wet inside. For our camper, it would not be possible to install coroplast for the purpose of sealing. There are too many things in the way.


As a side story, we camped last year at an Oregon state park next to a couple with a Lance camper. After a day of hiking, they came back to their camper with water pouring out of every opening, large and small. A faucet had failed and water was several inches deep inside. Now, whenever we leave the camper I turn off the outside water.