Water leak

[Ron & Dee]

Front of MH leaking water onto dash, passenger side. Leaking from plastic trim just above windshield.

Any idea where to start looking?

Thanks.

Ron

[JBDISCOVERY]

I had a situation three years ago that sounds similar. The rubber molding between the RV glass and the fiberglass front of the coach got twisted a little. The twist allowed water to seep into the interior of the coach. Used some silicon and untwisted the rubber. Has not shown any water since.
Good luck.
JB

[Patrol 65]

I used Scotch 2228 Moisture Sealing Electrical Tape along the top of the rubber windshield moulding to keep it pressed tightly against the fiberglass cap. I also found a couple of small pin holes in the seals around the radio and cb radio antennaes on the roof. I used Dicor self-leveling lap seal and so far so good. I first replaced the seals around the clearance lights on the front cap but found that the wires are mounted down to the lights from the top part of the cap so there is no way for water to get in there unless the light fills up with water.

[shoreco]

Originally Posted by Ron & Dee

Front of MH leaking water onto dash, passenger side. Leaking from plastic trim just above windshield.

Any idea where to start looking?

Thanks.

Ron

The first leak I fixed on my rig was where the front fiberglass cap meets the roof. I had water pour on my head as I made a turn in the coach. I re-caulked this seal and that leak was fixed.

I would start there...

[Pusherman]

Check your sealants on the roof along the top of the cap, including the radius areas.

Some have reported having leaks from the marker lamps.

Check the windshield underneath the black trim moulding for rust. If you see rust, you may try to reseal it with some (non-silicone) caulk, but this will most likely be a temporary fix. Long term fix is to fix the rust.

Note: The rubber trim mouldings around the windshield are not designed to be water tight. The windshield is sealed to the metal frame which makes a watertight seal (unless rust forms around the metal windshield frame). Do not try to seal the rubber moulding to the front cap or otherwise.

[AFChap]

Winnebago windshields are not mounted like other mfg'ers. Remove the plastic trim and you will undoubtedly find where the water is getting inside between the glass and rusted metal frame. BUT ...that is not the source/actual leak. Look uphill on the roof from where the glass is leaking. Mine was a clearance lamp with water getting inside the cover ...evidence was badly rusted mourning screws on that light only. I inspect/reseal my clearance lamps every six months.

Many have popped the outer rubber out of the channel (it pops into another piece that is held onto the frame with double sided tape) and treated the affected area with POR or other rust preventative, then sealed the leak area. If the rust is allowed to progress untreated, it will eventually crack the glass.

I took mine to a dealer who said he could remove the glass, fix the metal, and replace the glass ...then they destroyed BOTH windshields, and things went downhill from there with screw-up after screw up. We eventually got all good again, but unless there is extensive rust evidence under the trim you can pop out, I would try self treatment myself before surrendering to a dealer repair. Mine was rusted in that one area only.

[Ron & Dee]

Thanks to all of the replies.

The leak is coming from the windshield. Where the glass is sealed to the frame, rust has formed and expanded the seal to let water in.

Quick fix; remove rust, paint, and reseal.

Ron

[adventurous2]

Yes we had a leak also. It is the rust. We fixed it by taping a flexible black electrical tape on top of the black seal to the frame of the MH. it has been on for 3 years and still is leak free.
Just for your info. We also had a broken windshield because of the rust. After it was replaced and lots of goop was put on before the final seal it has been fine without any leaks ever.

[Ron & Dee]

This seems to be a Winnebago problem in earlier models. I hope they have corrected this issue.

For anyone who hasn't addressed this problem should do so as soon as possible to prevent water damage and even windshield damage.

I wish I had known about it sooner

Ron

[garykk]

I stopped at a local glass installer this morning to check on the price to replace the windshield in my Jeep(long story), I saw a newer Vista parked outside with the windshield missing. I inquired and was told the windshield had been broken. Asked about the install, was told the frame was metal and the installer would sure like to meet the engineer that designed it

[Steve N Sal]

Check you clearance lights. They may need a bit of caulk.

[RTegarini]

Originally Posted by Ron & Dee

Front of MH leaking water onto dash, passenger side. Leaking from plastic trim just above windshield.

Any idea where to start looking?

Was there any connection to this?

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/2003...lp-115456.html

[Ron & Dee]

WOW

I wasn't aware of that thread.

Thanks for pointing it out.

Looks like Winnebago has had the problem for quite some time.

Thanks,

Ron