It is always a good idea to check the sealing of your motorhome or caravan on a regular basis as early detection of water ingress can save you some expensive repair bills. After all, things can shift or break over rough road surfaces within your little house on wheels and if this damage is picked up early enough then the fix is usually inexpensive and you can be on your way in no time. However, if you let these leaks persist then the damage can be extensive and expensive.
Things to check
If you do find a leak inside your RV, then the main thing to remember is that water will travel to the lowest point. Sometimes it looks like it is leaking from one area, but that’s actually the lowest point for the water to find its way out. Have a good look around and make sure that you have found the source of the leak; do a water test with the hose to make sure. If the leak has been there for some time and you have only just noticed it, then besides any damage that needs to be fixed, check for wood rot, mould, mildew that may have formed.
What to look for
- Look for water damage or staining on the ply inside the motorhome and also check the base of overhead cupboards for any dampness. Feel around the base of the overhead cupboards, check the corners, etc. and look for stains on the ply in the top of the overhead. Internally, check the sealing around the air-conditioner and vents for any sign of a leak; look for discolouration of the ply. Check around windows, generally at the bottom, for signs of water ingress.
- If you add any item to the exterior of the motorhome make sure you use silicone to seal any holes (screw holes should always be siliconed). At Northern RV one of the main areas we see leaks is where someone has added solar panels and not sealed the holes correctly.
- Most motorhomes have a one-piece roof, which is the best idea – less joins, mean less chance of a water leak. If you are able to check the roof of the motorhome look for any cracks in the fibreglass or cracks in the silicone around the vent, skylight hatches, aerial, and solar panels. Sometimes the silicone can lift allowing water to pass straight under and cause serious damage. If you have a crack in the fibreglass you can get repair patches that will seal the crack until such time as you are able to get a permanent fix.
- A lot of caravans have aluminium roofs, which are sheets of aluminium seamed joined and sealed and there can be up to three joins in the roof (the best way to test joins is to run the hose over the roof with someone inside checking to see if water is entering the RV). The J mould on caravans and motorhomes is another common source of water leaks we see at Northern RV. Ensure all screw heads have been coated with silicone and any joins have been sealed.
- When you get your motorhome or caravan serviced ask them to go over and check for any water leaks, they may well pick up something that you have missed.
- Check the sealing around the tail lights, number plates, the wheel box, bike racks and any other item that attached to the body of your motorhome or caravan.
The main thing is that you inspect your RV for water leaks on a regular basis to ensure that a water leak does not cause unnecessary damage.
If you have been through a storm, brushed some tree branches, but cannot see any real damage, inspect or have the roof inspected as you could have a cracked hatch or some other minor damage that you cannot see from the ground.
Hopefully, you will not find any of these water issues, but at least you have the peace of mind that you have checked and can just enjoy travelling this beautiful country.
