| Leaks and Ladders [message #298556] |
Sun, 03 April 2016 15:14  |
barbarab
Messages: 16
Registered: February 2016
Location: Tucson, AZ
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I've been skimming through old messages and I haven't found a good answer so far (LOTS of messages....).
I need to look for leaks as there are water stains all over the headliner of my "new" coach.
I would appreciate advice on how to proceed, especially as my coach does not have a ladder.
Here are what seem to be the possible approaches:
-Buy and install a ladder and start removing old caulk/filler/goo, then redo caulking/fills (and if so, should I get original/OEM ladder or aftermarket?)
-Rip out headliner entirely, throw some water on top and wait for leaks, then patch/add goop from inside
-Take it to an RV place (but I've heard they will just want to cover the whole roof with rubber?)
I don't care about the appearance of ladder, so I'm not opposed to it, though I know some seem to prefer the look without. I'm OK with not having a storage pod up there but I'm seeing the advantages of having that extra storage.
I'm 60 and def not as flexible/agile as I used to be, but willing to give it a go up there if I can kind of crawl around - not good at walking around on roofs. 
thanks guys
Barbara
Barbara Beiser
Tucson
76 Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Leaks and Ladders [message #298557 is a reply to message #298556] |
Sun, 03 April 2016 16:06  |
Sara Robinson
Messages: 17
Registered: March 2016
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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There are RV shops (including the Co-op) that test for leaks by sealing up the coach, increasing the air pressure inside it (using a compressor, or…?), and smearing the seams and seals on the outside with very soapy water. If there’s air coming out, the water will form bubbles at the site of the leaks.
There are probably YouTube videos that can show you how to do this yourself.
> On Apr 3, 2016, at 1:14 PM, Barbara Beiser wrote:
>
> I've been skimming through old messages and I haven't found a good answer so far (LOTS of messages....).
>
> I need to look for leaks as there are water stains all over the headliner of my "new" coach.
>
> I would appreciate advice on how to proceed, especially as my coach does not have a ladder.
>
> Here are what seem to be the possible approaches:
>
> -Buy and install a ladder and start removing old caulk/filler/goo, then redo caulking/fills (and if so, should I get original/OEM ladder or
> aftermarket?)
>
> -Rip out headliner entirely, throw some water on top and wait for leaks, then patch/add goop from inside
>
> -Take it to an RV place (but I've heard they will just want to cover the whole roof with rubber?)
>
>
> I don't care about the appearance of ladder, so I'm not opposed to it, though I know some seem to prefer the look without. I'm OK with not having a
> storage pod up there but I'm seeing the advantages of having that extra storage.
> I'm 60 and def not as flexible/agile as I used to be, but willing to give it a go up there if I can kind of crawl around - not good at walking around
> on roofs. :)
>
> thanks guys
> Barbara
>
>
> --
> Barbara Beiser
> Denver
> 76 Glenbrook
>
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| Re: Leaks and Ladders [message #298558 is a reply to message #298556] |
Sun, 03 April 2016 16:16 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Senior Member |
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barbarab wrote on Sun, 03 April 2016 15:14I've been skimming through old messages and I haven't found a good answer so far (LOTS of messages....).
I need to look for leaks as there are water stains all over the headliner of my "new" coach.
I would appreciate advice on how to proceed, especially as my coach does not have a ladder.
Here are what seem to be the possible approaches:
-Buy and install a ladder and start removing old caulk/filler/goo, then redo caulking/fills (and if so, should I get original/OEM ladder or aftermarket?)
-Rip out headliner entirely, throw some water on top and wait for leaks, then patch/add goop from inside
-Take it to an RV place (but I've heard they will just want to cover the whole roof with rubber?)
I don't care about the appearance of ladder, so I'm not opposed to it, though I know some seem to prefer the look without. I'm OK with not having a storage pod up there but I'm seeing the advantages of having that extra storage.
I'm 60 and def not as flexible/agile as I used to be, but willing to give it a go up there if I can kind of crawl around - not good at walking around on roofs.
thanks guys
Barbara Sometimes you need to search the photo site for ideas. Pressurize the RV with a blower and spritz water/dishwashing detergent solution on the seams and look for bubbles.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/miscellaneous/p8058.html
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| Re: Leaks and Ladders [message #298562 is a reply to message #298556] |
Sun, 03 April 2016 16:55 |
Jim Galbavy
Messages: 1443
Registered: August 2007
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Barbara,
I am 68 and don't like to crawl on the roof either, have no ladder,
and have no use for one. I just went thru the roof thing at the COOP.
First of all your present roof is not how it can from the factory 40
years ago. After we stripped everything off the roof we found 43
"extra" holes in the roof patched with many sealants ranging from 3"
and 1" diameter to screw holes. Any existing screws thru the roof can
cause a leak if not sealed. Also check the seals between the front and rear
caps and the roof itself. Also check around your window seals and beneath
your two gutters that cover the gap between the roof and side walls.
jim galbavy
'73 x-CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, Fl
[Updated on: Mon, 04 April 2016 07:15] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Leaks and Ladders [message #298564 is a reply to message #298556] |
Sun, 03 April 2016 17:17 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Barbara,
You don't really need a coach mounted ladder if you are only going to get on the roof occasionally. You can use a short extension ladder with a couple of towels duct taped around the top legs so as to not mar the paint. If you don't have a storage pod up there, there is really very little need to be on the roof.
That said, the most likely places for leaks (on the roof) are at ANY penetrations. The clearance lights are a typical source of leaks as are antennas, vent covers, and seams. Mine had some serious leaks from the storage pod mounting screws which were improperly sealed.
Also, the drip rail trim and end caps can leak as well as the window frames. Jim Bounds details some of the methods he uses to fix those on his site:
http://www.firefightmarine.com/gmccoop/
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
[Updated on: Mon, 04 April 2016 11:36] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Leaks and Ladders [message #298598 is a reply to message #298556] |
Mon, 04 April 2016 09:54 |
1275gtsport
Messages: 272
Registered: September 2009
Location: Rothesay NB
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I spent most of a year looking for a coach without a ladder, in the end I have a ladder but I usually don't go up there I have a 16 year old daughter for that! She is amazing at seam sealing and painting! check around with your grandkids maybe? Some of them can do more then just video games 
Also both of my daughters were in Girl Guides/Girl Scouts and those kids will do a lot of work if you ask them and explain what you want done. I had my older daughters group change the oil in my car as part of one of their badges.
But if you get a ladder I would do the ragusa one
http://www.ragusarv.com/enlarge/rv_92.html
I would also get the roof rack kit just to finish the look.
Adam Raeburn
Rothesay, NB
1976 Austin Mini
1977 GMC Palm Beach
---------------------------------------------------
Once you replace everything that is attached to something else. It will all be fixed.
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