nate
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1963 Comet 17'
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Post by nate on Sept 23, 2020 12:04:01 GMT -8
As I finish up my trailer refurbish I'd like to know what is the best way to check for leaks. Do I just sit in it while it rains and look for water coming in or do I have to wait for ruined walls? Are there any tips to checking? We have one roof protrusion, a new roof, new drip rail but we used the old skin. We did put house wrap on under the skin. This was my first project and I'm sure there are mistakes and imperfections.
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kudzu
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Post by kudzu on Sept 23, 2020 12:21:20 GMT -8
Not cheap but when I was Inspecting Homes I used a contact moisture meter. No pins to stick in the wood, you just put it on the floor or wall and it by magic it could locate moisture. Great for checking for leaking toilets and showers on tile floors.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Sept 23, 2020 14:43:47 GMT -8
First I wash it using 10x the water needed. If nothing seems to be leaking, I park it out of the Trailerport in the rain and sit and read or watch a movie. If no leaks, I leave it out in a heavy rain for hours. If no leaks, I go camping.
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Post by vikx on Sept 26, 2020 20:10:49 GMT -8
There is a pressure system that allows you to check for leaks. It puts air into the trailer thru the ceiling vent. With everything closed, you spray a solution at all windows, doors, lights, etc. to see if it produces bubbles.
There are Youtube videos as well that show DIY methods to do the pressure test. Sealtech makes the fancy system and many RV companies have one. Jalousie windows are very leaky and can inhibit the test.
If your J rail is new and the putty properly oozed, I am fairly confident that your trailer won't leak. Always triple check just in case. Most windows don't leak but the old Hehrs can when water hits at the right angle.
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John Palmer
Senior Member
Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Sept 26, 2020 22:14:05 GMT -8
The water tight sealed vintage trailer has yet to be built! The best you can hope for is to shed off the water.
Even if the water sheds off when the trailer is stopped, you have another dynamic occurring at 60 MPH traveling down a highway with rain.
John
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nate
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1963 Comet 17'
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Post by nate on Sept 27, 2020 4:02:17 GMT -8
Thanks Vikx and John. I’ll go for the putty push method to clean things up. I readjusted one corner and that helped but boy what a mess! Think I’ll try to come up with a sheltered place when not in use.
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Post by vikx on Sept 27, 2020 9:36:48 GMT -8
It is my opinion that all vintage trailers should be stored under cover; a shelter, shed, garage. Even a tarp is better than nothing.
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