Roof leak in my brand new Rpod!

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Wanted to seek some advice.
The Air dam/spoiler (?) above the back window on my 2017 171 apparently wasn't caulked correctly at the factory, and it caused water to leak into the Rpod, primarily into the light fixture above the bed (and then down onto the bed), and in a heavy rain behind the ceiling panel and down the back wall onto the curtains and the bed.

Video showing the leak is here: 

Thankfully this is all covered under the warranty.  When I brought the Rpod in, I had originally asked the repair technicians to remove the entire ceiling panel over the bed so that I could inspect the wood for any signs of mold and mildew.  However, the technicians don't seem to think that's a great idea.  They removed the trim pieces from the top and bottom of the panel which allowed them to pull the panel down just far enough to stick a flashlight in for a visual inspection, and they've said that they don't even see water stains on the wood.  They've warned me that if they remove the whole ceiling panel, that they'll have to cut the rubber seals where the walls meet the ceiling and it may not look just right when they put it back together. However, they'll do it if I want them to.

So I checked with the flashlight and sure, I don't see any signs of water damage, but I'm seeing a tiny fraction of what's behind that ceiling panel -- not nearly the whole thing, and not where the water was coming in.  In addition, I'm worried about the insulation -- the insulation definitely got wet -- so can anything grow in there?

I'm not sure if the right thing to do is just to take the technicians assurance that we caught the leak early and there's almost certainly nothing growing, or if I should tell them to pull it down, cosmetic difficulties with reinstallation be damned.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Chris and Sarah Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 09 Dec 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Topic: Roof leak in my brand new Rpod! Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 2:49pm
	Wanted to seek some advice. The Air dam/spoiler (?) above the back window on my 2017 171 apparently wasn't caulked correctly at the factory, and it caused water to leak into the Rpod, primarily into the light fixture above the bed (and then down onto the bed), and in a heavy rain behind the ceiling panel and down the back wall onto the curtains and the bed. Video showing the leak is here: Thankfully this is all covered under the warranty. When I brought the Rpod in, I had originally asked the repair technicians to remove the entire ceiling panel over the bed so that I could inspect the wood for any signs of mold and mildew. However, the technicians don't seem to think that's a great idea. They removed the trim pieces from the top and bottom of the panel which allowed them to pull the panel down just far enough to stick a flashlight in for a visual inspection, and they've said that they don't even see water stains on the wood. They've warned me that if they remove the whole ceiling panel, that they'll have to cut the rubber seals where the walls meet the ceiling and it may not look just right when they put it back together. However, they'll do it if I want them to. So I checked with the flashlight and sure, I don't see any signs of water damage, but I'm seeing a tiny fraction of what's behind that ceiling panel -- not nearly the whole thing, and not where the water was coming in. In addition, I'm worried about the insulation -- the insulation definitely got wet -- so can anything grow in there? I'm not sure if the right thing to do is just to take the technicians assurance that we caught the leak early and there's almost certainly nothing growing, or if I should tell them to pull it down, cosmetic difficulties with reinstallation be damned. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

fwunder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676	Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 3:18pm
	Sorry to hear (and see) your leaky problem. My concern would be trapped moisture. The insulation used in the ceiling panels is quite capable of retaining moisture. If you can remove the light fixture and pull some insulation, I would. You may not notice trapped moisture for a long time - until vinyl wall covering begins to blister from the softened luan. You could drill a few small "inspection" holes to look for trapped moisture or get a hold of a moisture meter. Also, pay close attention to the bottom inside back edge (in the storage space) for any water which may have run down the back. The insulation will allow for water to wick horizontally and vertically. Over a longer period, I would tap the panels looking for any soft spots. Because of the way the Pod is constructed, I don't blame them for not wanting to remove ceiling panels. The walls go up, then the interior ceiling panels are attached, then insulation is added, then the exterior fiberglass shell is attached. With the interior ceiling panels sandwiched between walls and exterior shell, it's a difficult project to replace interior ceiling panels. I have learned this lesson. Best to do everything you can to avoid water intrusion...if you can. Hope that helps. fred
	2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

ToolmanJohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451	Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 4:33pm
	Make them fix it which means removing and replacing the wet insulation as well. If they button it up with moisture inside, it will create other problems down the road.
	2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI

jato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3216	Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 8:25pm
	Dealer WARRANTY. As Toolman John states "MAKE THEM FIX IT." Or better yet, let them replace it with a brand new 171.
	God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Chris and Sarah Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 09 Dec 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 12	Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 1:04pm
	Thanks everyone. I made them pull the ceiling panel off, and there was no moisture in the insulation like I feared there would be. The water was passing through and then eventually came out from the panel on the bottom, so the insulation didn't soak it up.

ToolmanJohn Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451	Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 3:53pm
	Peace of mind, better than not knowing. Good that the outcome is successful.
	2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 11:53am
	I wouldn't have worried once the leak was fixed. It was caught quickly so rot wouldn't have been an issue. The walls "breathe" so any moisture would have dried up soon after.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual