I need HELP!!!: 179 water leak

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179 water leak

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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12754
Printed Date: 12 May 2025 at 4:32pm
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Topic: 179 water leak

Posted By: Andy
Subject: 179 water leak
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2019 at 4:03pm

Last week we went through a horrific rain storm around Austin, Texas. We finally pulled off the side of the road since the rain and wind were so hard. later on we opened the Pod to check things and there was water running down the kitchen (back) window, onto the counter, into the top kitchen drawer, and the top shelf of the left cabinet by the door. there was water on the floor in the kitchen area but not anywhere else. I'm trying to ascertain some points of water entry to check. So, I resealed the outside of the window, checked the fin, roof drain for toilet, TV antenna, and sealing around the top where it meets the sides. I was wondering if water could get in the AC and run down the interior of the roof to the back window? I noticed no water coming from the AC unit inside. the bathroom vent was closed and I have a cover for it.

Can water with enough force get blown under the door? I pulled of the exterior fridge panels but saw no sign of water.

Has anyone else experienced such a soaking? Looking for some ideas. Or should we just park it at the first hint of rain???

thanks for all the help,

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2017 179
2016 Silverado Z71

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2019 at 7:01pm

It is possible that water could be getting in around the frame of the window. We both have an RPod 179s. I've had similar leaks. Places to check:

1. Make sure sealant along top and sides of the window is not cracked and that there are no gaps.

2. Check the little vertical seam in the frame at the top. It could need sealing. Mine did. A little black silicone sealant did the trick for that one.

3. Check to see that all the screws on the inside frame are present and tight.

Part of the problem is that FR put a flat window on a curves surface. That makes it difficult to seal. If you see any gaps in the sealant along the frame, it is likely that the water is coming from there.

A second possibility is that there is water getting through where the wires go for the spoiler's clearance lights. If that was not adequately sealed, water could get in there. If so, you would probably see water damage to the roof below it. Since the moisture seems to be getting in at the window, that is the most likely culprit. The AC is not as likely as you would probably have water closer to that area if water were getting in there.

We had to have some repair work done to seal the slide-out as we had water getting in there. It involved removing and re-sealing the metal fascia and the Schwintek tracks if I recall correctly. I had water not only by the kitchen, dripping from the refrigerator area, but we had water by the bed end of the slide-out also.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2019 at 7:14pm

My RP179 had a very similar water leak. It was coming in around the spoiler. I used sealing tape around the front and side of the spoiler and never had the problem again.

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2022 RP-202
2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020)
2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed
Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020)
English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020)

Posted By: crankster78
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 8:44am

Greetings

I had the same problem with my 179. I used clear silicone to seal around the spoiler and window and that took care of it.. You need to inspect the roof and around the windows every year. I have a cover that stays on all winter here in MN.

I will be getting it ready around the 20th of this month. We just had 9 inches of wet snow and high winds.

Crankster78

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Crankster 78 R-179 2015

Posted By: Andy
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 10:32am

I inspected the roof fin and the front-facing caulking looks good. I did notice that there is no caulking on the back-facing part of the fin. Is that how your is? All of the other caulking looks good and I did replace the rear window caulking yesterday.

Thanks to all for the help,

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2017 179
2016 Silverado Z71

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 11:46am

Originally posted by Andy

I inspected the roof fin and the front-facing caulking looks good. I did notice that there is no caulking on the back-facing part of the fin. Is that how your is? All of the other caulking looks good and I did replace the rear window caulking yesterday.

Thanks to all for the help,

There does not need to be caulking on the under side of the spoiler. It's normally left unsealed to allow any water that might be under there to drain out. That said, some people have sealed it anyway. The hazard there is if there is a failure in the seal on the top side, the bottom side caulking would tend to trap the water underneath.

There is only one hole under the spoiler for the marker light wires. If that hole is sealed, then water should not get in.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost