Rear Window Leak
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3552
Printed Date: 06 Jun 2025 at 10:43am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Rear Window Leak
Posted By: DerekMc
Subject: Rear Window Leak
Date Posted: 30 May 2013 at 10:22am
I finally realized that the water I would find in the rear window of our RP174 was more that just condensation  . It's not a big one leak so that's why I was just considering it to be condensation. With 4 years of a leak, one would think that there would have been some water damage visible but there is none. After reading many posts on this problem and getting a response from FR that for this model now
• not covered under any warranty • no service bulletin about leak repairs • removing and resealing might solve the leak • replacing the window with a newer designed one might fix the leak • all the other windows have drain holes except for the rear window So a question to the Podder world is, if you had a leak in your 2009 R-pod what did you end up doing to fix the leak? I'm leaning towards just replacing the window. Thanks in advance. Derek  |
Replies:
Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 30 May 2013 at 11:05am
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In our 2009 172, this issue was a real burr under my saddle and took several tries to resolve. The leak was so bad the rear dinette cushions and dinette table got soaked, causing the table to delaminate. Problem solved until we drove through an all day frog choker rainstorm. The leak was back, but not nearly as severe as the with the original window. I believe I have the problem whipped now: the weep holes don't actually come down to the bottom of the frame, they leave a tiny bit of water standing. Not a problem if the window was perfectly vertical. After extending the weep holes farther down with a small file and driving through several more torrential downpours the leak seems to be fixed. My theory is that the trapped water was being forced inside by the air coming over the back of the pod.
------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 31 May 2013 at 12:09am
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After the warranty expired on my 2009 RP171, I had noticed that the factory caulking job around the rear window was shoddy. Now, I'm usually a hands-on guy and tend to fix things myself. I asked around on the forums, and after hearing HuronSailor's tale, I remembered something my stepfather told me as I was trying to replace the exhaust on an old beater of a car I had as a teenager: sometimes its well worth it to pay someone else to do the fiddly jobs. So, instead, I took the trailer into my dealer (whom I trust to do repair work) and asked them to remove the window, clean things up and reinstall/reseal it. In total, it was $140. The thing is, at the time, I thought like the OP: I had a condensation problem. Certainly, there was no sign of water damage/leakage/mold or anything. But, after I had the window resealed, the condensation problem improved 99%. In retrospect, I may have had a small leak.
------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: DerekMc
Date Posted: 31 May 2013 at 3:47pm
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Thanks HuronSailer and Outbound Campkins sent me an email letting me know that FR will cover the cost of installing a new gasket. Big shout_out to FR and Campkins. Derek ------------- 2009 RP174 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 Jun 2013 at 1:17am
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Campkins? I didn't notice that you're from Toronto... They're my local dealer and they've been fantastic with warranty work on my trailers over the years. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: DerekMc
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 9:48am
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Campkins replaced the gasket but alas it still leaks. Going o talk with Campkins about a plan B, replace the window. Derek ------------- 2009 RP174 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: g4royce
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2013 at 10:42am
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We had our rear window replaced because it leaked the first weekend we bought it in 2010 (previously-loved) and camped by the dealer. So, I'm assuming with some pressure from the dealer, FR sent us a new window with the weeping holes but we had to pay for the installation. We have had no leaks from the rear window since then, just some serious condensation when we don't have the fan on and the window cracked open when camping. We also have some rain blowing in from between the side windows on to the back walls if we are driving in heavy rain and wind. That problem is ea is easily solved by simply stuffing some paper towel between the blinds and the window to catch the mist/spray. Campkins should be able to make things right for you :) ------------- ChaiPod 2009 RP152 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6 |
Posted By: DerekMc
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2013 at 8:59am
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Just an up-date. The window was replaced on Friday and tested by mother nature Saturday. This mornings inspection showed no leaks.. Thanks Forest River and Campkins. Derek ------------- 2009 RP174 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |