Rear window leaking on 179
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=8297
Printed Date: 21 May 2024 at 5:22pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Rear window leaking on 179
Posted By: Pmorris1
Subject: Rear window leaking on 179
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2016 at 12:25pm
|
Has anyone had a problem with there rear window leaking in there 179? Water is coming in on my kitchen counter. Looks like its leaking at the glass where it sets in the rubber
|
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2016 at 10:49pm
|
Check the screws around the frame. I noticed that several of them in my 179 were loose. Also, the rear window had been caulked, but whoever did it did a lousy job. I recently redid it. Instead of using the "clear" silicone, I got a tube of black silicone and was careful to caulk and clean up around it so that the finished job looks much better. This is a design problem. Forest River is mounting a flat window on a curved surface. Because of the curvature, it is hard to get the seal pulled up tightly all the way around. ------------- 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: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2016 at 11:22pm
| Thank you. I will check the screws. Did you just run a bead of caulk around the window frame on the outside? It looks like there is a clear silacone actoss the top and half way down the sides. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2016 at 7:04am
|
Yes. I removed the original silicone, which had gaps and holes. Then I cleaned it up with rubbing alcohol. I tightened the screws. The ones at the top right (looking from inside) were the ones that were loose. When looking from the outside, it was evident that the window rubber seal was not pulled in evenly all the way across. I made sure all the screws were tight, then did the silicone caulking. From what I understand, it is best to do as was done and caulk the top and sides but leave the bottom open. Forest River might have done better to put two windows, one on each side and left the back wall intact rather than putting a flat window on a curved surface. Alternately, they should find a way to make that part of the back wall flat so that the window isn't being mounted to a curved surface. That is, unless they can find a way to make the frame curved to sit against the wall better. ------------- 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: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2016 at 5:07pm
| Do you no if there is any type of sealant used in the window cutout before they install the rear window? Or is the silacone around the outside all they use |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2016 at 6:36pm
|
I think it's just a compressed rubber seal. If I had one leaking out of warranty, I would clean it up and put a nice fat bead of silicone on the outside on both loops of the frame. You have nothing to lose and more often then not, it works great. What kind of shape is your spoiler seal in? If it's anything like mine, it's pulling away from the roof between the fasteners. The spoiler profile looks like a ruffles potato chip. If so, don't over look the possibility that it's related to your leak. Also, what's the condition of the roof seal where it meets the side walls? Good luck! Have fun!
 ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2016 at 6:49pm
| My 179 is a 2015 just 13 monts old, but out of warranty. Thats the first i have heard about a problem with the spoiler. I better check that. Thanks for your suggestions I appreciate your feed back. Have a nice holiday. Phil |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2016 at 9:08am
|
I don't have a leak, but will check the spoiler also. The sticker by the door states that all seals should be inspected every 90 days. I guess that is part of the checking.
------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2016 at 9:11am
|
Yes, we have had Podders verify that a breached spoiler seal can result in an inside leak. Presumably through the fastener penetrations and/or the passage way for the brake light leads. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2016 at 6:19pm
|
Ditto! should check all the areas on a regular basis.
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2016 at 5:24pm
| I picked me up a Torx screwdriver today to check all the screws holding the window in. More than half of the screws were loose. Some really loose. After i tightened them really tight i ran a bead of quality caulk across the top and down the sides of the window. Not the bottom. I won't no how successful i got until it rains again. We are in a state park right now, so no hose to try it out. They are calling for rain in two days. I'll post then how my results came out. I would suggest anyone with a 179 to check those screws, even if they have not had a problem |
Posted By: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 10:42am
| Just wanted to update my water leak. It is still leaking after I tightened the screws and recaulked. When I returned from my camping trip I had my wife use the hose to spray the window outside while I watched inside. The water is dripping from the top of the window frame on the inside. I measured the distance from the side to where it was dripping. Went outside and used my measurement . It came to where there is a vertical joint in the outside window frame. Are all the 179 rear window frames made with this joint? Seems the frame should be a solid piece, not have a seam. At least the joint or seam should be at the bottom not the top. Maybe my window was installed upside down. Any feedback |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 11:25am
This is a good question for your dealer. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 11:34am
|
+1
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 3:07pm
| The dealer I purchased it from will not answer any questions because they told me it is now two months out of warranty. All they will say is bring it in and will repair it for a price. I ask forest river if they would cover the repair under warranty. I was turned down. I wish I had never purchased this Rpod. What terrible quality control. They no of problems and they keep building them the same way year after year. That panel below your fridge that hides some wiring, it's held on with two screws which strip out and the panel falls off. Going down the road that panel vibrates, and moves because it's not secured at the bottom. They should use like a piano hinge at the top to hang it so all the weight and movement isn't on the two screws.the screws don't even screw into wood. |
Posted By: Nugget
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 9:21pm
|
We are really new owners and have not had any leaks...yet. When we picked up our 179 a couple weeks ago I was surprised that all of the caulk has been finished with a human finger. Having always been boaters we know that the finger method leaves a very thin surface on the edges. This thin edge very quickly starts to fail and spreads into the joint. There are very inexpensive caulk tools that will make a perfect caulk bead that will last.
I plan on removing all caulk with 3M caulk remover, one area at a time. Probably about 10 hours of work. As for the window, It should be set with polybutal . It does not appear to be? Polybutal will not leak if properly installed, even with the curved surface. Other than that we love the unit and look forward to years of dry camping. |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 7:10pm
|
If it has been leaking during the warranty period and you did nothing then I would wonder why? If it didn't start leaking until the warranty period is up then how is it the manufacturer's fault?
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 11:21pm
|
Mine also has a vertical joint at the top right (looking at it from outside), and does not leak. Are there horizontal slots on the outside frame? Are they at the top or bottom? They should be at the bottom. If they are at the top, then the window was indeed installed upside-down. Check also to make sure they are not clogged. They are to drain any water that may get into the frame. If someone caulked the bottom of the window, these might have gotten plugged, which would prevent water from draining. ------------- 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: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2016 at 12:15pm
| Let me get this straight. So your saying forest river only has to build an Rpod with enough Quality to last for 12 months. Then at 14 months we the consumer just except poor quality. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2016 at 12:35pm
|
No. He said that if it was leaking during the warranty period, you should have taken it in to the dealer and had it fixed. It does not matter if it is a new car, a new boat, a new computer, or a new travel trailer. Once it is outside the warranty period, repairs are your responsibility.
------------- 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: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2016 at 2:54pm
| So if the motor in your new car thru a rod with 1000 miles past your warranty, you would not complain, and just go ahead and buy a new engine? For your info the window did not leak during the 12 months. It just started to leak at 14 months and only 5 times camping. Turns out the window was installed upside down. So your saying I should just except that and not complain. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2016 at 3:35pm
|
Out of warranty is out of warranty. Now, if you can document that it was improperly installed (pictures would help), then i would think that you should pursue this with Forest River. If the dealer from whom you purchased it can also document that the window was improperly installed, it might help. However, Forest River is under no obligation to pay for out-of-warranty repairs. If they did so, it would be their choice.. I had to pay for some auto repairs that were just outside the warranty period. Should I have complained to Ford? Should Ford have covered it because it was just outside the warranty period? Ford did not pay. I had to. When you say the window was installed upside-down, are you verifying that the drainage slots are at the top instead of the bottom (the small, horizontal slots, not the single vertical seam)? ------------- 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: Pmorris1
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2016 at 3:47pm
| God Bless you and your Wisdom. Have a nice life |
Posted By: densmorema
Date Posted: 26 Jul 2016 at 11:19am
| check the rear spoiler above the window, when I was checking things out on top I noticed the caulk had open cracks which might let water in. Took it to the dealership under warranty and they put more screws in because there was not enough and re caulked the seam. so far nock on wood I have not had any problems. |