Fixing some hatch seal issues - need advice

[italianub]

Hey everyone!

You can see the attached photos of my hatch fully closed. In these photos you might notice that my hatch closes just fine vertically, but on my angled area, it is not quite so closed. There isn't a "gap" but the seal isn't compressed nearly enough to form a true seal.

Should I add some wood? Should I add some more D-seal on the top? What can I add?

I need some help to make sure this is fully waterproof. For the most part, the seal is compressed enough to ensure water-tight-seal, but on these particular areas, it looks like the seal isn't compressed enough.

In addition, I have added two photos of where my hinge sits, there are gaps there too, on each side. If you can let me know what I can use to keep the water out of there as well, it would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[Pmullen503]

Honestly, I would add gutters on the inside to catch any water that gets past the seal and channel it out.

Seals will eventually fail and leak. Imagine driving at 75 mph through a rainstorm. In the turbulent air behind a trailer, water will come at those seals at all angles.

It looks like the angle of the hatch is slightly different than the angle of the side. You could shim the side or remove the D seal and shim the top to get the seal more uniformly compressed.

 

[pchast]

You are trying to compress a gasket. Its often a loosing proposition that takes greater power than you can apply uniformly for the total length. I assume you tested the cover without the gasket to find an even gap. One approach now is to use several 'over-center' style tightening latches.

This causes many to use gutters and crickets to redirect inevitable leaks, as has been suggested. Although, leaks can still be a perpetual problem with mobile constructions..

I've thought to suggest in the future gasketing be designed to interface with the side of a cover and opening instead of needing compression in opposition to the door's closing.

 

[Tony Latham]

it looks like the seal isn't compressed enough.

Close it with a dollar bill on those points and see how hard it is to pull out, or turn your hatch light on and examine the seal after dark, looking for a sliver of light.

You may be chasing a problem that doesn't exist. Any compression will form a seal. If you must add material, I might suggest an 1/8" gasket first.

Yotache Foam Weather Stripping Seal Tape 3 Rolls 1/2" W X 1/8" T for Doors and Windows Gasket Insulation Soundproofing, 50 Ft Length (3 X 16.5 Ft Each) - Amazon.com

Tony