testing for leaks

[Finntec]

Ok, this might be a little late, but...
After camping in nice weather with the TD, I want to try camping/traveling in the rain(if needed). I have not dared to test the TD for water proofing for the fear that all the hard work would be lost. But I gotta know if it leaks. What have others done to test if their TD is waterproof and if not; was there any water damage?

[madjack]

...ya got two choices...a water hose or go camping in the rain....a water hose will let ya contol how much water/leakage you may have...camping in the rain means your just stuck...test at home first...
madjack

[Steve_Cox]

Ok, this might be a little late, but...
After camping in nice weather with the TD, I want to try camping/traveling in the rain(if needed). I have not dared to test the TD for water proofing for the fear that all the hard work would be lost. But I gotta know if it leaks. What have others done to test if their TD is waterproof and if not; was there any water damage?

RayandDebby,

Do you think it will leak? My first camping trip turned out to be a leak test as well. 125 miles in the rain, set up camp in the rain, and then it rained 12 more hours. No leaks, it was great. But, I built it so it wouldn't leak, that was the objective, it wasn't just luck, anyway that's my story and I'm stickin to it. Good luck with yours if you need it.

[madjack]

...actually we did the same as Steve. We fiinished at 10PM onna Thursday and left out the next morning for the Beaver's Bend gathering...we were supremely confident in our work because we know we are supremely talented individuals who do suprememly superior work...and that's our story...it's good thing since it rained Sat afternoon/evening/night and a little going home Sun....
madjack

[Nitetimes]

...actually we did the same as Steve. We fiinished at 10PM onna Thursday and left out the next morning for the Beaver's Bend gathering...

Same here only I finished at 9AM Monday and left shortly thereafter at approximately 10AM Monday

we were supremely confident in our work because we know we are supremely talented individuals who do suprememly superior work...
madjack

HEHE Me too... Spent almost 2 hours driving in heavy rain, set up in the rain and spent the following 2 days in the rain.... no leaks!!!!! Damn,I'm good!

[Miriam C.]

Well ya heard from the good builder so I better chime in
I am going to take mine, if I ever get it built, to the nearest
attended car wash and ask them to turn on rinse only. Should
get it from all sides.

Why rinse you ask. Cause I don't want soap in my wood.
Miriam

[vinoscooter]

Leaks...In Wa. St...we like leaks...we expect them...Leaks are better than SLUGS... Don't know what a slug is?...Kind of like OKRA that hasn't been cooked enough..JMO...Actually took the pod to a a car wash...hopeing for the best...Minor leak around both doors, none w/windows....But no leaks w/general use...in rain & hi winds...leaks are better than onions...so iv'e been told...

[asianflava]

My first trip out the trailer leaked like crazy. I wasn't finished so nothing was permanetly mounted. I brought it home ans removed the mattress so it could dry out and left the fantastic fan on for a couple days. In the end everything was OK. I think damage only happens if it stays wet or keeps geting wet before it can dry out.

[PaulC]

Built it and thought I had better check it. Left it out in some thunder storms and 3-4 days of continuous rain. Not one leak. Took it away last weekend and drove home , 3 hours, pouring rain and a saturated mattress. It all came in around the doors so the past week has been spent re-sealing and double checking before we take it out this weekend.
Keeping our fingers crossed as rain is forecast.
Cheers
Paul

[Joseph]

BuilLeft it out in some thunder storms and 3-4 days of continuous rain. Not one leak. Took it away last weekend and drove home , 3 hours, pouring rain and a saturated mattress. It all came in around the doors so the past week has been spent re-sealing and double checking before we take it out this weekend.

That's been my experience along with many others I've talked to - it only leaks when being towed through the rain. One thing you can do - put some heavy-duty plastic sheet under your matress and up over the sides - kind of like a tub but with enough overlap to protect at least part of the top of the mattress from water that might blow in. Then put towels underneath it to soak up the water that gets in. When you stop, you can fold the plastic on top back underneath and out of the way and hang the towels out to dry once the rain stops or take them to the camp laundry if there is one. Just be sure to pull your mattress and dry out the floor thoroughly when you get a chance.

Hope this helps,

Joseph

[PaulC]

Hi Joseph, Thanks for that suggestion. A suggestion made to me last night was that the fiama roof vent would be the main problem. Due to the fact that, even when closed, this vent allows air to circulate we are creating a vacuum effect when driving. So any weak areas in the door seals will allow water to be sucked in. Has anyone else got any thoughts on this?
Cheers
Paul

[Finntec]

Thanks everybody. It was supposed to rain this afternoon. It didnt, so no rain test. ...but it was ok because I painted my foundation and mowed the lawn. Which was good to because I took the TD out of the garage to get the mower out for the 1st time this year. I will have to take Joseph's advice and use the plastic sheet trick. I guess tomorrow afternoon I'll try the hose test. I know the doors will leak when traveling because I can see daylight in the corners. I will have to get better door molding I'm sure. Stay tuned for tomorrow's water test results.

[madjack]

I know the doors will leak when traveling because I can see daylight in the corners. I will have to get better door molding I'm sure

...just my opinion ya understand but if you can see daylight, do something about it now... before a water test...weatherstipping is CHEAP, at least add enough to close off the daylight....
madjack

[Steve_Cox]

I still keep plastic trashbags under the mattress so I can pull them up over the bedding when it rains... Just cause it didn't leak the first time don't mean nothin. Also have the left overs on the rolls of weather stripping handy, and a roll of duct tape too just in case.

[Micro469]

Hey Mike... The LIL DINER door design... Does it leak at all??? Just wondering because it's different than most other designs....

Steve, you can chime in too......