Posted 2011-02-24 7:00 AM (#130701) Subject: Cherokee trailer leak in LQ
Member
Posts: 7
Location: Denton, TX
Having recently purchased a 4-year old Cherokee Tomahawk, I've learned that when it rains, water leaks through the carpeted walls (Outlaw conversion package) on the left side of the nose (just to the right side of the window). A trailer repair company told me yesterday that those are very difficult to repair, sometimes impossible as Cherokees are not very good trailers (he's seen this problem before in another Cherokee) and that it was probably a bad rivet. I am now reluctant to spend $$ on attempted repair--and end up with no good result. The first time I noticed it, I used a wet-dry vac, removing about a gallon of water from the carpet. Currently management consists of placing bath towels on the floor of the nose next to the leaking area and leaving the mattress propped up so it doesn't absorb the considerable amount of moisture (two bath towels end up completely saturated), then removing the towels when the weather clears. The carpet eventually dries. I am calling the Cherokee mfg. plant today for their suggestion, but I'd like feedback from others who have had this problem. Thank you.
Posted 2011-02-24 8:42 AM (#130705 - in reply to #130701) Subject: RE: Cherokee trailer leak in LQ
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Leaks can br difficult to find. The most successful way to find one, is to pressurise the inside of the LQ using a blower motor mounted on a piece of plywood, whilst temporarly affixed to a window. Soapy water is applied to the trailer's exterior surface, and whenever a bubble is noted, your leak source is located.
The leaks can be found at rivit and screw locations, metal joints, roofing transitions, marker lamps, windows and doors. Anywhere the roofing or sidewall surface is pierced, can effect a leak.
Posted 2011-02-24 8:53 AM (#130706 - in reply to #130701) Subject: RE: Cherokee trailer leak in LQ
I just have to say "shame on that dealer" for saying Cherokee does not make a good trailer. That is just not being truthful. THere is no call for any dealer to run down any brand. Just find the leak and fix it or say you can't. Most brands are built the same up top re the roof seal anyway. It is also quite common for any brand to develope a leak. None are immune. I am not a Cherokee dealer. DON SMITH, OWNER, DHMCO
Posted 2011-02-24 12:41 PM (#130720 - in reply to #130701) Subject: RE: Cherokee trailer leak in LQ
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330
Location: northeast Texas
Thank you Don and I agree. We have a Cherokee Super Chief and have been very pleased with the quality. Have pulled it thousands of miles over the last year. First one went through a bad wreck that totally smashed my truck but the trailer survived remarkably well and protected my horse. Cherokee also makes mobile medical units and RV's. Its very possible that the leak is from the roof needing to be resealed, or recalked, specially on a 4 yo trailer. Our trailer is an 08 and just this weekend we were discussing taking it in this summer to have it recalked on top and all the seals around vents and such redone. We have no leaks, but it does need periodic maintenance. I would find a different trailer repair company and have them actually look at the trailer. We have had wonderful service from the Cherokee plant in Oklahoma CIty the few times we have needed them. After our wreck they offered to build us a new trailer at cost. Over the phone on current trailer they helped pinpoint a blown fuse issue, and just recently our lighted glass door handle broke. Our warranty has expired but Josh (parts manager) said he had never heard of one breaking and must be a defect in the glass, so he shipped us a new one free of charge. Great people. Great high middle end trailer.