Posted 2013-08-14 8:38 AM (#153998) Subject: Trailer Leaks
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
Hubby and I have been really busy this year and we kept saying we need to get our 2006 trailer in for roof maintenance. Well, the trailer has been sitting unused for awhile. I went to clean it and saw mushrooms growing from the wall by the floor under the table. Also, found a mushy spot on the wall and floor under the bathroom cabinet. I freaked! We pulled back the flooring and put fans on the areas and ran the air until they dried out. I made an appointment for the roof and had it fixed. We have had several down pours since and both areas were bone dry. Now we have to fix the areas, hubby says he has to cut them out etc. He is confident in doing this. I am glad the leaks have stopped but when we saw the leaks I remembered someone on this forum saying to not let your trailer go longer than 5 years for the roof. I think it was Gard but not sure. We will take it in annually to have it checked from now on, lesson well learned!!!! I thank this forum for being so informative!
Posted 2013-08-14 4:04 PM (#154003 - in reply to #153998) Subject: RE: Trailer Leaks
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 544 Location: Claxton, Ga.
I just went through something similar. I noticed a leak in the horse area. My trailer was leaking at the screws that go into the supports. It took a day of cleaning and I re caulked those screws on the whole roof. My pinch rail needs to be redone also. Mine is an 06' as well. The next day that is going to be good weather the pinch rail will be re- caulked also. My skylight over the shower is showing it's age, I will be replacing it also. I re-calked it several years ago when it started looking bad. I am using Dap Silicone II extra flexible as a replacement. I am also getting tired of the major cleaning I have to do each year because the trailer sits outside. I just spent 2 days cleaning the black streaks, washing the roof, and brightening the aluminum. All I have left in that department is a wash and wax. I have help with that part, traded the labor for hauling the sister in-laws new horse home. Boy I sure do need the help in the labor department...LOL
I normally inspect the roof once a year looking for any issues. I just grab the ladder and take a peak. It's easy to do and after all the fun I had when I first bought the trailer, I learned my lesson. Thanks to Don at Dixie Horse & Mule.
Posted 2013-08-16 1:16 PM (#154051 - in reply to #153998) Subject: RE: Trailer Leaks
Member
Posts: 12
Location: Vancouver. WA
I am looking at buying a new trailer. I wonder if there is a specific brand that will tend to leak more than others or what should I look for to help reduce this common problem?Thanks.
Posted 2013-08-17 8:26 AM (#154066 - in reply to #153998) Subject: RE: Trailer Leaks
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 399 Location: Ottawa, Illinois 61350
Most every manufacturer of aluminum horse trailers uses a one piece aluminum roof that is attached to the roof radius pieces (rounded piece that attaches wall to roof); these are rivieted to the roof skin. The seam is than sealed with a roof sealant. The only company that I can think of that doesn't do their roofs that way is Eby. Since they use an aluminum I-beam roof rail; their roof skin has no seams in it whatsoever. It is riveted to the outside flange of the roof rail. Hart and Cimmaron are two companies that don't use aluminum skin for their roofs.
Posted 2013-08-17 9:41 AM (#154068 - in reply to #153998) Subject: RE: Trailer Leaks
Expert
Posts: 2953 Location: North Carolina
Sikaflex caulk has been used twice on my 1999 trailer. Once by Sundowner and once by me. Seems like the caulk on the roof/rail seam lasts about 6 years. And My trailer is under shelter when not in use!
This year I'm trying something different. Eterna bond roof tape. After removing the existing caulk with a wire cup brush in a side grinder, 2 inch wide tape was applied over the seam & rivet heads. I used a caster wheel to press the tape on. Rolling the tape applied more pressure than hand alone. (easy on the hand too) The tape was a lot easier to handle and apply than the caulk. LESS MESS.
If I had it to do over, I would have used 3 inch tape. Not so critical in placement to cover the rivet heads & seam.
I'll see how long this lasts... Eterna bond says 15 years!
Posted 2013-08-17 10:23 AM (#154069 - in reply to #154068) Subject: RE: Trailer Leaks
Veteran
Posts: 203 Location: Lander WY
.....This year I'm trying something different. Eterna bond roof tape. After removing the existing caulk with a wire cup brush in a side grinder, 2 inch wide tape was applied over the seam & rivet heads. I used a caster wheel to press the tape on. Rolling the tape applied more pressure than hand alone. (easy on the hand too) The tape was a lot easier to handle and apply than the caulk. LESS MESS.
If I had it to do over, I would have used 3 inch tape. Not so critical in placement to cover the rivet heads & seam.
I'll see how long this lasts... Eterna bond says 15 years!
>>>> You wont be disappointed with Eterna Bond tape- I have done many trailers and campers with this tape- I have patched awnings with this stuff... It is better than sliced bread....
Trailer Leaks
