Water Leaks: The first step when any leak occurs is isolating the leak, That is, find our where and what exactly is leaking. Leaks may often occur in one spot, and the water travels underneath the insulation an appears in another spot. Always dry any wet areas that occur as a result of a leak as soon as possible. Sometimes this requires a fan or extra ventilation. Leaks should be repaired as soon as possible.
1. Window leaks: A window may leak in two different ways A) around the seal of the window, which is repaired by removing the window and installing a new seal or by caulking with silicone sealant. B) Windows may leak through the unit itself, which is usually caused by the weep holes being plugged. This is repaired by cleaning the weep holes. Sometimes a drill bit is required to successfully accomplish this.
2. Other exterior leaks.
A. Roof vents: If the lid is cracked causing a leak it should be replaced. Leaking through the frame of the vent requires caulking
B. Rivet leaks: May be repaired by recaulking with silicone caulk. If leak persists may require replacing.
C. Belly band: Caulk the whole band as leaks tend to travel.
D. Other appliance leaks: Usually caulking will repair.
3. Appliance leaks. Usually recaulking solves these problems. In very heavy weather with much rain and straight-line winds, the vents on the refrigerator may let water through into the refrigerator cabinet. These vents are mandatory for warranty purposes. This should not be a common recurring problem.
4. Interior Leaks
A. Fitting leaks: Tighten hose clamps or replace if necessary. If fitting is bad replace.
B. Water line leaks: Usually indicates a damaged hose. Replace.
C. Interior appliance or pump leaks. Usually means appliance is damaged, often as a result of not being properly winterized. Generally requires replacement.
D. Toilet leaks: 1) Around base of toilet. May have a poor seal or the tank may have been damaged in some manner. 2) Flush valve. Usually means valve has frozen and broke. When this valve leaks usually requires replacement.
E. Sink or shower trap leaks: Normally indicates trap has been damaged and requires replacement.
Electrical Problems: result of poor contact, poor ground , bad contacts on connectors, blown fuses or defective power supply. Often a test light is required to locate problem. Always separate trailer from tow vehicle when diagnosing 12 volt wiring problems, to determine whether problem exists in trailer or tow vehicle.
120 volt problems:
1. Check power supply
2. Make sure breakers are “ON” in breaker box in trailer.
3. Check power cord for conductivity and good connection to breaker box.
4. Check ground.
5. Check for direct short.
12 volt problems.
1. No power from 12 volt battery
A. Fuse under front bunk or at the battery box is bad.
B. Battery low on charge, defective, or not being correctly charged.
C. Ground is defective.
2. No power from tow vehicle
A. Check battery fuse on tow vehicle
B. Determine if car or trailer connector is corroded and non-conductive. (Spray with WD-40 to prevent corrosion)
C. If brake lights do not work check brake light switch.
3. 12 volt running and signal light problems.
A. Check bulbs
B. Check ground
C. Check car and trailer end connectors
D. Check wire connectors
4. Converter problems.
A. Check 120 volt power supply to converter.
B. Check ground
C. Check fuses located in front of the converter.
D. Check individual lines with test light if individual appliances do not work.
5. Appliance electrical problems.
A. Check power to appliance.
B. Check ground.
C. Check wire connections.
D. If all above check out properly then appliance may have interior problems that will require repair.
Fiberglass Problems: Fiberglass is easily repairable. Fiberglass boat repair facilities and auto body shops all can do fiberglass work. Most auto parts stores carry fiberglass repair kits.
To repair:
1) prepare surface to be repaired.
2) repair with strips or patch as required.
3) let fiberglass set up completely.
4) sand smooth as needed for painting.
5) paint
6) buff out paint after it completely sets up.
Stress cracks(small hairline cracks in paint), may appear in gelcoat eventually but do not cause structural damage. They are a result of stress on the body usually occurring after some years of use.
Appliance problems: Consult specific appliance manuals.