I have an Elddis Sunseeker 180 and my rear window is leaking.If it's fully closed the water runs down the inside of the window from the top in 2 places and settles on the bottom of the frame and eventually runs down everywhere else.If I leave it slightly open then the water runs straight out again but that is starting to cause issues with damp whilst parked up for the winter.I've cleaned all the seals with a toothbrush and soapy water and can't see any obvious leaking signs or damaged seals.
Do I need to remove the window and replace seals or can I just reseal around the windows? Can I get a recommendation for a Sealant aswell please
Hello Sunseeker and welcome.
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We had a Sunseeker 150, our first motorhome in 2008, so I would imagine that it is a large window?. The Sunseeker name is a dealer 'brand' and Elddis are the manufacturers. The same 180 both inside and out but different 'decals' on the body work, made as a dealer special.
Firstly, do you have a bike rack on the back of the van? We were told not to put a rack on ours. So we bought fold up bikes, and put them in the overcab. The way motor homes are built has changed in that time and I am certain that 'we' need to know what year the vehicle is please. The problem needs to be addressed quite quickly to be honest as penetrating water is a definite No No. In the mean time tape a sheet of polythene onto the body work above the window and cover it completely, to keep the water off that leaking seal. Good Luck with the task.
I recently had the same problem with my van. In heavy rain I noticed a single drop of rain run down the inside of the habitation side window. Later examining the seals all appeared OK. So still not happy about it I ran a very thin bead of clear silicone across the tops of all of the habitation windows reinforcing the seal between the van body and the window frame. Have had lots of heavy rains since and no sign of any leaks. With careful application the repair is not noticeable and if looked for appears as an original factory finish.
On my previous van an Autosleeper Executive I removed the side windows and frames and resealed them. It’s a common problem for monocoque bodied van window frames to leak. It’s not a difficult job to do if you are a reasonable DIYer. You can get mastic sealing strips from glazing companies or plumbers merchants as it’s the same mastic strip used for bedding sinks into worktops.
I only have caravan experience but the windows are much the same. As a short term fix you could try squeezing some proper sealant, (definitely not silicone) below the external rubber seal and press the seal back down. Longer term, buy a new length of rubber sealant, pre filled with mastic and staple it in place. Not expensive and well within the capability of a DIYer.
Noted from above. The rubber seals tend not to need any sealant. They normally need to be replacing if they split. Leakage from the top edge of the windows are mostly frame to body above where the windows hinge.
Quote: Originally posted by Plumbo on 15/12/2019
Noted from above. The rubber seals tend not to need any sealant. They normally need to be replacing if they split. Leakage from the top edge of the windows are mostly frame to body above where the windows hinge.
Yeah agreed, but I said “temporary fix” - ie to stop the leak until a new seal can be fitted. Might not even be that type of window / seal of course.
If there’s a window hanging rail, it should be resealed at the same time. I’d use a mastic strip for that personally.
Hi everyone and thanks very much for everybody's advice.
I've had a hectic couple of weeks but finally got time yesterday to remove the window hinge, remove old Sealant and re-seal / re-fit the hinge. Hopefully that has sorted out the problem. Time will tell over the next few days when we get some rain.