[VAL] RE: water leak

["Dial, Robert [SFOEG]" <RJ.Dial@xxxxxxxxxx>]

The way a leak occurs is that the water comes through some gap in the outer exterior shell, 
runs down the inside of the outer skin into the U channel on the floor that separates the 
outer & inner skin.  It then runs either fore or aft to the first opening it finds in the U 
channel.  In this case there's one by the door frame, hence the leak.

Now, to find the leak.  An Airstream will almost never leak at a skin seam or lap unless it 
has been damaged.  The goo that is used at these seam overlaps when the shell is fabricated 
is impenetrable.  The most common leak sources are exterior fixtures (antennas, tie-backs, 
etc.) and lights.  Second where the frames enters and exits the exterior shell, and next are 
window gaskets.  

You almost need to go over every inch of the trailer, pretending that you are water drop, 
running downhill from the top the trailer, looking for a way in.  Don't forget the top of 
the trailer, with the vents, antennas, etc.  An air conditioner can hide some nasty water 
leaks with water supply tubing entering the skin, etc.

Avoid the temptation to try and seal everything up with sealant unless you are sure it is 
the source of the leak, or unless you are using a syringe and vulkem sealant and the smallest 
of beads.  Nothing is worse than a trailer goobered up with silicone...

Best of luck,
RJ Dial
VintageAirstream.com