Need help with leak

[Brenda Ferrell]

Developed a leak in the front corner of the Fantastic fan on the front
of my '05 Scamp 5r deluxe. Inside oak frame around the fan discolored
and split at the corner where the leak appears to be coming from. I
climbed up and looked at the roof. Caulking looked good without any
obvious cracks, etc. Pulled the inside frame of the fan down, but still
do not see any place it could be leaking. Any thoughts or ideas how to
proceed with identifying and fixing the leak?

[Gina D.]

They are hard to chase. I would pull it and reinstall with proper sealing materials (Butyl etc) anyway, even if all "looked" good.

You will have to do that anyway, even if you find it.

Replaceing the cracked part would do you good too.

[Greg A]

I thought I had a leak in the vent which started dripping from the corner similar to yours. Was condensation collecting on the inside of the vent cover.

[Brenda Ferrell]

Thanks Gina and Greg for your replies. I'm hoping it is condensation as this will be an easy fix (open window) as opposed to pulling the fan. I recaulked a couple of the screw heads and will see what happens. Thanks again.

[Martin D]

Brenda, I had a leak in the same area as yourself and tried a number of fixes without success over a period of several months and with much frustration. I finally determined the leak or water was entering around the hinge area of the Fantastic fan. I contacted the company (they are very responsive) and they said it is very possible to have a leak where the hinge assembly is joined with the frame. They offered to completely recondition and return postpaid (even though the unit was over three years old) if I would remove and ship the fan to them. I ultimately decide to install one of the after-market fan covers that mounts over the fan. This completely shields the hinge and the problem was resolved. Cost of cover was about $30.00-- easier than removal and reinstall. I doubt very much your leak is condensation. Martin

[Brenda Ferrell]

Thanks Martin. I have cosidered this as I had a MaxxAir cover on my Casita and loved it. I installed it myself and thought it was an easy job, even for a novice "Modder" as I consider myself. I'm still in the "see if this works" stage, but the cover is #1 on my list if all else fails.

[Donna D.]

If the problem is truly the hinge, then the MaxxAir cover is a simple solution. However, if you're not absolutely certain that's where the leak is coming from... then the cover may force the water into a different area with a different flow path and you might not find the area leaking for many moons... like until the floor gets spongy in a corner. You're always far better off tracking down the leak than trying to disguise it. Perhaps the inconvenience and time spent now will prevent a bigger inconvenience, time and DOLLARS spent later

[Martin D]

I agree with Donna - it is important to find the actual leak point. I would mask off the entire vent assy where it is sealed to the roof. I would then take a large cooking baster or syringe and carefully apply water to the hinge area and determine if water appears inside after a period of time. If the inside trim or frame can be easily removed it will enhance finding the water entry point. Martin