Wet weather can spoil any camper vacation whether leaks are not rectified.
Camper tops are susceptible to leaking at a change of points. Roofs might leak sorrounding seams such as where the difficult cap joins leaf roofing, or encircling vents and roof-top air conditioners. Siding might leak under trim, which appears to be decorative on the other hand hides joins between panels, or above windows and doors. There might be a leak where the camper top joins the sides of the Motor lorry Bedstead, or on the angled borderline remain the cab of your 1979 Ford Bronco. This problem is aggravated if the camper top is frequently removed and replaced. Prompt and effective repair is essential to maintaining the integrity and value of the camper top.
Instructions
1. Check the weather forecast. If rain is a possibility, and if the project cannot be undertaken in an enclosed space, cover the camper top with a tarp and wait until a clear day.
2. Use a garden hose to determine whether the leak is at the join between the camper top and the sides of the truck bed, which can be damaging to both units. Ensure the clamps and/or bolts are locked down as tightly as possible. If the problem persists, replace the rubber gaskets on the underside of the camper top. Most home improvement stores sell foam weather-stripping with doubled-sided adhesive tape already attached. The largest width with the thickest foam might well cure the leak.
3. Identify the source of a roof leak by first checking around the suspect area for repairs done by previous owners, because this is the likely point of failure. Check around vents, hatches and extractor fans. Hinge screws are prone to leaking. Remove trim and transition strips that cover joins between panels if nothing is apparent. Clean the area where the tape is to be used with a dewaxing solvent such as acetone. Bridge the microsealant tape across both edges of the leak evenly either side of the opening. Press all air bubbles out from under the tape.
This will identify where repairs are required.
5. Dry the substrate completely. Test the substrate for permanent damage. If the substrate is porous after drying out, it is wet rotted and must be repaired.
6. Replace the outer skin over sound substrate. Use four-inch microsealant tape to bridge the site of the leak. Microsealant tape was originally designed for use as an underwater repair and has a lifetime warranty. The product is available in widths of up to four feet, which can be used effectively to reseal an entire roof if the exact source of a leak cannot be pinpointed.
7. Check around the transition between a rigid roof cap, most commonly made of fiberglass, and the top of the siding. Extendable camper tops made for 1979 Ford Broncos often fail where the rigid sides join the concertina panels under the flat roof.4. Look for a damp substrate, or even ponding beneath the outer skin.
8. Reinstall any trim necessary to maintain the look of the vehicle. Driving screws through microsealant tape will not create new leaks because the tape will adhere to the screw shanks and form an impermeable seal.
