Seeking Help for Water Intrusion in Grand Design RV Issues

Question to Dustin and others. We have a 2020 GD Solitude 380FL, with a water intrusion/leak in my living room slides during really hard rains/storms. Front corner on one slide and back corner on the opposite slide. I will add some pics for context. I ran across one of your RV Travel articles in Grand Design RV Owners in the RV shop with Dustin. I’m wondering what you guys think about this proposed fix.

Or am I just looking at doing seal inspection slide and/or full reseal with RV silicon.
I’m looking at calling a mobile tech because are we full-timer’s, the leak was noticed after we had the rig washed by a team and yes they used power wash. We had hard rains prior to this and never noticed the leak and I don’t believe it was going unnoticed but you never know.

The floor board is not soft (yet). I’ve read a lot this needs to be addressed right away. What I’ve never heard is how long it actually takes for the floor boards to turn soft. Note I had one tech look at it aleady. He inspected it all and added some extra sealing where he thought it was needed but that didn’t stop it.

FYI saw another post where some one was saying that GD was well aware of the base floor leak and had a solution. Note I contacted GD Support (note I’m second owner) and this was their response. (GD reply) I am not aware of a recommended fix for slide leaks other than the concern would have to be diagnosed at a service center to determine cause of water intrusion.

I’m not trying to rag on GD. I just wanted to pass along. Just looking for input to see where I go from here. Thanks GD owners.

Dustin’s Reply

A crucial part of RV maintenance that often gets overlooked is inspecting the exterior body sealant. Keeping an eye on this can save you from costly repairs down the road. Here’s some advice on where to look and what to check:

Roof Seams and Edges

Where to Look: Inspect along the edges where the roof meets the sidewalls, front and rear caps, and around any roof openings like vents, skylights, and air conditioners.
What to Check: Look for any cracks, gaps, or signs of the sealant pulling away. Water leaks often start here, so it’s vital to catch any issues early.

Windows and Doors

Where to Look: Check around all windows, entry doors, and any exterior storage compartments.
What to Check: Examine the sealant for any gaps, cracks, or peeling. Water can easily seep into your RV through these areas, leading to interior damage.

Slide-Out Seals

Where to Look: Inspect the seals around your slide-outs, both when they are extended and retracted.
What to Check: Make sure the sealant is intact and doing its job. Pay special attention to the corners where leaks are most likely to occur.

Body Seams

Where to Look: Check the seams where different panels of the RV body meet, such as at the front and rear caps, sidewalls, and underbelly.
What to Check: Look for any separation or cracks in the sealant. These seams can flex while traveling, so it’s important to ensure the sealant remains flexible and intact.

Awning and Accessories

Where to Look: Inspect around the mounts for your awnings, ladders, and any other exterior accessories attached to the RV.
What to Check: Make sure the sealant around these areas is still secure, as movement and wind can cause it to wear down over time.

Utility Connections

Where to Look: Check around your utility hookups—water, sewer, electric, and cable.
What to Check: Look for any gaps or cracks in the sealant around these connections. They’re often exposed to the elements, so it’s essential to keep them sealed.

Tips:

Regular Inspections: Do a thorough inspection at least a couple of times a year. It’s also a good idea to check after a long trip or if you’ve been in extreme weather conditions.
Use the Right Sealant: If you find any issues, make sure to use a sealant that’s compatible with your RV’s materials. Self-leveling sealants are great for horizontal surfaces like roofs, while non-sag sealants work well on vertical surfaces.
Keep an Eye on Aging: Sealants don’t last forever. If they start to dry out, crack, or peel, it’s time to remove the old sealant and apply a fresh layer.

By staying on top of these inspections, you can help prevent leaks and other issues that can cause major headaches later on. It’s a small effort that goes a long way in keeping your RV in great shape.