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Old 08-09-2009, 02:52 PM   #1
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Leaking penthouse top

3rd summer on our SMB and now have 2 leaks. It seems to be leaking in where the penthouse top is attached to the van body. Leaking on both sides of the van.
Anyway to solve the problem other than going to SMB and have it fixed. The drive for us
is 6 hours going through Chicago.
Will contact SMB Huntington tomorrow but wondreing if any others have had a problem with
rain leaking in? We where not happy campers this weekend. Rained both Fri. and Sat. night.

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Old 08-10-2009, 06:36 AM   #2
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

We do have leaks at window corners. The "canvas" has pockets (by design) in the lower corners. The sewing leaves pin holes at each stitch and when it rains in the right direction and puts water in those corner pockets (ie: water traps) we will get a few onces of water coming in and laying on the penthouse ledge. Some time I will get seam sealer at a camping store (REI) and seal all those pin holes.

Real old cotton canvas would also have pin holes (all cloth does) at each stitch but cotton canvas swells when it gets wet and seals the holes so no leaks.

Not sure if this is what you are talking about. SMB put LOTS of that black sticky caulk along the bottom of our penthouse when it was installed and we have not had any leaks there. I would think that the lower joints would be fairly robust against water leaking in.
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Old 08-10-2009, 02:56 PM   #3
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

We did check the seams between the bungee cords and the frame and you could see light through when shining a flashlight on the seam. Did get some seal seaming stuff and will apply that and hope this solves the problem.
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Old 08-10-2009, 03:04 PM   #4
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

I have always been able to see light coming through the seams but have never had water come through. Maybe SMB uses a clear sealant. Actually I didn't think they used anything.
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Old 08-10-2009, 10:56 PM   #5
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

Mine has visible sealant between the canvas and the van roof in the back corners. Not sure who applied it.
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Old 03-19-2011, 04:46 AM   #6
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

I'm trying to figure out how to plug this hole in my top. From listening to this and other posts I should be able to just fill this in with some butyl sealer?
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Old 03-19-2011, 10:23 AM   #7
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

Quote:
Originally Posted by louie
I'm trying to figure out how to plug this hole in my top. From listening to this and other posts I should be able to just fill this in with some butyl sealer?
Yes butyl sealer will work great for that. Just beware that stuff is sticky! SMB uses it to seal the PH down onto the van. On mine on hot days it gets all sticky and then gets onto the canvas of the PH and makes a real mess. I have since lined the bottom seal with blue painters tape so it doesn't get onto the canvas anymore. The blue tape has lasted a year now even through many winter camping sessions with lots of snow.
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Old 03-19-2011, 10:47 AM   #8
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

Quote:
Originally Posted by Roonie
Quote:
Originally Posted by louie
I'm trying to figure out how to plug this hole in my top. From listening to this and other posts I should be able to just fill this in with some butyl sealer?
Yes butyl sealer will work great for that. Just beware that stuff is sticky! SMB uses it to seal the PH down onto the van. On mine on hot days it gets all sticky and then gets onto the canvas of the PH and makes a real mess. I have since lined the bottom seal with blue painters tape so it doesn't get onto the canvas anymore. The blue tape has lasted a year now even through many winter camping sessions with lots of snow.
Can you repair/reform butyl with a hairdryer or something? Like pull up that corner, get everything nice and sticky and push it all back together in a seal?
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Old 03-23-2011, 09:48 PM   #9
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

So where do you guys get your butyl sealant? Any specific brand you recommend? Went to home depot and they said they don't carry it. Many thanks.
L
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Old 03-23-2011, 09:58 PM   #10
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Re: Leaking penthouse top

Quote:
Originally Posted by louie
So where do you guys get your butyl sealant? Any specific brand you recommend? Went to home depot and they said they don't carry it. Many thanks.
L
Try McMaster Carr. An evil place that causes you to buy lots of stuff you didn't know you needed.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#


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