Repairing My Aliner Trailer Part 2 - Water Leaks and Weather Stripping

[@jtrawls1]

I know you switched Campers some time back but I still have my 2005 Aliner and it's still in good condition. I've just now gotten to the point where i have to weather strip the Camper, so this video was a BIG help. Acutally all of your videos have been a big help. Thank you!

[@bluejeans8001]

Hopefully, the manufacturer/product designer watches your vids. Really very well thought out fixes.

[@susannminall7456]

I love your sense of humor.

[@carpenter1274]

Because of you slim I am now looking into buying a aliner. 👍

[@larriettausa]

You are so clever Slim👍🏻

[@davecampbell4873]

Hey there Slim. Love your videos. They are humorous and very informative. I purchased the square caps for the spring casings at Lowe’s ($1.98 for a 2 pack, black or brown available). Thanks for sharing. Dave in Arkansas.

[@dennisdavidson3826]

Cool I have a A liner it's a 1999 model only been slept in six times it has the inside shower and toilet garage kept I will keep this fix in mind Thanks for posting

[@michaelcolloton6971]

I had the same issue with my '04, but only on the right rear. I fixed mine a little differently than you did, but I definitely used closed-cell foam and rubber. Only three more corners to go. Thanks, Slim!

[@sgetty6674]

where did you find the correct size of closed cell foam, having trouble

[@johnbarbuto5387]

We also have leaks at the corners of our Aliner Classic; but, it doesn't come from the situation you have defined. And, I think I have figured it out. The roof of the Aliner is a "sandwich" material consisting of a central foam with a rigid fiberglass-type material on both sides. The outside edges of the roof have been enclosed in a "C" shaped aluminum extrusion. And, one would think that this extrusion had been glued to the "sandwich". However, apparently this is not so. The way I can tell is that we have leaks at the corners of the "downhill" side of the trailer when it is in storage. And, these leaks are coming from the corners where the aluminum enclosed roof meets the roof hinge (close to where the springs are, as he discussed in this video). I have pictures which show the water dripping from this location (which I will put in a video on this subject when I get the video made). It appears that what happens is that the external part of the "C" extrusion has been theoretically and temporarily "waterproofed" by putting a bead of silicone on the exterior of the roof where it meets the extrusion during manufacture. However, over time this either shrinks or the aluminum pulls away from it, producing a tiny gap between the silicone and the extrusion. Then, in a rain, as water runs to the "downhill" side of the roof and comes to the extrusion apparently the water is "wicked" under the extrusion. It then gets into the space between the roof "sandwich' and the extrusion, and then runs to the lowest part of the trailer. Thus, in the end, when our trailer is in storage on our driveway (and when it is not covered) a small-but-significant amount of water leaks to the inside of the trailer - enough to soak anything pushed up against the inside corner (such as a blanket and a pillow in our case - which needed to be discarded due to mold). The water also soaks the material which hangs over the roof hinge, leaving stains after it has dried. I am hoping that the solution will be to use some thin cyanoacrylate glue to "wick" into the layer between the roof "sandwich" and the aluminum extrusion. (I will do this for all of the exposed parts of the extrusion.) However, we live where it snows and that task may be for the spring, or at least a warm, dry day. Hope this helps someone. I'll make a video when weather permits and report on whether my "fix" actually worked.

[@Love2TravelAway]

Is there anything you can’t do to your Aliner your a Genius

[@steveo1726]

Slim, I would like to suggest that the cause of the leak is due to the seal on the roof for when the camper is closed. When the camper is open, it creates a channel/gutter for the water on the roof and it flows to the edge, down the side, and due to surface tension flows down the slim edge of the aluminum side down to the corner, where it hits the trim and flows into the corner on the inside of the camper. Like it did with our camper! I trimmed the upper edge of the roof seal flat and created a few "channels" in the foam and put stops at each end. I also improved the seals like you did. But, getting rid of 99% of the water in the first place, we have had no problems. Now, however, I have a leak on the left side of the door and the top of the counter gets soaking wet and I'm completely baffled by where the water is getting in! Do they make a camper that doesn't leak?!

[@amberlyda43]

WOW. This is so helpful!! I've seen complaints about leaks and such at the top, where it all comes together. Any thoughts on creating something for the OUTSIDE of the peak that gets put on and attached while camping for longer periods of time, to insulate, bug proof, water proof and condensation repell? If so, I'd love to see what you come up with!! Especially something easily transportable! This is my number one concern about the Aliners - bugs, wind, weather, etc getting in on longer camping trips.

[@garryperrin2408]

Congrats, very impressive!

[@PaulDGreen-bu4iz]

That's a great solution! I think I'll do that to mine. Thank you for sharing!

[@ddomek3830]

Hi, I have the same problem on my 2000 Aliner LX. In the video, the second package did not show the dimensions only "Premium Rubber Insulating Tape"...the one that goes on the roof. Could you share the size you purchased? Great how-to video! Thanks so much!

[@brmelectric]

I had same problem in rear were Springs are. So I made a drip stick out of treated wood. Shove it up same place you rivited you alluminum piece. It works great. I cut a small piece out of foam. But left original foam in. Heavy heavy rain and not even 1 drip.

[@taylorbarton9847]

Great stuff! Could you post a close up still photo of what you did with the aluminum extrusion and the closed cell foam diverter at the springs? It is hard for me to see in the video. This is the only place I get water inside during a storm, so I want to do exactly the same fix!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Taylor, Working on a blog site. Will include more repair details for sure. Thanks!

[@Catman71]

You can easily do this yourself. All you have to do is pause video and look under Windows Accessories to find/activate the Snipping Tool then click on 'new', drag cursor to select area, select save snip icon in middle of palette to save snip in a folder and location of your choice. It is a quick and easy way to save images for reference.

[@tammiecollins903]

Do you have a video replacing the weather stripping at the Peak across the top

[@wendyroberge-jeffrey1401]

Thank you for sharing all your experiences. We have an Aliner and all of a sudden we have no power. Our battery has power but when we plug in the Aliner nothing is charging. We can’t seem to see if a breaker switched off. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks, Wendy

[@SlimPotatohead]

If it's a factory install then best to talk to Aliner or the dealer you purchased it from. I don't recommend messing with electrical if you don't have the experience. Sorry! SP

[@amberlyda43]

minute 9.9 so satisfying!!!

[@centralcoastcamper9631]

Good job Slim.

[@peimompeidad]

Hi. Your Aliner videos are so informative. What are you using for the Rooftop foam peice that goes across? It is used above our bubble window so the top peice has something to rest on when folded down.

[@SoulStarSista]

Hey Slim did you go all the way to the top peak with both seals? Also did you do the piano hinge seal outside? What did you use . Cheers

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Well done, Slim

[@bhesse]

That weather strip is smaller in size than OEM foam, is that recommended with closed cell?

[@susanpremo8068]

Sure could use your expertise in the u.s. great workmanship.

[@hansostlund4626]

Great sir as always..😀the best to you!

[@kennethdoles3355]

Great video it help me out a lot I have a ? I did it the way you did it on the corner the back side of the camper I can see day light past the spring what can I do about that

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi kd, just got online again after boondocking out of range for a few days. The gap might be too narrow at the top, and since the foam doesn't compress a lot would probably account for the gap below. I have a bit of a gap too, and am looking into hollow neoprene sources to improve on it. Will post an update in the description. Thanks!

[@kennethdoles3355]

You have a email that I can send you pic

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi kd, just go to the "about" section of my youtube channel. The email link is there. Like to see your photos. Thanks!

[@Glendram]

Thank's Slim, the seals are always such a huge issue. The open cell foam is as you say ....just a sponge. Closed cell is a much better material but i have found it takes a bit longer to swell back to it's original size after compression. I will trial a section with the closed cell but have the full original replacement seal set standing by just in case it all turns to custard. The Avan Cruiseliner i have is very similar to your Aliner so i am very interested in how you have done this. One thing i am concerned about is that i can actually see daylight at the apex where the wall and 2 roof sides meet at the top ?? I am sure this is not how it is meant to be ??? Scratching my head at the moment .... or maybe it is normal ??? I have the bungies to replace also... will you be replacing the bungies on your Aliner ? Glen

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Glenram, Is the foam that goes across the peak intact? There is foam there as well as the sides. I originally intended to show replacing the top foam but it was making the video too long. I replaced mine with open-cell foam because I thought the closed cell might interfere with closing the roof.

[@demcduff]

I love your vids, Slim. How would you compare your Aliner’s repair record to that of a regular, comparable RV? You do so many modifications that are so ingenious I was just wondering how the repair records would compare. Thanks!

[@SlimPotatohead]

I cant compare because I've never owned another RV! SP

[@Newgail]

I have been trying to find the Climaloc stripping you are using and can't find it anywhere. I am a senior lady and I almost gave up camping in my A liner due to a storm and a bad leak in my a frame roof while camping. Could you please steer me to the Climaloc products you use. Love your videos

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Gail, This is quite an old video, and I'd changed how I seal the sides since then. Have a look at my "Wood Stove in an A-Frame Trailer - Part 2" video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKCcaZqYedx3o5o Just past the 20 minute mark I explain my later pipe wrap method. As for Climaloc Plus, seems it's only available in Canada. I'll see if there is a US equivalent. Thanks, SP

[@Newgail]

@@SlimPotatohead THANK YOU SO MUCH. Could you tell me what size pipe wrap to use on a A frame it will take so it isn't too large. I promise when you get merchandise I will buy something!!!I went to buy something today and nothing there yet. One final question and I promise no more. My side window dome is cracked in three small places and I found out in a storm in Texas that my poor dog woke up wet from a leak. Is it better to replace those side window domes or can they be repaired. Do you have a video on repairing the window domes?

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Gail, one of the big problems with my Aliner is that the gap is not even. It's big at the base but narrows at the peak. That's why I used two types of pipe wrap, foam and rubber. I believe I used rubber wrap for 1" pipe for the bottom and foam wrap for 3/4" pipe for the top. Wish I could give you exact but I suspect it varies from trailer to trailer anyway. Sorry, I don't have a dome window, so can't help there. Thanks! SP

[@Newgail]

@@SlimPotatohead thank you for replying I appreciate it

[@relicfinder4013]

I just purchased an 2001 A-liner. Just found your videos. What are the width and thickness of the climaloc foam seal. also, would the 1/2' x 1/2' thickness work. Did you use the 3/8 x 7/8 I can't see the measurements clearly on the package. Thank you for the video.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi relic finder, that's an old video. Since then I have switched to pipe foam and reflectix. It's at the 22 minute mark of my "Wood Stove in an A-Frame - Part 2" video. Thanks! SP

[@davidadams4482]

Love your videos. Due to lifting restrictions on my lower spine, I need the smallest, lightest battery for the lights and s/t to run the heater. Do you have any recommendations on a small battery?

[@SlimPotatohead]

For lights,lithium-ion if you can afford them or golf cart batteries if you don't need a lot of power. What is s/t stand for? Thanks, SP

[@johndiebold1653]

We bought a fixer-upper and have a leak in the front right corner, by the handle. It has pulled away causing the leak. At first, we thought we could take the front panel off, but now wonder if that would cause the top to come down. Can we do that or should we caulk it up and leave it as is. The other issues we have with it seem minor compared to this one. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi John, Could you give more details of what the leak is from? Is it the foam or panel that is damaged? Thanks

[@johndiebold1653]

It's where the front panel meets the back side. There is a handle that looks like it got pulled on too hard. It's bent away, abit. Don't know how to describe other than this. Can we take the inside front paneling off and clean it up and seal it that way?

[@SlimPotatohead]

Sorry John. I am not an expert on Aliner repair. My video is only talking about replacing weatherstripping to prevent leaks. Sounds like your issue has nothing to do with weatherstripping, but damage to a roof panel wall. I can't help you there, best to contact an Aliner repair person.

[@LiveWayOut]

Okay been watching your videos religiously. The bungee how to already helped me tremendously. I am embarking on doing all my weather stripping now. My question is for the other side of the roof, did you run weather striping along it? When the two roofs close, do they run on the weather striping since they slide into each other? The way the previous owner sealed mine is by leaving gaps where the roofs slide into each other but then obviously when the walls are up the seal is not that good. Any advice is much appreciated!

[@SlimPotatohead]

This is quite an old video, and I'd made a lot of changes since then. Have a look at my "Wood Stove in an A-Frame Trailer - Part 2" video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKCcaZqYedx3o5o Just past the 20 minute mark I explain my later pipe wrap method. Thanks! SP

[@LiveWayOut]

@@SlimPotatohead Thank you very much! So regardless of how I weatherstrip the walls, the 2 A walls that go up first, I cannot weather strip the inside of the right wall if I was looking at the door correct? Because of how the other wall folds into it, there is only about 2 feet that can be weather stripped and attached to the wall. Hope you're staying safe!!

[@lightning4871]

Great job!

[@HR-wd6cw]

Nothing against Slim or his trailer, as i think his fixes and updates are interesting, but I'm starting to have second thoughts (in general) about pop-up type trailers. I'm also more willing to spend a bit more and get a teardrop trailer (like the Bushwacker Plus with a bathroom) which doesn't have the pop-up aspect, and thus, less areas for water and other things to become problems (IMO). I mean I see the A frame type trailers available a lot of places and sometimes at very good prices, but I'm starting to wonder if people just get tired of dealing with them over time (ie. repairing them) and just go to a regular camper that doesn't have as many seams and moving parts you have to worry about...?

[@SlimPotatohead]

I did. See my latest videos. SP

[@TurningUs]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@hwyman01]

Out of all the A-frame style campers, the Aliner brand seems to be the least well made and least thought out of all. Even the new ones. Rockwood and Chalet seem to be the best. They all need to very cared for because they have so many hinge points though. And I also understand that slim puts a lot more miles than most people will. In harsher weather as well

[@br4nd0n79]

I bought an 94 A liner a frame for 133 bucks. Water damage on the slide up roof from a broken skylight and vent.Everything else seems fairly nice. Is it worth it to fix or should I sell it and get a pop up

[@SlimPotatohead]

Wow, what a DEAL! Considering the price of new Aliners, I don't think you'll have any issues with selling it once roadworthy. Some (like me of course) would actually prefer a used one so they can customize it. Please share your progress if you plan to take this on. Thanks! SP

[@br4nd0n79]

Slim Potatohead I think after watching your videos it has inspired me and my fiancé to take it on. We will document the progress and keep watching your videos for ideas. Thanks for the quick reply! Subbed

[@kevinelton3466]

nice one good job

[@dlmac5935]

You're extremely handy Slim! Great tips! How does it feel to be home? Many travellers can only last short period back at their home base, how are you holding up?

[@SlimPotatohead]

I'm twitching! Seriously, I have to at least smell pine forest within a few days or I'll go bonkers !!!

[@dlmac5935]

I hear ya! Get the updates done, then get the heck outta there...lol

[@bigmac3006]

Great Vid!

[@donklaing]

I get the idea of your disappointment in A liner. What I don't understand is why you don't get a different trailer.

[@SlimPotatohead]

What I don't understand is why are you looking at a video from 7 years ago and not a current one. I turfed the Aliner years ago. SP

[@donpineau4780]

Why not put rubber insulation rubber strip all way up to peak any reason why you stopped at latch great videos a by the way

[@SlimPotatohead]

It was too tight a fit. My Aliner at least tapers slightly as you go up. Thanks!

[@merlin1477024]

Kind of going to school here. New student, you know.

[@dinasyoyos6384]

You're so handy

[@maxboonkittypoison]

that is mint :D greetings,, Kitty

[@SoulStarSista]

Also did you have a video of the carpet on your piano hinges inside? How does this work? Hoe did yoy stick it on? Does it hold moisture? I'm in tropics and wondering if I should do that too. Thanks so much for your help. You're the best

[@SlimPotatohead]

Yes. I think it was the "cold camping in an aliner part 2" video. I am boondocking now but will send link when in a city. Thanks!

[@SoulStarSista]

Slim Potatohead . Thanks Slim. Hope you're travelling well. Look forward to hearing from you 😊

[@Daz5Daz]

Aliner have given you a job right?

[@debo4706]

If the water is running down the spring it will be ruining the wood holding the spring. OMG becareful the wood will rot and the spring will let go . If you have any bulges on the front or back . Get it checked out right away. the wood could let go and the spring will sprung and there will be alot of damage.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Deb, I think I caught it just in time. In a wetter humid climate this would be a real issue. Thanks!

[@davidhamlin705]

Get some flex seal works well

[@joblessalex]

I GOT AN AD FOR INDIAN STRIPPERS. THANKS.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

DOOOD!

[@UncleBuckle50]

That was a teaser.

[@DagleyMedia]

Nice joke.