Jayco Outback Swan - Roof Leak

Ben

Check out the Jayco Users Group Australia (JUGA) as this was covered in a recent discussion (19.12.09), which i have copied below:

"Your silicone seal sounds like it has dried out and allowed water to gain access. This needs to be fixed as major damage can be caused to the roof lining, as a water based adhesive is used in the lining construction and this will eventually breakdown.

On the outside seam running down the middle of the roof, remove the rubber insert from the metal track. (Use a plank, to take your weight, that reaches across the van, you don't want to leave an unwanted depression in your roof.) Check for dirt build up and possible signs of water marks. A possible clue to water access.

You may have to remove the track, Phillips head screws, and clean away all traces of the old sealer from the roof and the bottom of the track. Use a neutral cure silicone sealer, and replace the silicone bead. A little extra in the screw holes shouldn't hurt. Replace the metal track, screws and rubber dress trim. Do the same for the short piece behind the roof vent at the rear.

I would suggest that you replace the seal around the roof vent as well."

I hope that helps.

Angus

Ben,
I am assuming that you have the two piece roof. While the manufacturer denies any changes due to problems with the joins in the roof, many owners will attest to leak from time to time. I wish I had a one piece to remove any concerns in the future.

Anyway here is my two cents worth.

The join in the middle and on either sides are protected by a strip that covers the screws. If you remove that strip you may find that there is no silicone or degraded silicone covering the strip and therefore the join. One method, and one performed by the dealer for us under warranty, was to fill the strip. This stopped the leak. I would not recommend filling the internal ceiling joint. It will simply fill up the roof cavity with water, some 75 mm, and rot the plywood. Only the roof is fibreglass and the inner ceiling is something else with a covering of paper. Don't rub this if it has been stained ti will damage very quickly.

There maybe other suggestions from other readers but if in doubt, talk to the dealer.

Regards
Martin

A sincere thanks for the responses. No gear with us at the moment and a big tarp across the top. Will hope that Central Coast Caravans can deliver before New Year!!!!