Rain gutter seam leaks

[Taurus2415]

Our 2970RL has two sections of rain gutter rail (awning track) with the seam very close to the entry door. I have tried several fixes to seal the gap between the two but haven't found a good solution. It's very annoying to get dripped on every time it rains right at the door. Anyone found a reasonable fix?

 

[NB Canada]

Not much can be done
They all do it

 

[goducks14]

Every RV I've owned and include my sons as well always eventually leak at that joint. Only solution is to buy a trailer thats short enough as to require a full one piece gutter.

 

[Riverbug]

Are you caulking the seam? Silicone doesn't tend to last long up there so try an adhesive caulk. While you're at it, caulk the seam along the top where the gutter meets the roof/wall, and below the gutter where it meets the wall/awning trim.

 

[Calbar]

Are you caulking the seam? Silicone doesn't tend to last long up there so try an adhesive caulk. While you're at it, caulk the seam along the top where the gutter meets the roof/wall, and below the gutter where it meets the wall/awning trim.

I wouldn't caulk the bottom of the rail. It is left un-caulked so that if water does get behind from the top it can drain out the bottom. That prevents pooling of water behind the gutter and potentially leaking through the screws. Ask me how I know...2007 Rockwood was caulked on the bottom too and lots of delamination from pooling water leaking through screws.

Rob

 

[Riverbug]

Well, that is a good point too. I haven't had that problem probably because whenever I pick up a new to me rig, I pull the screws and put caulk into all the holes. I started doing that when the awning rail of a previous rig was not properly sealed at the top (or the screw holes) and came loose. The screws everywhere on these units are very prone to water intrusion even with that cheap vinyl trim cover they put over them. But one thing to note, when the gutter seam leaks and drips down behind the awning rail and down the wall, you know the awning rail has not been well sealed at the top, and likely the screws/bolts are also experiencing water intrusion.

On our motorhomes there was a space between the gutter and awning so it was possible to just caulk the tops of the gutter and awning rail. But on travel trailers that usually is not the case. I guess you just need to make sure you're doing a good job of caulking. Just my experience.

 

[rrockett]

Our 2970RL has two sections of rain gutter rail (awning track) with the seam very close to the entry door. I have tried several fixes to seal the gap between the two but haven't found a good solution. It's very annoying to get dripped on every time it rains right at the door. Anyone found a reasonable fix?

Eternabond tape. I've had gutter leaks at a seam on our last 2 GD campers.
Clean the inside of the rail a few inches in front of and behind the seam with denatured alcohol.
Cut a small piece of tape that fits the area you cleaned and press the Eternabond tape firmly in place.
I've never very had any more leaks.

 

[waustx]

On my Momentum 376THS, I bought some "as seen on tv" Flex Seal Liquid (I chose black) and while the rig was in my shop over winter, I carefully cleaned and polished the inside of the gutter at all the seams, and put on about 10 thin coats of the Flex Seal with a small art brush, following the instructions on the can for time between coats, brush cleaning, etc. It only takes a few minutes for each coat, but with curing time and all it took several days to complete the whole process. Previously I had used a sealing tape, but that only lasted about half of a summer before it started dripping again. It's been about 2 years since I put the Flex seal liquid on it and last inspection didn't show any signs of cracking or peeling. I also used alcohol to clean the gutter just before appying the first coat. It doesn't build up very quickly, so keep putting on the coats until you no longer detect any sign that there is a seam there.

 

[Diggio]

Our 2970RL has two sections of rain gutter rail (awning track) with the seam very close to the entry door. I have tried several fixes to seal the gap between the two but haven't found a good solution. It's very annoying to get dripped on every time it rains right at the door. Anyone found a reasonable fix?

I used metal HVAC tape inside the rail. You can fold the tape to get a tight corner and then press it down well into the rail. If needed, you could even add a couple of layers. You could put it on the outside and they make a black metal tape but I placed it on the inside of the rail.

 

[coglesby]

I just smeared a little non-sag sealant. seems to have worked

 

[Vagabonder74]

I did the flex seal trick as Waustx mentioned. It takes a little work but I had no leaking after either