A-Frame Campers & Water Leaks: 7 Answers (Explained)

A-frame campers are just as prone to leaking as any other camper – but they’re not necessarily worse!

Some A-frame campers are on par with other campers, like pop-up campers, when it comes to leaks, while other A-frame campers don’t leak as often as their competition. Most A-frame campers are constructed to last despite their seemingly flimsy design.

Here are a few things to know about A-Frame Campers and Leaking Water:

Here’s The Answer To Do A-Frame Campers Leak?:

Any A-frame camper has the potential to leak during its lifetime. If your A-frame camper does leak, it will probably be in these places: windows, roof, side wall seals, and storage areas. Should your A-frame camper leak, make sure to get it patched up immediately to prevent damage.

1. When Do A-Frame Campers Typically Start Leaking?

Although all A-frames will start experiencing leaks eventually, some will last longer than others.

However, if an A-frame is well looked after, used often but not excessively, taken out in fair weather, and is built by a reputable brand, you can expect it to last between 3-5 years before you notice leaks.

Yet, you should note that many RVers have used their A-Frame campers for more than five years without experiencing any leaks.

You should also be aware that some A-frame campers will only last ten years before they need to be replaced but many last beyond this point if taken care of properly.

2. Do A-Frame Campers Leak More Than Other Types Of Campers?

Surprisingly, A-frame campers don’t leak more than other types of campers.

Most Aframe campers are built with the same materials used to build travel trailers, so usually, an A-frame has side walls that are laminated and bonded with insulation. In addition, their design allows them to fair well during inclement weather and in high winds during the warmer season.

Moreover, the rain slides off of them because they don’t have a traditional roof but instead a point where two sides meet.

However, as is the case with all campers, A-frames can start leaking easily if they aren’t maintained and periodically inspected for leaks every six to 12 months.

3. Where Do A-Frame Campers Typically Leak?

There are several places where A-frame campers typically leak, so we want to tell you about them to know where to look if you suspect a leak.

It’s also a good idea to frequently check these places just in case, even if you don’t suspect a leak:

By the Windows:

Some A-frame models have failings at their corners, allowing water to leak into the motorhome.

Also, leaks can occur anywhere along the seals when caulking deteriorates, so it’s a good idea to replace it periodically.

Moreover, the one window that leaks the most is the large bubble windows usually installed over the bed.

At the Storage Area:

One of the most common places to find a leak on an A-frame is in the storage area.

When water gets in here, it can create mold and mildew, so it’s a good idea to identify the leak and fix it as soon as possible.

At the Roof Gasket:

Some A Frame owners have experienced leaks into their camper because the roof gasket slipped out of place.

This occurs because the gasket is near where the roof halves meet when being joined together.

At the Roof or Side Wall Seals:

During heavy rains, many A-frame campers experience a small amount of water leaking into the camper through the roof and side wall seals.

You can’t usually fix this, but you can prevent it by storing a camper out of the rain or placing a tarp over it until it subsides.

4. How Much Will It Cost To Fix A Leak On An A-Frame Camper?

How much you will need to spend to fix your A-frame camper depends on where you found a leak and how severe it is.

Yet there are a few ballpark figures we can share with you after scouring the web to see what other RVers have paid to fix various areas that had leaks.

For example, if you need to replace the wall or roof because it is leaking, you should expect to pay thousands of dollars, but if it is a crack or small hole, you can usually patch this easily and do it yourself, which brings costs down to between $100 and $300.

Suppose you need to fix flooring that has sustained water damage because of a leak. In that case, you could pay upwards of $10,000 depending on the size of your A-frame and where you take it to get fixed because you won’t be paying for only the materials but also the labor.

Moreover, if you have a leaking window and you’re out of warranty, you can look into fixing the issue yourself for less than $100, but if you have to replace the window entirely because it isn’t a simple caulking problem, you could spend between up to $500 or more.

5. How Hard Is It To Fix A Leaking ROOF On A-frame Models?

Ultimately, fixing a leaking roof on an A-frame can be more complex because of its shape.

However, if the leak isn’t anything major and you’re confident in your abilities, you can usually fix the leak on your own with caulking, a fiberglass patch kit, or sealant tape.

Suppose the damage is more severe, and the leak is extensive. In that case, it will be incredibly difficult to repair yourself as you will likely have to replace the sidewalls, framing, and insulation.

A professional can do this for you, but you should expect to pay a pretty penny.

6. How Hard Is It To Fix A Leaking WINDOW On A-Frame Models?

Unfortunately, A-frame window leaks are slightly harder and more complex to fix, especially if your model has a bubble window.

Since bubble windows often leak, many RVers are left with having to get the entire window replaced at a dealership because there are often faults in the windows’ manufacturing and fitting.

However, if it’s a minor sidewall window leak, you can usually fix the leak on your own with some caulking. The process is simple; you must remove the deteriorated caulking thoroughly, clean the area, and use a quality sealant to reseal the seams.

Yet, you will need to be careful not to scratch or crack your window while doing this.

7. How Do You Inspect A Water Leak On These Models?

Inspecting a water leak on your A-frame camper is easier than you would think.

It’s important to follow the tips below if you want to prevent your camper from sustaining water damage.

The more damage you incur, the more money you will have to part with to get your A-frame amper back out on the road.

• Thoroughly check all window, door, roof, and fixture seals to ensure the caulking has not deteriorated. If the caulking has, it’s a spot that water could get through, so it’s best to recaulk these areas.
• Check the floor inside your camper to establish if there are any soft spots or discolorations, as these are common signs of water damage.
• Inspect the vent fans in your A-frame, as this spot is one of the first places rainwater starts to get in.
• Look at the bubble windows in your A-frame and see if any water is seeping through it, as this is another common place for leaks to occur with these models.
• Inspect your walls, sealings, storage area, and cupboards for discolorations, soft spots, mold, and mildew.

Citations:

A-Frame Water Leaks – Forest River Forum

A Frame Campers: The Truth About Them