Leaking sliding window on a 2015 Hawk

[MikeP]

Has anyone else been having issues with water leaking through the sliding front window on their FWC? After a heavy rain on a drive to the local ski area I discovered the cushions inside the camper were all wet. Not damp but soaked.

I talked to FWC and they said there have been some issues. Their solution is to replace the sliding window with a solid window. They said they don't have any other solution.

I really don't want a solid window there and wondering what others would do? Would it be worth putting one of the inflatable donuts around it while driving?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mike
2015 Hawk, 2014 F-150

 

[Clutch]

Do they make a flip up (or down) window for it, like you can get with a topper.

Still can have access but with a solid window.

 

[dlh62c]

RV sliding windows have small weep holes in the bottom of the guides to drain water. Make sure their open.

 

[NikonRon]

Four Wheel campers have done away with the front slider for this very reason, there really is no fix for it. Ron

 

[Martyn]

There is a train of thought that the incursion of water is due to a pressure build up between the cab and the camper breaking the seal between the glass and the rubber seal allowing water in.

A front spoiler between the roof of the cab and the lower portion of the camper roof may disrupt the air flow in that area reducing the air pressure. I don't know anyone who has tried this solution but it may be worth a try.

 

[brianjwilson]

Actually their normal solution is to plug the weep holes in the bottom. After plugging mine and installing a Yakima crossbar and fairing on the truck, I don't have a single drop get in the camper when driving in heavy rain. Without it, there is some weird airflow going on back there. Another positive change is the reduction in wind noise and buffeting when trucks pass. Much more stable and consistent. I like being able to open that window when camping for extra ventilation.


Although it doesn't look like this short fairing would do much, it makes a world of difference. It used to feel like the camper was getting slapped in the face when I truck passed in the next lane, not it's virtually uneffected.

 

[MikeP]

Brian, that is interesting that the fairing would make a difference. Hard to believe that there would be that much pressure in that area to force water back into the weep holes, but maybe that is what is happening. Maybe I'll try plugging them and see if that makes a difference. Otherwise I'll have to put in a solid window.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

Mike

 

[BGuerin]

I also have the Yakima air deflector, I think it's a great improvement in airflow over the cab, noticiable for bug control on the front of the camper. I've never had any water intrusion via the front camper window when driving in rain.

 

[cchoc]

Same here with the deflector and no leaks.