Fixing a Leaking Emergency Window on 2003 Pleasureway Excel TS

[VictoriaCamper]

Just noticed the rear drivers side window has come unsealed and developed a leak. This is the emergency escape window on my 2003 Pleasureway Excel TS. Fortunately the water did not damage the interior.
Has anyone had experience fixing this issue themselves, or any recommendations about what business would be best qualified to fix it?
I am attaching pictures to show exactly what the issue is.

 

[GallenH]

Can you tell us where the leak appear to be?

 

[VictoriaCamper]

Can you tell us where the leak appear to be?

if you look closely at IMG_5088.jpeg (from the outside) and IMG_5091.jpeg (from the inside), you can see that the top/rear corner of the glass has actually separated from the window frame. It appears to be held on by some black double-sided tape or adhesive, and that corner of the glass is pulling away.

 

[GallenH]

Sorry I didn't look carefully enough. My 97 PW doesn't have that style of window and the emergency exit is the rear door. Does the entire window pop off in an emergency? Or is it hinged? Is the center bar (dividing the window horizontally just "show" or does it have some function? Have you tried the "emergency" function of the window? If the entire window does come off I suspect it would have to be resealed when it's replaced. Sorry for all the questions.

 

[VictoriaCamper]

Those are all good questions. I’m attaching a couple more photos to show the window function. It is a complete unit with a powder coated frame, screwed into a flange on the interior, with a two-part window attached to the hinged frame (using double-sided black tape). The upper piece of glass is pulling away from the frame, with a gap of about 1/16th inch in the top corner. From what I can see, I have two options: 1) take it into a shop to replace the whole unit; or 2) try to peel that top glass pane completely off the frame, clean it up, and re-apply it with fresh tape. I guess there’s no harm in trying option 2 myself and if that doesn’t work, take it into a for a complete replacement. Just wondering if anyone on the forum has encountered this and attempted option 1.

 

[GallenH]

Ah. I see how it all works now. It seems like a poor design to have that window set in the frame with double sided tape. I zoomed in on the very first photo you posted and on the left hand side of the window it looks like there is a round rubber (gasket?) between the frame and the glass. Small. It fits the void between the two. Is this present and intact on the right hand side where you have the gap? And above it?

 

[VictoriaCamper]

I reached out to Pleasureway support. They got back to me immediately, and did not recommend replacement of the window, but suggested the following process.

“There are two things to know first:

1. Is the leak coming from in between the window glass and rubber gasket?
2. Is the leak coming from between the rubber gasket and body?

If the water is entering from between glass and gasket, you need to wedge both sides of the glass where the water is entering, wipe it clean and apply windshield urethane black on the gap. Release the wedge and apply force on the outside window glass and tape it and keep it dry. Water test after 24 hours.

If the water is entering from between gasket and body, the window has to be removed, check rubber gasket at window and replace if needed, remove old butyl tape, clean area, apply new butyl tape and install back window. Water test after for leaks.”

After I sent them the pictures,

“Thank you for the pictures. The glass has a big separation but the dealer will definitely need to clean and prep that properly so that the windshield urethane will adhere properly. Try bringing it to a window specialist so they can give you some advice.”

So, I need to take into a shop to see what they think. I’ll let you know what the outcome is.