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Post by 1flacouple on May 6, 2024 18:15:34 GMT -5
We just noticed that our 2023 has a leak around the window. It appears that it has be doing this for awhile as the right side of the window, I can push in on the fiberglass and see past the glass. Has this been a problem for others? I'm taking g it to a local shop to look at and possibly repair. I'm hoping that there is no internal damage to the wood structure.
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jimjr
Weekender RV’er
Posts: 60
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Post by jimjr on May 14, 2024 8:56:14 GMT -5
This was a recurring problem for our 231 VRL. I think it took them three times to get that seal correct.
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Post by cbreezy on Jul 14, 2024 22:43:34 GMT -5
Just found out today that our 2023 Sonic VDB, bought new in March has the same issue. The forward cargo hold front wall is covered in mold, we've only used the trailer once (Memorial Weekend) since we purchased it. It looks like I need to get it scheduled for warranty work.
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Post by skip12 on Jul 31, 2024 18:25:01 GMT -5
Ive learnt to re seal the windows every year as sad as that sounds
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Post by stephen on Aug 2, 2024 18:25:03 GMT -5
Hi Skip,
I have the large stargazing window as well on my 2022 Sonic. It wasn’t installed perfectly therefore I also have to re-seal it. Fortunately it hasn’t leaked yet so I want to get on it right away.
Did you re-seal the window frame from the inside AND the outside? Did you have to remove then put back any inside window frame work? Any advice would be appreciated, huge thx
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garyb
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 9
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Post by garyb on Aug 19, 2024 22:56:15 GMT -5
Yes indeed, this was not detected in our 2022 Sonic, no sign of leakage until the Filon delaminated, resulting in what appears as a dents. It is now in a repair shop getting a new ALUMINUM front that will be painted to match. The new front will not include the Stargazing window, and will have some panel added to the inside.
Not what I expected from a relatively new, well regarded and gently used RV that is stored indoors. The new models have a hard fiberglass front cap, possibly to avoid the problem.
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Post by nof49th on Aug 24, 2024 19:06:00 GMT -5
Yes indeed, this was not detected in our 2022 Sonic, no sign of leakage until the Filon delaminated, resulting in what appears as a dents. It is now in a repair shop getting a new ALUMINUM front that will be painted to match. The new front will not include the Stargazing window, and will have some panel added to the inside. Not what I expected from a relatively new, well regarded and gently used RV that is stored indoors. The new models have a hard fiberglass front cap, possibly to avoid the problem. My 2022 VRB 190 did the same thing, I contacted customer support and asked if there was a recall or extended warranty on this delamination, they replied, no, it's a maintenance issue, even knowing there's issues with this problem. Today I noticed anther delamination site, the bottom of the rear, under the back up camera, another known problem. Plus other issues I repaired myself, back of the dinette breaking away, leaking plumbing, kinked water lines. Disgusting customer support, this is my 7th RV and NONE had the issues this Sonic has. Would I recommend a Venture product? No. |
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Post by stephen on Aug 24, 2024 23:10:59 GMT -5
Yikes, thanks for sharing Gary!
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Post by stephen on Aug 24, 2024 23:23:17 GMT -5
I’m very fortunate that my 2022 Sonic has had no issues EXCEPT…. Like all other Venture products the front stargazing window was installed crooked?!?!?!
So much for their fine inspections upon the units leaving the manufacture’s facility. It’s only a matter of time before it starts leaking.
I’m now waiting for a new window to arrive to have my dealer install it properly, of course no warranty and will probably cost me 3k min.
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garyb
Newbie RV’er
Posts: 9
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Post by garyb on Aug 27, 2024 0:11:17 GMT -5
  Apparently the stargazer window is supposed to be sealed by a foam gasket, clamped into place by the interior trim screws. That's not a great method if the filon siding is flexible though there should be solid blocking in the area of clamping. The way the window is constructed with glass overhanging the frame, there is no easy way to check if the seal is leaking without removing the window. That seems intrusive for "routine maintenance". If I had it apart it would seem like a good time to put in butyl mastic tape, which might be less critical of support than a foam gasket, but that also is difficult to check in the location hidden by the glass. In our case the front siding was replaced (because leaking caused delamination) with painted aluminum, and we chose to delete the window, hopefully problem solved. Pictures show the work, that is metal over thin plywood. Graphics will be added. There is now a seam, using lap joint, where the front meets the roof, barely visible from the front, plus one crimp seam in the middle, this Sonic Lite no longer has one piece of filon from front to back bumper. ProsRV in Lynden WA did a fine job. Don't take my price too seriously because he may do better or worse on the next bid; but it was about $3k to replace the front of the trailer with aluminum, not including interior refinishing (which I want to do myself). prosrvrepair.com/ |
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Post by nodrog on Aug 27, 2024 12:55:41 GMT -5
Y'all are making me think we dodged a major bullet when we found our 2020 190VRB with no window up front......PHEW!
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Post by stephen on Aug 29, 2024 14:59:31 GMT -5
Wow job well done Gary. It’s probably the route I should have taken. Hope I don’t have regrets.
Thanks for sharing 👍
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Post by skip12 on Sept 4, 2024 17:43:37 GMT -5
Y'all are making me think we dodged a major bullet when we found our 2020 190VRB with no window up front......PHEW! Im with you. I was bummed it wasnt there when I bought my 2020 sonic 200 VLM and it didnt have one. But after seeing a guy at the campsite I pulled next to and his as smashed by a rock hitting it on the highway I was glad mine didnt have it. |
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Post by stephen on Sept 4, 2024 21:51:08 GMT -5
Oh ya, not only are the windows installed wrong but very susceptible to rock chips from highway driving. I will be placing a rock guard exterior window cover on mine once the new window is installed properly.
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