Do hybrid trailers leak? (5 common issues)

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Do hybrid trailers leak? We will discuss the benefits and the downsides of owning a hybrid trailer and will review in more depth the matter of leaking trailers. 

Do hybrid trailers leak?

Yes, hybrid trailers can leak between the canvas and you may have to deal with the costs of water damage repairs if you do not carefully seal your trailer. 

Dreaded by all campers, water infiltration can cause considerable damage to your trailer. In fact, in addition to damaging your interior, water can also cause mould and fungus in the walls, at the same time causing a health risk.

How can I avoid hybrid trailer leaks?

The simplest way to avoid hybrid trailer leaks is to properly close and seal the trailer when you are travelling or storing it. This way, all the water will drop from the roof and there will be no risk of water leaks between the canvases. 

If you are travelling during a storm, for example, you of course will have to open the trailer. There is no issue with that, as the hybrid trailer can protect you from rain. To make sure that there is no permanent water damage, however, make sure you dry the canvas properly before closing it again. 

If not possible, then carefully clean and dry the trailer once you are back home and plan on storing it long-term. 

What are other disadvantages that hybrid trailers have?

There are indeed a few disadvantages that hybrid trailers have, but still, as you will see in the table below, many travellers adore these vehicles for their ease of use and comfort. 

A hybrid trailer is a combination between a pop-up caravan and a traditional travel trailer. The trailer looks like a road trip trailer, but when you get to camp, it expands the areas to provide more space. Oftentimes this bonus room comes in expanded bedrooms that are located at the front and rear of the trailer. In more custom models, you get additional space in places like the living room and dining room.

Hybrid Trailers Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to travel with: you save a lot of space in storing this type of camper, as they can deflate and expand whenever needed.	A not so comfortable night: although they offer more space than the average pop-up camper, resting in a hybrid trailer will be challenging for those who have trouble sleeping because of the exterior noise.  Hybrid campers tend to be loud, and the vinyl walls are definitely not soundproof.
Easy to personalize: hybrid trailers have more space than many pop-ups, thus you may have the luxury of a kitchen, bathroom and plenty of sleeping space inside the camper.	Lifespan: Hybrid campers are prone to leaks, condensation, mould and mildew. You will have to take good care (and go the extra mile) of your trailer every time you go on a trip.
More amenities: hybrid trailers can be easily personalized with deluxe amenities and features, compared to a pop-up camper. By build, they are more expandable and offer plenty of space for extra comfort.	Repairs and maintenance: While you may skip some checks with other types of trailers, do not repeat this mistake with hybrid travel trailers. It will cost you too much later.
An ideal option for somebody who wants to upgrade from traditional tent camping to a trailer, but is not quite ready to invest in an RV.	Overpriced: Some say that hybrid trailers cost way too much compared to other types of campers. The thing is, due to its size and ability to personalize it – the price may be worth it for some.

How to prevent travel trailer leaks?

We know how annoying trailer leaks can be, ruining floors, furniture and causing annoying noise throughout our camper. That is why we bring you some tips to avoid these horrible leaks.

1. Make regular checks. It is important to do a periodic review from time to time to ensure that there is no type of damage to the trailer canvas. This periodicity should increase in rainy seasons since this is when our roofs tend to receive the most damage. Remember that minor damage is always easier to repair.

2. Constant maintenance. It is very important to make sure that the canvas is always clean, so we recommend cleaning the area so that the water continues to flow out of your trailer. It is also important to repair any detail that we notice before it becomes a big problem.

3. Review the drainage process. Canvas ceilings are placed in an angular position so that the water can go down and does not get stuck on the ceiling. We must check that this drain works correctly to prevent water from stagnating damaging our roof.

4. Check the corners of the walls. The corners created between the ceiling and the walls are the main ones in showing us damage to our ceiling. It is essential to check that there are no cracks in this area that could become a leak. In case of finding deterioration, we must cover the crack with cement or a sealer.

5. Cover the leaks. If we find holes in our fibreglass roof through which water can pass, we must place a layer of cement in this area, this will block the passage of water, protecting our home from the rains.

6. Replace excessively damaged blades. In case of finding many leaks, or one with a large size, the ideal is to change the canvas that protects our hybrid trailer.

Learn how to seal your hybrid trailer

Of course, the best prevention is to seal your hybrid trailer. You may not know this, but your trailer already has been sealed. Regular inspection of the seals, at least twice a year, will allow you to minimize the risk of water infiltration. If you find that the gaskets are crumbling or peeling, it is time to replace them.

While it is important to check the roof and wall joints, do not neglect all the places through which water can enter.

Sometimes a simple visual inspection is enough to know if the seal needs to be redone; you will then notice that it is cracked all over or that it is completely missing pieces. You can also rub your finger along the silicone seal; if it has a tendency to crumble or peel off, it’s time to do it again.

• Seal the roof of the hybrid trailer. If the faulty seals are at roof level, use a plastic scraper to remove the damaged parts of the seal. Thoroughly clean the surface with an appropriate product and apply a sealer designed for use on the roof. Indeed, since roof membranes are often made of rubber, the use of non-recommended products could lead to additional damage … and that’s what we want to avoid, right?

• Seal the walls of the hybrid trailer. Are the joints on the exterior walls damaged? Proceed in the same way as in the previous step, using a scraper to remove damaged gaskets. Then clean the surface with the appropriate cleaner and degreaser, then let dry.

Once the surface is completely dry, apply a new silicone sealant, always using a product compatible with the surface.

• Seal the hybrid trailer canvas. If your canvas is torn, it can be repaired temporarily by using duct tape on either side – inside and outside – of the tear. This temporary repair, which will come in handy if you can’t come to your awning right away, will keep you going until you can get a sewn and sealed replacement part.

The bottom line

Of course, hybrid trailers are not immune to leaks or other common “camper issues”. As long as you know how to prevent and fix water leaks, there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider investing in a hybrid trailer. 

Do you have any questions or comments on the content? Do let us know!

FAQ on Do hybrid trailers leak?

Are hybrid campers cold?

Winter nights in a hybrid camper can get quite cold. The camper has little isolation from the canvas walls and keeps warm in the middle section due to the heater, but you will feel at least chilly in the pop-up part of the camper. 

How do you know if you have a water leak?

Some of the signs that there may be a leak are:

• A hot spot on the ground.
• A water heater that does not turn off.
• Sound of running water when accessories, such as the toilet, are not being used.
• Water from a point under the wall.
• Hot water from a cold water tap.

How do I find a leak in my trailer?

To find a leak in your trailer you will have to do some detective work and search for clues in order to identify the source of the issue. Thus, you will have to search for cracks, worn and damaged spots, thinning or any other type of damage.

References

What is a Hybrid Travel Trailer: Are They Any Good? – RVBlogger

Hybrid Travel Trailers: Are Hybrids prone to leaks? – RV.net

The Pros and Cons of Hybrid Travel Trailers (Plus A Few Tips!)