DoWater damage. J-mould. Hidden leaks. It’s the caravan killer no one talks about — until it’s too late.
An Aussie family recently discovered the hard way just how much damage a slow, hidden water leak can cause. What began as a dream outback road trip quickly turned into an expensive repair nightmare — thanks to an all-too-common issue: water seeping into the J-mould trim.
J-mould sits around the edges of most caravans and RVs, sealing joins between the roof, walls, and floors. But when the seal fails — even slightly — water can creep in silently for months, rotting out frames, swelling floorboards, and causing dangerous mould growth.
The worst part? You often won’t know it’s happening until you step through the floor.
🛠️ What Is J-Mould — and Why It Fails
J-mould is the curved plastic or aluminium trim that wraps around the corners and joins of your caravan. It’s designed to seal gaps and protect from water ingress.
But over time — or even straight from the factory — that protection can fail.
Here’s why:
- UV rays degrade the rubber seals
- Screws loosen with road vibration
- Caulking dries out and cracks
- Manufacturers apply too little sealant or miss spots entirely
- Leaks start small… then silently destroy everything behind the walls
Poor Sealing from New
Many caravan owners are shocked to discover their rig was never properly sealed to begin with. In some cases:
- Sealant is only applied on visible edges, not throughout the trim
- Corners are rushed or missed during manufacturing
- J-mould screws aren’t sealed, letting water run in behind the cladding
This isn’t wear and tear — it’s poor workmanship, and unfortunately, many travellers only find out after the damage is done.
Signs Your Caravan Could Be at Risk
Don’t wait for soft floors or the dreaded “mould smell.” Watch for:
- 🔸 Warped internal walls or bubbling linings
- 🔸 Brown stains around corners or near windows
- 🔸 Gaps or cracks in exterior J-mould
- 🔸 Black mould near beds, floors, or roof seams
- 🔸 Flaky or missing caulking, especially around screws
What It’s Costing Travellers
In the recent case, repairs skyrocketed into the thousands of dollars — requiring complete wall removal, resealing of joins, and flooring replacement. Insurance? Not always guaranteed if it’s deemed a maintenance or build-quality issue.
How to Stop the Damage Before It Starts
Whether you’re hitting the road for a country pub crawl or chasing the vanlife dream, here’s how to stay leak-free:
- ✅ Inspect all J-mould and joins every six months
- ✅ Look for missing, thin, or cracked sealant
- ✅ Reapply quality UV-resistant silicone as needed
- ✅ Replace brittle or warped J-mould trim
- ✅ Request a leak test at your local caravan service centre before long trips
Why It Matters for Vanlifers and Pub Trail Fans
Water leaks can turn your home-on-wheels into a rotting, toxic shell — especially when you’re relying on it for long hauls or full-time travel. And faulty factory work makes it even more frustrating.
If you’re camping at a country pub, behind a servo, or off-grid — you need to trust your van. A quick inspection now could save your entire trip.
Before You Hit the Road
Pub trails are about freedom, stories, and icy schooners — not leaky corners and structural rot. Keep your van sealed, dry, and safe for the road ahead.
💬 Had a sealant or J-mould fail on you? Got a DIY tip or a repair horror story? Share it with the WikiPubs crew and help other travellers avoid a soggy mess. <br>
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