danewguy
NY
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Joined: 05/15/2006
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I have had my 99 Gulfstream Conquest for some time now and I keep hearing nigtmare stories of water leaks and damage. Has anyone taken the time to re-caulk the exterior of their rig? what is the proper procedure?
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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Joined: 06/05/2006
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I have done our 2004 GS with Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant,
Eternabond tape, and sealant.
I check all seams at least 2 times a year. We spend the winter in AZ. This seems to dry out the Dicor. I have started redoing all the roof seams with Eternabond tape.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A
Saf-TTE tire monitor
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troll3193
SouthWest, MI USA
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Joined: 07/07/2004
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I just did mine. Did some Eternabond work on my slideout and a couple of other suspect spots.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/21350475.cfm
have not had the issues travellerw mentioned, but maybe my slide seals are different than his.
After last trip, I used a plastic putty knife to scrape out all the lose stuff I could get from the outside wall joints, around the windows and storage doors and such.
Wiped down all the areas really good with rubbing alcohol and re-caulked them.
I used white silicone door and window caulk. I was only caulking the metal to metal joints not any of the roofing. I believe I have read that silicone and a rubber roof is a bad combination.
Looks much better now and closed up some gaps I was really starting to worry about.
Bryan
2006 RAM 3500 MegaCab w/Cummins Turbo Diesel
Mopar Exhaust Brake
2004 Dutchemen 31BK
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danewguy
NY
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I have heard some people say use a heat gun and a putty knife to peel away all the old caulk then clean the area and replace it with new.... does that sound right???
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pauldub
North of Seattle
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Joined: 11/01/2005
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Silicone caulk is generally bad. Polyurethane caulk is good.
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MikeMike
St.Petersburg,Florida
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Joined: 04/12/2006
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I can't think of any application on a RV that silicone caulk can be used ,it peels off fiber glass and gel coats ,same with metals and glass. It works OK on stuff that is not exposed to movement-a real NO-NO on cars RV's and boats,I have used it on various joints in engine building,never where a small amount could break loose and clog oil passages or cooling! It belongs on the shelf in Home Depot-not on your RV.
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Shifer
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 08/26/2007
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I'm not really sure where the big no-no is with using 100% Silicone Caulk on an RV comes from. Below are three quotes from different sources giving pretty sound reasons why 100% Silicone Caulk should be an excellent product to use on an RV. Having been associated in the plumbing business for some time now I can vouch for the qualities of this product on both fiberglass and gelcoat surfaces. It has great flexibilities and adheres like a glue, it is after all an adhesive too. It is waterproof and actually cures by exposure to moisture. I have used it for sometime now and wouldn't hesitate to use it on my RV, ever. My RV by the way is a 1987 Mallard and has never had a leak inside or out. I have re-caulked the exterior (you must remove ALL old caulk first) with 100% Silicone Caulk and have a great deal of confidence in it's sealing qualities. I have a one piece Aluminum roof and seal the edges with Geocel (http://www.geocelusa.com/php/oic/product.php?prdb_product_id=8&prdb_category_id=32) which I think is a fantastic product. Not looking for a fight with ya MikeMike but I have to respectfully disagree with your opinion. Drive safe, have fun.
"100% silicone: Silicone caulk is great for non-porous substances. It is the best choice for sealing ceramic tile, glass and metal surfaces, but is less appropriate for porous surfaces like wood and masonry. Silicone caulk remains flexible and is impervious to water."
"100% silicone caulking is an incredible performer. It will outlast many standard types of caulking and hold up to any abuse. Typically has the best elongation characteristics and capable of adhering to any surface. Plus, is resistant to all chemicals and can be used immersed in water."
"100% Silicone Caulk works because it is both a strong glue and a flexible sealant, characteristics necessary to seal a joint between dissimilar materials or a joint that has movement. Because it is relatively soft, 100% silicone caulk is the recommendation of many fiberglass enclosure manufacturers."
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RetiredbutWorking
Central Texas
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Joined: 02/10/2006
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If you want to use silicone caulk, go ahead. When your roof starts leaking, dont complain here. Dicor or eternabond are the proven choices. I always use dicor as I have heard that the presence of eternabond in a used rig indicates it is a leaker.
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Shifer
Rochester, NY
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RetiredbutWorking wrote:If you want to use silicone caulk, go ahead. When your roof starts leaking, dont complain here. Dicor or eternabond are the proven choices. I always use dicor as I have heard that the presence of eternabond in a used rig indicates it is a leaker.
As I stated in my post I only use Geocell on my roof. I use 100% Silicone on my side seams and marker lights. My 1987 RV has NEVER had a leak either on the roof or elsewhere. Dicor is advertised by the manufacturer as a SECONDARY lap sealant.
"Designed for use on horizontal RV roof surfaces, including rubber, TPO, metal, fiberglass, aluminum or wood." They also make a vertical non-sag lap sealant in white.
It appears their product is made with isobutylene compounds, liquid acrylics and polyurethanes although it is hard to tell for sure. I have no problem with Dicor products but they are advertised as Lap Sealants and seem to be more suited for roof applications. I do not use Silicone or Dicor on my roof only Geocel. I think the origonal poster was asking about re-caulking the exterior of their rig not specifically the roof. Eternabond is a micro sealant made to stop an exisiting leak although I have heard of some people using it on their roof seams as a leak preventative. I might be apprehensive as you are, if I saw Eternabond on a roof. The assumption would be that there was a leak at some time that was repaired. Drive safe, have fun.
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visch1
CAPE COD, MA
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Joined: 05/04/2008
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"Silicon belongs on the shelf in Home Depot-not on your RV." DITTO. Over the years I've never seen silicon have a lasting adhesive quality. I have a preference for 3M 4200 or use 3M 5200 if permanent instalation is wanted.
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