JoeRT04
Cape Cod, MA
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Joined: 12/16/2005
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Recently, I "de-oxidized" the roof of my B, using "Protect All" and then gave it a good waxing. It looks fantastic.
I was taking a good look at my caulking in the gutters along the top sides of my RT. It is dirty (no longer white) and looks like it might be "lifting" a bit. It is similar to caulking used in bathrooms around the tub I think. It doesn't look difficult.
Has anyone replaced the caulking on their B?
I know that on the Sprinters, this probably does not need to be done.
I am thinking of taking all the caulking off and replacing it myself. This has to do with the top edge of the B where the fiberglass top meets the steel body.
Does anybody have a recommendation for what brand to use and is it a pretty simple job of removing the old caulking, clean the areas, then replace the caulking?
Our RT is about 5 years old. It seems to me this might the time to do the job.
Or... should I go to a dealer to do the job? (I'm curious how many B'ers have done this job on their own.)
Many thanks in advance for your input. 
2004/05 Roadtrek 190 Versatile
FMCA F380826
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Davydd
Minnesota
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You could start by asking your B manufacturer what they originally use and start from there. Otherwise, if you can't get a satisfactory answer, what you might want to use is a one-part polyurethane sealant that is rated for exterior, moving joints and immersion in water. You probably want one that comes in prepackaged tubes as well and does not need priming. They would be the easiest and best to use. The manufacturer might have used something you couldn't handle anyway. OK, what is that? I learned when I owned a vintage Airstream trailer that this was a big deal with owners. Tremco's Trempro 636 "Vulkem" polyurethane is a good one. Tremco is a leading manufacturer in sealants.
Here is one source.
http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Vulkem_p/vts-190.htm
Davydd
2005 Pleasure-Way Plateau Sprinter B Camper Van
Davydd is the Welsh spelling for David with an English twist using a v instead of an f.
See Our Pleasure-Way and my pork tenderloin sandwiches
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JoeRT04
Cape Cod, MA
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Thank you Davydd for your response. You are very helpful as usual.
I am looking at different brand caulks at this time. Your example looks like it would be right for the job.
I was wondering if any other chevy or the older dodge B owners out there might have done this job in the past and could give some input? I would appreciate it. At this point I am wondering what I would use to clean the gutter areas after removing the old caulking and to get ready to add the new one.
I looked at my RT a bit more closely and I have come to the conclusion that the old caulk in the gutters is not a bad as I thought. There is no leaking whatsoever. But, I am still thinking about replacing the caulking on the gutters as a preventative measure. Most experts I've talked to say that caulk has a life of 5-8 years and should be replaced within that time period.
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charles
Ohio
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Joe,
Your unit isn't that old, I would leave well enough alone. I've been lurking here for a lot of years and can't remember anyone posting about removing and replacing caulking although I could have missed it.
Nick
Between B's
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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charles wrote:Joe,
Your unit isn't that old, I would leave well enough alone. I've been lurking here for a lot of years and can't remember anyone posting about removing and replacing caulking although I could have missed it.
Nick
Between B's
I agree, I don't remember one person ever having to do it.
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sergeant76
New Bedford, MA
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Joe,
Checked my 2002 Dodge RT, I am unable to see any caulking in my rain gutters.
My roof comes all the way down to the gutter, of course I have the Vinyl strapping that wraps around the bottom of the roof and above the gutter.
Ron
Leisure Time at Cape Cod Canal,
Bourne, MA
Ron & Rose Cabral
New Bedford, MA
2002-Dodge-2002-RoadTrek-190-Popular
FMCA:303873 ~K1RRC~
E-mail: RRCRT@aol.com
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My Roadtrek
Tucson, AZ.
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Dodge's are different from the Chevy's.
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Davydd
Minnesota
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If they used sealant of the quality I suggested it will have a minimum life of at least 10 years unless of course it was physically damaged or improperly placed originally. Optimistically they should last 20 years. The stuff generally available at retail stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, etc. are mostly consumer lowest quality. Never use anything with acrylic content.
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rvdogmom40
Western Washington State
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Joined: 03/18/2004
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We have an 04 Excel and have had water problems for the last year or so. We tried various solutions from ideas gathered here on the B Forum. We thought we had the problem corrected until discovering (after several days of heavy rain) that there was quite a bit of water in one side of the space behind the beds which is accessed via the two back doors.
Immediately we made an appointment with the dealer's service dept. The guy who worked on our Pw removed the back half of the strip between the top and bottom of the vehicle. He cleaned it, replaced any rusty screws, recaulked that plus resealed around the side windows and lights. He seemed experienced in diagnosing water leaks although that can be tricky. Now I am waiting for the next rainstorm to check the success of the process. The "non-do-it-yourself" job cost $400 and has a 90 day guarantee.
In the meantime, we are seriously considering getting a cover since the PW is forced to sit out year round. I suppose it would have been wise to have the front done as well.
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JoeRT04
Cape Cod, MA
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Well, I took another real hard look.
I think it is best that I leave it alone. I think this was an overreaction on my part. The caulking is not lifting in one spot as I originally thought. And, no leakage is evident anywhere in our B.
The fact that Rodger & Charles can't remember any postings on the subject gives me the confidence to leave this be.
This is what happens when you retire and have just a little too much time on your hands. 
Today is winterizing day. It hit the low 30's this morning.
Thank you all for your timely responses.
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