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turbojimmy's avatar
turbojimmy
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014

Sealing Ladder and Rail Mounting Points

I've searched through the thousands of "roof seal" posts and have a pretty solid strategy for seams, vents, etc. My issue is with the ladder where it attaches to the roof as well the attachment points of a roof-rail on top of my Allegro. Just about every single screw hole leaks into the interior.

What's the best way to seal the screws and mounting pads for the rail? I see Eternabond sells a caulk. Any other recommendations?
Class A

16 Replies

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  • Mike_M2's avatar
    Mike_M2
    Explorer
    Mar 12, 2014
    There is a sealant caulk made by 3M called 5200. It is used to seal fittings under the waterline on boats and is permanent, unlike any other caulk or sealant. I have used it many times and it is the flat out best there is, but expect it to never come apart or leak again. It comes black or white, and also a less permanent version called 4200.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Mar 12, 2014
    I used Geocell and other types of caulking on mine over the years and all have worked well.
  • Cobra21's avatar
    Cobra21
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2014
    I had the same issues with ours. You may not like my remedy, but this is what I did. We don't use the roof rail or rack, so I took it off and eternabonded
    where all the screw holes were. That fixed it, and I'm pleased with what I did.
    Brian
  • olfarmer's avatar
    olfarmer
    Explorer II
    Mar 11, 2014
    I have had good luck with Dicor self leveling sealant and also Lexel caulking. Both are pretty tough with good adhesion after they are cured. I would not use a silicone product, the adhesion is very poor and nothing else will stick to silicone.
  • Sully2's avatar
    Sully2
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2014
    silicon sealant during installation....Dicor products later on

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