Our MH has started leaking at the bottom of the front side window. I have tried sealing it with eternabond but I guess I need to reseal the windows. What is the best sealant to use on these? These are the side windows not the windshield. Thanks

There are sealant gaskets between the window and body of the motorhome that could need replacement. Our motorhome only has external sealant on the top and down the sides about 1/3 way down. Stop in at any glass shop and ask them what type of sealant you should use, I'm sure they would be willing to share that information with you.

Go to the RV parts house and buy yourself a roll of butyl putty tape. The stuff is cheap and a roll will last you nearly for ever. Take the window out, clean everything and apply the putty tape around the frame where it contacts the body. Push the window in place and while someone is holding it from the outside go inside and reinstall the cinch ring. Finish the project with a bead of Dicor around the top and two sides. Just like a residential window install.

Donn0128 that sounds good except it looks like ours fits in the opposite way. It looks like the frame that bolts to the window is on the inside not the outside. Don't know if that would make any difference tho.

ottersea wrote:Donn0128 that sounds good except it looks like ours fits in the opposite way. It looks like the frame that bolts to the window is on the inside not the outside. Don't know if that would make any difference tho.Yes, that's the way they work. Window mounts outside, cinch ring is inside and basically sandwiches the body between the two halves of the window assembly.

Kind of late to bring up but finally getting around to resealing the windows. Got them out and cleaned. Got some butal seal. My question is the seal tape is 1/8 x3/4. 1/8" thick tape does not seem to be thick enough to do the job. Is that thick enough or should I double the butal seal tape. I would hate to get it all together and then have to pull it out again since it was a chore getting the old seal off. Thanks

window sealant | Good Sam Community

21 Replies

Sully2
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
DSDP Don wrote:
For those silicone haters......please take a moment and look at EVERY DP built in this country and look at what they use to seal ALL of the side moldings after they're painted.

I agree 100% ! And for every motorhome owner should look very closly at the "belt line" on their coach. Where the floor and walls meet and the lower part of the coach come in at. That sealant sure as heck aint dicor for GAP putty or??...its SILICONE! Meant to stay in place...seal as long as the coach lasts and not come loose.

Silicone is the greatest sealer in the world...:B
wildmanbaker
Explorer
Jun 22, 2015
Hank MI wrote:
DSDP Don wrote:
...Once you're done, get some pure silicone (clear) in a tube and run a bead along the top of the window and down both sides about 6". Make sure the surface is clean.

DAP makes a clear sealant, not a silicone. I removed most of the windows in our previous motorhome. They had a rubber seal between the frame and wall so I didn't need any messy caulk. I used the DAP sealant when I reinstalled them. The dap sealant stays clear and clean much longer than clear silicone which tends to turn yellow/tan as mold grows in it. Just a suggestion.

I believe this is what some manufactures use to seal the windows around the top and down the sides part way. The tube I have on hand right now is an "ACE" branded product, called "High The Sealant", with a 50 year durability, dyes clear with a plastic like result. When you pull your windows out and find dirt in the cut-out, I would use this product to seal around the full perimeter of the window, to prevent water intrusion, and possible wall separation. I have used the caulk, the butyl rubber, the rubber still gets worked out and attracts dirt. Sorry, but it does happen.
ottersea
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
Thanks all. Just do not want to do it over again later as big a pain as it was to get all the old off.
Pirate1
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
Charlie D. wrote:
Ottersae-That is the correct stuff. It is not always black.
What he says. Just don't use the caulk stuff.
Charlie_D_
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
Ottersae-That is the correct stuff. It is not always black.
DSDP_Don
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
For those silicone haters......please take a moment and look at EVERY DP built in this country and look at what they use to seal ALL of the side moldings after they're painted.
ottersea
Explorer
Jun 21, 2015
This is the tape I have that does not look like either of the ones shown. The label say D6J BT18341 40' x 1/8 x 3/4. Anyone recognize whether this is the correct tape or not?
Pirate1
Explorer
Jun 20, 2015
ottersea wrote:
Pirate. What I have is neither of what you have shown. It is grey in color and looks like the black one. But is also feels like a hard putty so do not know what it is. I will try and post a pic later but for right now where do you find the true butyl tape? Also after installed I have heard to put a bead around the perimeter of the window. I have heard and read different opinions on what to use. Some say silicone and others say dicor roof sealant. From previous useage of silicone it seems to not hold up all that well. Should one seal around the window also and if so what is the best. I really do not want to take this apart again as it was a pain.
I wouldn't use silicone on anything. If you use the black butyl, you don't need to put an extra sealant around the window.
ottersea
Explorer
Jun 20, 2015
Pirate. What I have is neither of what you have shown. It is grey in color and looks like the black one. But is also feels like a hard putty so do not know what it is. I will try and post a pic later but for right now where do you find the true butyl tape? Also after installed I have heard to put a bead around the perimeter of the window. I have heard and read different opinions on what to use. Some say silicone and others say dicor roof sealant. From previous useage of silicone it seems to not hold up all that well. Should one seal around the window also and if so what is the best. I really do not want to take this apart again as it was a pain.
Hank_MI
Explorer
Jun 20, 2015
DSDP Don wrote:
...Once you're done, get some pure silicone (clear) in a tube and run a bead along the top of the window and down both sides about 6". Make sure the surface is clean.

DAP makes a clear sealant, not a silicone. I removed most of the windows in our previous motorhome. They had a rubber seal between the frame and wall so I didn't need any messy caulk. I used the DAP sealant when I reinstalled them. The dap sealant stays clear and clean much longer than clear silicone which tends to turn yellow/tan as mold grows in it. Just a suggestion.