Forum Discussion

sneakygroundbuz's avatar
Feb 01, 2018

what do i all need

so the wife and i bought our first TT

and i was wondering what kind of things will i all need for general maintenance.

as far as tools for repairs go,im not worried about those.i was an auto tech for 25 years and have way more than i need for that.

but as far as things like types of caulking etc. what to clean the roof with.
which brands are best.

you know,general maintenance type stuff.

thanks in advance for helping this new RV'er out.
  • Having an extra tool kit has been a must. I have used mine for small campground rv repairs and for fixing bicycles and other small projects. The Dicor and eternabond is pretty impressive stuff.
  • Never, EVER, use anything on there that has the word SILICONE in its name!

    EVER!
  • +100 on the #2 Robertson. Other than basic tools (I keep a separate set in the trailer) I use a crimper and butt connectors a lot for adding or repairing electrical connections, new lights, etc.
  • Dicor self-leveling lap joint compound is a standard product for roof sealing, as was mentioned. Don't try to use it on vertical surfaces; it'll self-level down as a drip.

    For walls, some sort of a urethane caulking is good. Geocel pro-flex RV is probably the "standard" but there are other very similar products available that work pretty well too. I've used (with good success) OSI Quad, for instance. Avoid silicone; while it seals effectively, once cured essentially nothing (including more silicone) will ever stick to it and so when it needs renewal it's a major hassle to first remove every last speck of what was there.

    For cleaning the roof, I use a string mop and spic and span (and water). Laundry detergent also works pretty well. It's not like the roof needs to be absolutely immaculately spotless, at least by my thinking.

    If you don't have a #2 Robertson (square drive) screwdriver you can keep in the trailer, get one ASAP.
  • Dicor lap sealant and Eternabond tape for roof sealing. Do not use silicone caulk for any purpose on the exterior of your TT. Use any mild detergent for cleaning the roof--spic n span, Murphy oil soap, simple green, etc. Avoid petroleum solvents, they are hard on EPDM rubber. Your favorite car wax is fine for the sidewalls.

    You don't need "RV safe" toilet paper, just bring what you use at home. Same goes for black tank treatments--save your money.
  • Make sure you check the sealant on the roof a couple times a year and Dicor lap sealant to fix them up.
  • Don’t “clean” your roof. Maintain it but don’t clean to clean it.

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