Caulk Equilevent of Eternabond?

Mocoondo wrote:
Dicor is the gold standard of RV sealants. Regardless, you still need to pressure test and re-seal on a regular schedule.

I do not advocate placing Eternabond all over the roof. To me, that screams "roof problem" and I will always factor that in when contemplating a purchase.

I've heard that concern about using a large amount of Eternabond, but since I removed every trace of caulking before using it on my roof I don't consider that an issue and if someone else does then they just are not that knowledgeable anyway. I'll also take the hit if it's still a concern over never having a leak or worrying about one developing. I think how professional the overall installation of the Eternabond will go a long way in whether someone thinks it a patch job or simply a better way to seal joints.

Larry

cruz-in wrote:
Anyone use 3m4000 UV?

Reading boating reviews it seems very well suited for RVs

That is what I used to redo all my caulking back in 2008 and now over 5 years later it looks as good as the day I put it on. I chose it over all other caulks for the very reasons you mentioned. It's meant for the harsh marine environment. It isn't the easiest to work with, but I'm happy with my decision to use it. Bigest issue was removing every trace of the ole silicone caulking and preping the surface for good adhesion.

I've also used a little of the 5200 in a couple of places, but only on the surface and not between something that is mounted since it's a permenant caulk and would be impossible to remove. I used it since it's available at either Lowes or HD in the small tubes and when I did all the rest of my trailer in the 4000 UV I used one large tube and that caulk is fairly expensive and not something to do just one or two items at a time.



Larry

Could you get us some pics when you do. While Eternabond would seal it well it would make it redneck looking. :B

I've used 3m 5200 and 4200 a lot on boats, was thinking of trying it on the 5th wheel. but only the 4200. The 5200 will pull the gel coat right off if you need to remove the trim down the road.

mlts22 wrote:
I think all caulks need to be checked and redone after a period of time; just the nature of the beast. The exception would be if someone made a two part (resin/hardener) epoxy caulk that used a caulk gun that mixed the two parts, so the caulk would not just have stuff evaporate, but actually cure in place. This caulk would be a polyurethane mix so it would stretch and flex, but still keep a solid seal.

If I wanted to seal it and forget about it, I'd use Eternabond tape. In the time I've been on rv.net, I've read only one failure story that I remember, although EB needs to be applied as per directions since if the tape is stretched or it isn't pushed into place by a roller, the microsealant won't hold.

Try Geocel Tripolymer 2300, it's sold through roofing distributors.
Since it's a polymer caulk, the reaction of curing is similar to a two part in that it polymerizes (cures) in the presence of air.

2300 is similar to Geocel's Proflex RV but has just a bit more bond strength and elongation. I used it on all vertical semas and around all windows and doors. All indications are that it will last years. It is somewhat more difficult to apply than a standard latex caulk because it is thicker and requires harder tooling. Cure time is around one week.

My roof got Eternabond Webseal on all the seams except around vents and roof caps. For those I used the standard Eternabond Roof Seal tape. I have no leaks.

Anyone use 3m4000 UV?

Reading boating reviews it seems very well suited for RVs

Dicor self leveling for horizontal surfaces and Dicor non self leveling for vertical surfaces.

Mocoondo wrote:
Dicor is the gold standard of RV sealants. Regardless, you still need to pressure test and re-seal on a regular schedule.

I do not advocate placing Eternabond all over the roof. To me, that screams "roof problem" and I will always factor that in when contemplating a purchase.

That is the downside of Eternabond, and why I keep recaulking my TT's roof. I plan to trade in my TT next year, and people will ask about hidden issues.

The other alternative to to caulk is the Rhino Linings Eco-Roof or Dave's Permanent Coatings RV Flexarmor. Either of those fixes the water ingress problem for good. However, the closest place to me is 1000 miles away, and the roof coating is not cheap.

Dicor is the gold standard of RV sealants. Regardless, you still need to pressure test and re-seal on a regular schedule.

I do not advocate placing Eternabond all over the roof. To me, that screams "roof problem" and I will always factor that in when contemplating a purchase.

I've had good luck with 3M Marine 5200 sealant (get the fast drying version). Warning that it is permanent, you won't get it off short of a grinder ;-)

It's hard to get a nice even bead with (but I suck at caulking anyways, so take that with a grain of salt), does not come off of hands, and over time does seem to attract dirt and get dirtier faster (but it can be cleaned like anything else). If you're good with those conditions, give it a try.