Forum Discussion

woodhog's avatar
woodhog
Explorer
Jun 24, 2017

Anyone know what type of caulking this is?

I want to re bed this jack bracket before fastening down on the camper.

This white material is still very soft and pliable after 10 years, I don't want to use a caulking or material that is too adhesive and dry too hard to remove easily in the future, the same material is used
on the camper for the aluminum strip where the top and bottom seam for
the filon is in the cabover.



I guess you will have to clix for the picture of this material ??
Sorry about that...


Edit: Got it. Looks like the cheap stuff, clay tape. You can tell by the wrinkles like crate paper. Took at my photo below.

Wayne
Moderator
  • It looks like the junk that an RV repair shop used on my bathroom fan several years ago. I would recommend that you get some Seka Flex 715
    Look Here

    Camping World sells it.
  • For years I only seen the pure butyl in gray. Last year I ordered some on the internet, and it was black. I also discovered years ago that you store it in a cool place. If you leave it in a hot place or in the sun, it will get real soft and can be a mess. I store mine in my shop refrigerator.
  • I agree with the butyl answer.
    As a pro for 42 years I can attest that butyl is about the only sealant that remains soft and pliable for many years. Virtually all other caulkings will set up and become solid.

    But be aware that there are 3 primary types of butyl tape used in the RV industry.

    One, the cheapest, is more a putty tape than butyl. It dries out and crumbles and should be avoided. Not a good choice unless you're a total cheapskate!!

    Second is a poly butyl blend I think they call it. It's a combo of the above putty and butyl. Sort of ok in a pinch but I still wouldn't use it.

    Third is pure butyl. This is the good stuff you want to use. It does cost more but it's worth it. I use this when I pull a window or door or corner moulding etc from an RV and want to reseal it. It's soft, gooey and stretchy and sticks like sh...um stuff to a blanket :B

    It usually is grey. I actually haven't seen it in white. Doesn't mean they don't make it though.
  • I can't fix your photos, but the photo below may give you an idea on the caulk. The butyl is the caulk to use. I don't no the color availability, but have seen and used gray and black.