calking exterior seams

Here is what I have used for years(not on the roof). No issues with adhering to anything including itself. I have to assume the nay sayers have no real experience with it.


Permatex® Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant
General-purpose, clear RTV indoor/ outdoor sealant. Seals, bonds, repairs, mends and secures glass, metal, plastics, fabric, vinyl, weather stripping and vinyl tops. Protects and repairs electrical wiring. May be applied to horizontal or vertical surfaces.Waterproof and flexible. Temperature range -75°F to 400°F (-59°C to 204°C); resists water, weather, and vibration.

Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant

RV daytrader wrote:
Silicone DOES stick well to clean surfaces...problem is that NOTHING will stick to cured silicone, not even new silicone!!...so you cant ever caulk over it with anything!...and is is a bear to try and remove to recaulk as it leaves a film that nothing will stick to!...stick to dicor or rv proflex, or any kind that you can caulk over if need be!!

I have put silicone over silicon many many times with no issues.

I was told by a high volume Jayco dealer that OSI Quad sealant is the way to go for trim applications. Haven't used it yet but will in a couple weeks for first time.

Dicor non leveling is what I used.
Silicone has no place in rv's and I have walked away from rv's I was considering buying because of it.

Kay and Gene wrote:
Thanks to all for your input. Looks like Dicor/Proflex are the winners. Will have to order, nowhere close to go pick some up.

When you apply, work small area at a time (skins over quickly), smooth out the bead with your finger. A thin bead goes a long way. Have some mineral spirits and rags handy. Painters tape also helps if you don't want overlap onto sidewalls. Rub a drop or two of dish soap on your finger before working the bead. Makes the bead come out much smoother and keeps caulk off finger.
This learned from my own experience. ;)
Steve

Thanks to all for your input. Looks like Dicor/Proflex are the winners. Will have to order, nowhere close to go pick some up.

I guess everyone does it there way. It's always been silicone on the windows and vents and Snow Roof on the metal roof including pickup camper/fifth wheel/motorhome and travel trailer.

Don't know what I'll use on my rubber roof yet.....

There are clear Eurethane or thermoplastic caulk sealants and can be mistaken for silicone simply because they are clear. Eternacaulk
Many manufacturers are using this or similar sealants on rvs with darker sidewalls as white sealants would not look good. I'm pretty confident that manufacturers don't use silicone on the exteriors.

Silicone DOES stick well to clean surfaces...problem is that NOTHING will stick to cured silicone, not even new silicone!!...so you cant ever caulk over it with anything!...and is is a bear to try and remove to recaulk as it leaves a film that nothing will stick to!...stick to dicor or rv proflex, or any kind that you can caulk over if need be!!

Gaffer222 wrote:

therink wrote:
Dicor or Proflex rv lap sealant. Do not use any silicone based product as it will not adhere to fiberglass or aluminum. I have never seen rv caulk products at home stores in my area. I purchase it online or from an rv supply store.

I see this stated so many times on the forum but wonder if people read it and then repost it without real experience. I used nothing but silicon on my HTT and never had any issues with it adhering to anything or itself.

Guess Jayco didn't get that memo. A lot of silicone around the doors, compartment doors, and utility connections on our WhiteHawk. None of it is falling off, blistering, peeling, etc. However, any touch up work not on the roof or drip edge I've been doing with DAP Alex Dynaflex 230. Flows nicely, easy to work, and simple cleanup.