Caulking

I use this on everything except the roof.

Lexel

It's not as easy to apply, difficult to tool, and takes a few days to fully cure but it sticks to anything and remains flexible.

GrandpaKip wrote:
Is there any particular reason to use silicon rather than a good quality latex caulk around windows, hatches, and trim? I would use butyl tape under, but would like to use latex for the final caulking as it is lots easier to remove and deal with in general.

Either silicone or latex caulk are lesser choices than a polymer sealant like Dicor or Proflex. Silicone will separate from the surface and nothing can be expected to adhere onto it. About the only place in an RV where it could be used is in a joint where two surfaces are out of the weather and the joint is under compression (fastened mating surfaces). Latex does not have the flexibility nor the longevity of the better caulks.
I did a little research before I stripped and replaced all of the caulk in my rig. I decided the best and easiest available-to-me sealant was Geocel Tripolymer 2300. It is very similar to Proflex but has a bit more elasticity and bond strength. It is available through roofing suppliers or full-service lumber yards.

Is there any particular reason to use silicon rather than a good quality latex caulk around windows, hatches, and trim? I would use butyl tape under, but would like to use latex for the final caulking as it is lots easier to remove and deal with in general.

S'more campers wrote:
Sorry to hijack your thread Poultney, but we might have a similar obstical. I have what appears to be clear silicon over the Butyl putty on the exterior fixtures of my Fleetwood Pioneer 18T6. It's discoloured started to peel away. How can I remove this from the trailer without damaging the paint on the aluminum siding?

Yep, that is exactly my problem. Fleetwood was silicon crazy. Compounded when I paid a service department to check and caulk, they went right over it....now it is a mess. It took a couple weeks to get everything like I wanted it, but all is good now. It took a lot of scraping and mineral spirits. The downside, I did mess up the decals....oh well, live and learn.

Cale

S'more campers wrote:
Sorry to hijack your thread Poultney, but we might have a similar obstical. I have what appears to be clear silicon over the Butyl putty on the exterior fixtures of my Fleetwood Pioneer 18T6. It's discoloured started to peel away. How can I remove this from the trailer without damaging the paint on the aluminum siding?

Remove the bulk of it mechanically with a plastic scraping blade. 3M makes a silicone caulk remover that works well. I would use a test area over the paint in an inconspicuous spot. If all is good, spread it on wait until the caulk softens and wipe it away with a rag. I used mineral spirits to clean any residue off the surface.

If a previous owner has caulked those areas it may be because of a leak. Any joint with butyl tape should be inspected as the butyl sealants harden over time and are prone to break out of the joint or crack underneath.

Good luck with the removal!

Sorry to hijack your thread Poultney, but we might have a similar obstical. I have what appears to be clear silicon over the Butyl putty on the exterior fixtures of my Fleetwood Pioneer 18T6. It's discoloured started to peel away. How can I remove this from the trailer without damaging the paint on the aluminum siding?

Have had good success with 3M Marine 4200 Polyurethane Adhesive/Sealant. But have only used it for a couple of years.

I currently have Proflex, that is what was suggested to me. I personally do not like it. I caulked everything in April 2013, now it is brittle as all get out....plus it was a bear to work with. I will be trying Dicor next....

Cale

Don't forget the windows and sorage door frames! If your trailer is 5-10 years old I would highly recommend replacing the butyl putty.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

If you are caulking your roof, Dicor self leveling caulk works great.
Also consider using Eternabond on seams.