Eternabonding a New TT?

gbopp wrote:
You don't wait until your roof leaks to recaulk. You check it and caulk as needed.

Exactly ... you CAULK as needed. Trailers are manufactured with the seams CAULKED so it only makes sense to maintain that CAULKING with ......... wait for it ...... CAULK. :S

That aside, roof seams are easy to maintain, easy to spot any areas that may be failing ... but wall seams and countless wall intrusions are an entirely different matter, especially when the original sealant used is clear. I'd bet far more newer trailers leak through these than through the roof yet most don't even give it any thought at all, apparently including the OP. :R

I've had Eternabond on my roof seams since my trailer was new and am very glad. On the roof, I did front cap, rear cap and side seams as well as all seams around roof penetrations - like skylights, vents, antennas, refrigerator vent, etc.

There's an argument about voiding the warranty if you do this - but roof maintenance is on the owner, not the company. And if you have a leak beyond six months or so, it is still yours to fix and the damage caused by it. Also, read about how to apply Eternabond as it is requires specific understanding; it will not stretch; the surface has to be clean; it should be pressed down firmly with a roller; once stuck - even slightly - it can not be readjusted.

Another major source of water intrusion is window leaks - not the window itself, but the sealing of the window to the side of the trailer. Many have removed, centered, and resealed windows. At the least, a bead of caulk across the top and down the sides of the window is a good idea. Here is one link to re-sealing windows: clicky

Checking the roof and sides of a trailer for sealing against water every few weeks is a good idea, even if all is Eternabonded - since stuff happens.

Why don't you inspect the roof first. Use Dicor as needed. I would bet if your unit hasn't sat on the lot a long time all will be OK. Inspecting the roof often is important. Slopping Dicor all over when it isn't needed is a waste. tI doubt it will stop any more leaks than inspecting your roof often.

I would wait, you might just be creating more work than necessary for yourself.

Carefully look over your new TT. If the factory sealing / caulking looks good and solid, go out and enjoy camping!

If you are unhappy with the factory work, then knock yourself out redoing it.

That's what I thought on my last camper, so I got the dealer to seal all the seams with eternabond when it was a year old. 2 years later when it started delaminating, dealer said oh well, Jayco won't cover that since you didn't remove your gutter and awning to look for leaks every year. Thanks dealer

dodge guy wrote:
Not Eternabond, but Dicor. Go over everything the manuf. did. Eternabond is for repairs, Dicor is for maint.!

If you cover the seams with properly installed Eternabond, you don't need to recaulk those seams or be concerned about them leaking. :)

Not Eternabond, but Dicor. Go over everything the manuf. did. Eternabond is for repairs, Dicor is for maint.!

I don't think it's a waste of Eternabond. I think it's good Preventative Maintenance.

Why wait until you may have problems? You don't wait until your roof leaks to recaulk. You check it and caulk as needed.

Especially, with the quality of RV's today. I think it's a wise move to protect your purchase.

I would check with the dealer/manufacturer before applying to make sure it will not cause warranty problems.

I read that Eternabond is applied to some motorhomes at the factory.

A waste of Eternabond.