Re- caulking?

gitpicker2009 wrote:
I know you're supposed to re caulk seams, etc, but how often?

Side walls, etc... when it looks like they need it.

Roof - check it several times a year. I check mine that often and since mine is under cover most of the time, I usually only have to touch up the roof with Dicor once every year or two.

I learned the hard way about regular re-sealing. Have always kept my TC in covered storage. Last year had to rebuild lower rail of cab over portion. No indication of trouble, till siding seam opened up on the "nose". All upper areas were fine. We believe water got under vinyl screw cover strip on corner molding. What a pain! Had to carefully pull siding from nose section, rebuild framing and reinstall. Of course that means removing all the windows, and hatches, cleaning or replacing, then resealing.

I was impressed with S&S construction under the skin. Especially bedding around those signature front windows. No leaks there.

My caulking is not as pretty as factory, but I know it is sealed!

Think about all the stress and strains....along with "Hurricane Force" wind (60+ MPH) as we go down the road, load and unload. It is amazing how long our TCs do last!

I'll be cleaning, and recaulking at least every other year now!

thanks very much guys.

There are some good videos on You Tube about roof recaulking if you want to take a look.

I bought a brand new AF990 in 2008. I stored it undercover from day one to keep it out of the south TX sun. I kept it til last year without ever having to reseal. I touched up the caulk a few times over the years as I found a crack here and there but I never found anything that would have let water penetrate. After 7 years, the caulk was filthy but still pliable. Just keep an eye on it and keep it under cover if at all possible.

What do they say "If it aint broke dont fix it"

Usually caulking will last 5-8 years or longer depending on how it was stored. Sounds like yours is fine. Check for cracks or rusting bolts it you don't see any, your probably good.

My 03 Lance was stored outside most of its life and I'm just now re-doing all of the caulking and roof dicor.

Purchased my 2004 in 2009 and doubt it had been touched by the previous owners. Haven't recaulked it yet except where I've done some minor repairs (not water associated).

Did pull it out for a trip and plan on painting the roof seams with a roof coating which will fill in any of the small cracks forming in the sealant. Worked well on other units.

If it all looks good I would leave it alone.