RV Sealant / Caulking

JIMNLIN wrote:


Aircraft technology vs rv technology is a very poor analogy....for anything. I've worked both assy lines and no comparo.

I beg to differ.

I was talking SEALANT....and what I've worked with in the past and the application.

You are right...poor analogy...aircrafts are built correctly.

I was first exposed to butyl tape in setting up and repairing construction camp bunkhouses. These were mobile home type structures. This led me to a firm believe the stuff doesn't always work. It's quick, cheap and easy to use. And since it leaks the RV will rot and have to be replaced about the time the payments finish. Perfect for the industry. I've redone the seals using Proflex. It's expensive, slow and to get a reliable seal, very messy. However, the RV should outlast me.

#1nobby wrote:
Can someone explain why RV sealant / caulking is seemingly inferior compared to standard commercial / residential exterior window caulking that generally lasts 20 YEARS with shrinking or cracking?

What is so good about Dicor when it cracks so easily?

What makes you think its Dicor ??

I see folks posting comments about the OEM Dicor on their trailers roof however they have no clue what the product actually is or the brand.

Aircraft technology vs rv technology is a very poor analogy....for anything. I've worked both assy lines and no comparo.

Dicor is a commercial grade sealant used on buildings and other structures. Are there better more expensive sealants....you bet there is.

Having worked in the mobilehome/rv repair business I'm not of your opinion.

Choose from the first five or six on this page or use Geocel Proflex RV. The polymer sealants don't crack or need touchup. If sealing on the EPDM membrane through holes, do yourself a favor and seal everything with Eternabond tapes.

camperforlife wrote:



I know planes flex, but do they flex as much as a TT?

The fuselage of, say a Boeing 737, will EXPAND about 1.5 inches when pressurized. Flying at -50F. In turbulence. At 550 mph.

And sealant will last many years.

AND....you can pressure wash it! :)

#1nobby wrote:

windviewer wrote:
I'm trying mono thermoplastic clear next. it is what we are using to seal the windshield in the airplane (which is subject to movement as well).

Available at TSC stores in canada.

Interesting.

I've sealed fuel tanks and lap joints on commercial aircraft that have ALL SORTS of flex AND fly at 550 mph.

Happily, none of it with Dicor properties.

I know planes flex, but do they flex as much as a TT?

rbpru wrote:
Sealants are like any other product, there is a need at a certain price point and some company develops it.

There are better products, usually more expensive, and there are not as good products, usually cheaper.

Add to this people's opinions and things can get cloudy.

Good post...and I agree.

I would rather spend more up front...and spend less TIME working on it. :)

Sealants are like any other product, there is a need at a certain price point and some company develops it.

There are better products, usually more expensive, and there are not as good products, usually cheaper.

Add to this people's opinions and things can get cloudy.

windviewer wrote:

#1nobby wrote:

windviewer wrote:
I'm trying mono thermoplastic clear next. it is what we are using to seal the windshield in the airplane (which is subject to movement as well).

Available at TSC stores in canada.

Interesting.

I've sealed fuel tanks and lap joints on commercial aircraft that have ALL SORTS of flex AND fly at 550 mph.

Happily, none of it with Dicor properties.

ours isnt quite that fast :) only 150 knots

I've worked on those too.:)

My point being....there are better sealants out there that won't need touch ups every 6 months.

#1nobby wrote:

windviewer wrote:
I'm trying mono thermoplastic clear next. it is what we are using to seal the windshield in the airplane (which is subject to movement as well).

Available at TSC stores in canada.

Interesting.

I've sealed fuel tanks and lap joints on commercial aircraft that have ALL SORTS of flex AND fly at 550 mph.

Happily, none of it with Dicor properties.

ours isnt quite that fast :) only 150 knots