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FlyfisherBob's avatar
FlyfisherBob
Explorer
Apr 18, 2017

Searching for the Ultimate caulking.

History:
My camper is a 2010 Travellite 800sb which we ordered special from the factory. We drove down to the factory and picked it up. We were lucky to meet a new production manager, who was hired to solve many of their quality and manufacturing problems. He was really good and told us ours was one of first campers he oversaw. As an aerospace machinist and wood worker i am always suspect to consumers products. Our Camper has been trouble free, but too bad for Travellite owners latter, the new manager did not last long. (He was too good).

Caulking:
What ever they used was the Ultimate in caulking. Bright white, very firm, sticks and does not attract dust or road grime. We called the factory for more to touch-up a few places, They were clueless and sent some cheap silicone junk.

What caulking exists that is Bright white, slightly firm, sticks and does not attract dust or road grime?

Thanks for any suggestions.
Bob
Truck Campers

26 Replies

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  • FlyfisherBob's avatar
    FlyfisherBob
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2017
    What about 3M 4200? It could be removed i heard.
    Any feedback on the 4200? Read once it attracted dirt. Do not want a dirt attractor.

    My sail boat friends use it, but requires a special cleaner/primer. Boats are in storage now, will look at in a month to check for dirt sticking.

    Thanks, Bob
  • Jack_Hart's avatar
    Jack_Hart
    Explorer II
    Apr 18, 2017
    3M 5200. Just don't use it on any parts that you ever plan on separating...ever.
  • FlyfisherBob's avatar
    FlyfisherBob
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2017
    FYI:
    On an Airstream trailer forum, Air Forums, they have a specific thread for sealants and such.
    Their leak problems are monumental. This is a list users have provided for:

    Windows/Trim//Exterior Lights:

    Sikaflex 221 Grey (seals and bonds. Use Eternabond spray cleaner to prepare surface)
    Parbond Grey or Clear (small hand tubes, prep and clean-up use cosmoline remover)
    Trempro 635 Grey
    Loctite® PL® S40 Polyurethane Window Door and Siding Sealant
    Lexel™ Clear
    Aluminum Pigmented Gutterseal

    They have also referenced marine and aircraft ones on the forum.

    I have not yet started to experiment with any of these. Hope this list will add a few options for our campers.

    I have the perfect solution, just do not know what it is.

    The dirt sticking is the main problem. Most will seal against leaks.

    Thanks, and keep the suggestions coming.
    Bob
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Apr 18, 2017
    I used marine-grade caulk.
    The cheaper one at West Marine is $16/tube.
    It works this winter in spots where the best Home Depot stuff failed.
  • JimK-NY's avatar
    JimK-NY
    Explorer II
    Apr 18, 2017
    I used Geoflex but ran into issues. I got bad tubes from a hardware store (rarely find it there), once from Tweetys and again from Camping World. I guess the shelf life must be really short. The caulk seemed a bit too firm in each instance and after lots of work, I had to strip off the caulk and start over. I have switched to Dicor. Dicor is a bit runnier and does not apply as easily but it seems to last and old tubes do not stop working. Dicor lap sealant comes in regular and self leveling. The regular product works best for vertical applications. I don't see much advantage to the self leveling even for horizontal applications.
  • billyray50's avatar
    billyray50
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2017
    I have used Geocel pro flex for a few years with good results. Recently just used Silkaflex 505uv bright white and flowed real well with a fast cure time.

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