Forum Discussion

mat60's avatar
mat60
Explorer
May 03, 2018

Volts and Sillcone

Thank goodness were going camping soon..:) Some things to ask..I have a Dork plug in digital volt meter in my TT now. When I'm at lets say 120 volts with no load and I turn on my air cond exc what is the lowest reading I should see without doing damage to things?...Also I think they used sillcone on my TT. Looks like it and dealer said it is and can you believe that's all they sell. I bought some Proflex on Amazon and wanted to ask would you try to remove all you can of the sillcone? Also the factory never used anything at all on the sides and bottoms of all my windows and door. Doesn't that need to be sealed up with Proflex? If I get caught in a poring rain I'm afraid Ill have a leak. Asked the dealer and they said it should be fine..Ha Ha. Be thankfull for some help on this.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 03, 2018
    mat60 wrote:
    ScottG wrote:
    Yes, get rid of any and all silicone. There are products at the H/W store to help chemically remove it.
    They don't usually seal the bottom of windows and such with caulk. I suspect they want them to drain if anything should ge in. It is sealed with putty though.
    Thanks Scott..What about the sides of the windows?


    The first line of defense is a putty under the flange of the window or door.
    I suspect manufacturers only apply a caulk around the edge of those area's in an effort to keep the putty from pooching out.
    If you like, you can put a small bead around those spots but I have area's of caulk missing around my windows and I'm not going to bother with them.
    Good luck with your new rig!
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 03, 2018
    Utility companies 'standards' are 120V AC +/- 10%
    That is 108V - 132V

    Below 108V AC the electric motors can be damaged.....at which time I shut down my A/C Unit OR start my Generator
    YES the 'surge protectors' trip on low voltage settings of 104V.
    But 30 years in Power Plants (major utiity company) gives me a different perspective


    Silicone should never be used on RVs.
    Silicone will NOT even stick to itself.....difficult to get rid of residue left behind.
    Have to use a 'chemical' silicone residue remover.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    May 03, 2018
    mat60 wrote:
    When I'm at lets say 120 volts with no load and I turn on my air cond exc what is the lowest reading I should see without doing damage to things?


    My Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C disconnects power to the coach when incoming source voltage, under load, falls below 104 vac so I like to see at least 110 vac incoming without much load, before turning on the A/C. Some would be uncomfortable with 104 vac but TRC has selected an even lower 102 vac as their EMS low voltage disconnect threshold. You didn't ask but if you're truly concerned about potential damage to your rig's electrical system you'd be doing yourself a huge favour by investing in an EMS.
  • mat60's avatar
    mat60
    Explorer
    May 03, 2018
    This camper has corrugated siding and windows have a frames. Hope I can upgrade some day.
  • mat60's avatar
    mat60
    Explorer
    May 03, 2018
    ScottG wrote:
    Yes, get rid of any and all silicone. There are products at the H/W store to help chemically remove it.
    They don't usually seal the bottom of windows and such with caulk. I suspect they want them to drain if anything should ge in. It is sealed with putty though.
    Thanks Scott..What about the sides of the windows?
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 03, 2018
    Yes, get rid of any and all silicone. There are products at the H/W store to help chemically remove it.
    They don't usually seal the bottom of windows and such with caulk. I suspect they want them to drain if anything should ge in. It is sealed with putty though.

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