Shockwave TH Window Resealing

[Jonmf]

Hi all. New to the forum here.

I have a 2012 Shockwave Toy Hauler and I'm having some pretty severe issues with the window seals. It seems to be melting. Aside from looking horrible, the integrity of the seal itself has to be compromised. Talking with the guys from camping world, I was told that all the windows need to be removed, cleaned , then use putty to reseal. Sounds like a huge undertaking to me and just wondering what some others have done to deal with this. Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Y-Guy]

For what it's worth I use 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200. I've used for the seam in my fiberglass roof and held up very well. I've also re-caulked a couple windows with it. They make a fast cure compound as well, the normal stuff takes about a week to cure. I put it on in 2009 in an year that requires inspection (fiberglass roof meeting front cap) and just noticed this past weekend I will need to replace. Not a bad run for near 6 years, better then the factory stuff.

[Jonmf]

The tops and sides of the frames there are some small gaps. That's what I'm referring to. Nothing you can see as a huge problem but I just like seeing the whole gap filled with some sort of sealant.

[N-Trouble]

Never use pure silicone as a sealant on an RV. Bout the worst stuff you can use.

Like others have said if its not leaking just cleanup the mess and be done with it.

[beemerphile1]

Jonmf wrote:
What do you guys think about filling the gaps with standard white silicone? I'd clean off the excess first of course. Can you mix the two types of sealant?

What gaps? Just scrape off the excess where it has oozed out from under the window frame.

[Y-Guy]

Lots of possibilities. Contacting Forest River might be helpful but might take a while to get a reply. If the goop has lost integrity as it appears the windows might be at risk. I'll assume (dangerous I know) that he goop oozes more in the summer months when it's hot out. You might gently push from the inside out to see if the windows are loose at all.

One of our members Hap Hazard, and many others, have had good experiences with Jim at VIP RV Service, www.viprvservice.net I'd call him and see if he can assist you. He might be able to help just via the photos and save a haul into the shop.

[boogie_4wheel]

Jonmf,
For what it's worth, my '10 Shockwave did the exact same thing on every window. No leaks at the windows that I could tell. I just left it.

[Jonmf]

What do you guys think about filling the gaps with standard white silicone? I'd clean off the excess first of course. Can you mix the two types of sealant?

[Jonmf]

Thanks for the advice all. I'll give that a try. It does get stored in a lot with sun on it all day.

And to the mod - you're right, it wasn't a lecture. Apologies for losing my cool.

[beemerphile1]

My Weekend Warrior did the same thing, it isn't unusual. Use a plastic scraper (NOT METAL!) to remove the excess. There is no need to do anything else providing there are no leaks. You can even use a credit card or driver's license if you wish.

[downtheroad]

OK, if you are still around...what I see is just excess sealant, probably Dicor or Proflex.

The manufacturer probably just used too much during the build of your unit. (sloppy, fast, and not uncommon in the RV industry)

Are you in a warm climate or parked in hot direct sun?

My opinion is that the windows do not need to be removed and that their integrity is not compromised. (you said they were not leaking)

Carefully scrap off the excess that is running out of the frame. A heat gun or hot hair dryer will make the process easier. You can clean up the residue with some paint thinner on a rag.

[Y-Guy]

Lectured? It wasn't a lecture I was trying to give you some help as the forum software can be a challenge at first.

[Jonmf]

Me neither. I had a 24' travel trailer before this one and I can tell you it was way less maintenance. This one screws holes strip out and of course this..

[N-Trouble]

That is odd looking. Have never seen a window do that.

[Jonmf]

That's the link I used!

I've spent way too long just trying to figure out how to post a picture and then to get lectured. This may not be the forum for me.