Forum Discussion

scarpi's avatar
scarpi
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013

heat causing problems inside RV

Hi all, our Phoenix summer temperatures are causing problems with the bathroom walls in our PW Excel. It is an 09, and the temperature inside the RV sometimes is 115 even with the fantastic fan vent open and the bathroom door left open. The RV sits in our driveway at home when not in use. Of course our summer temps here are HOT (100 - 115 daily)! So the inside of the RV cooks. The problem is that the caulking in the bathroom is separating, leaving gaps between the walls. The same thing is occurring on the bathroom counter top where it meets the wall. Also for those of you familiar with the PW Excel, there is a wall panel attached to the bathroom wall above the window that looks like a formica type panel. The edges are becoming completely separated from its backing due to the heat warping it. Here's my questions. First of all, is there a better caulking that I can use to recaulk the seams between the bathroom walls, and secondly is there a good adhesive that could be used to reattach the formica type panel where it is warping off the wall? Since it is the edges that are warping, I can't get behind the whole panel and would need to drip some adhesive into the gap and tape it shut until it cures. Thanks for any info......Don in Phoenix.
Class B
  • drsolo's avatar
    drsolo
    Nomad
    Jul 04, 2013
    I cant speak to the caulking. But we found a tarp with the aluminum side facing out and over the top of the RV and bungeed down dropped the temp inside. This year we are also taking a misting system to help with cooling since our AC doesnt work well in temps over 90oF.
    But maybe you dont want to plug it in and run the AC?
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2013
    If I plugged it in and ran the rooftop AC, it would run constantly in our hot summer weather and trying to put a cover over a class B RV would be tough because we also use it as a second vehicle and like to drive it occasionally. There isn't anything I can do about keeping the RV cool here, but I do need to address the interior issues I mentioned caused by the heat. Thanks for your input.
  • Horizon170's avatar
    Horizon170
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2013
    Hi, RE: Caulking. The absolutely best caulking I have found is what aluminum gutter installers use to seal outside home gutters.
    By chance I had to replace a wall unit A/C that I had installed 3 years ago and used it to seal the edges. It was still in great shape and had held its elasticity very well. On the inside it stuck so well that it pulled a thin layer off the paneling.
    Now the BAD part is I don't remember the name of it but as I recall it was around 8-10 bucks a tube.
  • stan909's avatar
    stan909
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2013
    Sounds like something you may have to address every couple of years. You might ask the RV repair places in your area what they recomend.
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2013
    I'll be bringing it to an RV service center soon for another issue so I'll ask them about the interior issues. In my opinion, if PW sells RVs all over the country, they should be designed so that they can withstand the weather extremes where they sell them. In the Southwest deserts it gets very Hot in the summer and that does not mean that the bathroom caulking and formica panels should get ruined. I don't have an air conditioned RV garage so it has to stay in our driveway. Sorry, I'm a little frustrated. Thanks for your input......Don.
  • Sukiesmom's avatar
    Sukiesmom
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2013
    We live in S Cal, near the ocean and does not get too hot even in summer. However, our 2006 Excel still has the same problem you are facing. Tried adhesive caulking and it was good for a while but eventually it still pulled off, and with some of the "wall paper" with it too. I would not use adhesive caulking again.
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2013
    Interesting, judging by what you say, it sounds like it is not just a problem caused by heat. Maybe incompatible materials used? I emailed Pleasure Way about my problem but I don't expect them to do anything since the RV is an 09. But I'll let you know if they come up with a solution such as better caulk and better adhesive for that formica panel that is coming off. Don.
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Jul 10, 2013
    For your info its been a few days since I emailed PW about the heat affecting the interior materials in my RV. Still no response. They may not respond and I don't expect them to do anything about it. It is out of warranty being an 09. But it would be nice if they knew of a better caulk to use that withstands high temps. I will wait before I attempt to fix the caulking to see if they have any suggestions on a product. If not, I'll check with my RV service center. I'm sure they can recommend something.

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