Can I use household caulk around RV windows?

[MT_Pokets]

I know you need a special caulk on many RV roofs, but I have to replace a window on the side of my Class C. Got the replacement window from the manufacturer, and I happen to have several tubes of household caulk (silicon base). Can I use them to do the job or do I need to get special RV caulk? Seems like everything that says RV on it costs twice as much as the regular stuff. Anyone with good advice on this??

[UsualSuspect]

I went through this on my 5'er. There should be Butyl tape that is between the exterior side where it mates up to the exterior wall on the RV. There is 2 kinds of Dicor, self leveling which you do not want, it will run down the sides. You want to use Dicor Non-Sag Lap Sealent. The non-sag will not run down the side and you can use it on the top of the window just as the others are sealed with it.

[weathershak]

I had a clearance light leak over a year ago and didnt have Dicor. I used some latex window calk around them. Just checked it the other day and still holding strong.

[colliehauler]

Ranger Smith wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
Use Dicor made for RV caulk. Silicone will not work.

Dicor is good for sealing stuff on roofs. It will self level. It is not good for sides of Rv's as it will flow down the side.

They make a Dicor calk just for sealing that is not self level and stay a bead. Quote: 551 LSW non-leveling/non-sag lap sealant formulated for 1/4 and 3/8 bead. The best way is to take the window out and use the putty RV tape you can buy at dealers, what the mfg uses.

[Showme_5vr]

Quad caulk!!
X2

[mobeewan]

Yes.

OSI Quad white

[Jagtech]

If you're replacing the whole window frame, I would use urethane sealant, readily available at Home depot. Not as good for caulking around a window that's already in place, but best choice when re-installing a window unit.

[TurnThePage]

Interesting comments here. I'm pretty sure Dicor makes a product for the "side" of your RV too. Not just the self leveling stuff.

My travel trailer came from the factory with caulk over the tops and sides of the windows, door & corners in addition to the butyl tape that was used during assembly. On top of that, when it went in for factory work, they caulked it again.

I personally won't use a silicone product. I've had troubles with them staying stuck and of course nothing else will stick after that either.

[mark5w]

I agree, use the butyl tape. My RV service center stated to me NOT to use caulk.

[elkhornsun]

ProflexRV for the side and best to use the Clear type. Use Klean-Strip Industrial Maintenance Coating Thinner (takes the place of MEK, toluene, xylene, Naptha). Good for cleaning the surface before applying the Proflex.

[Ranger_Smith]

colliehauler wrote:
Use Dicor made for RV caulk. Silicone will not work.

Dicor is good for sealing stuff on roofs. It will self level. It is not good for sides of Rv's as it will flow down the side.

[Ranger_Smith]

I would use nothing but the butyl tape around the window for that. I don't use silicone for anything except maybe around a shower.

[jjj]

I think the putty tape is called Butyl tape. I have a roll of gray for just in case of repairs.

[joy-rick]

I can't remember what it is called, but there is a special "putty" like material that you need to use to form a gasket between your new window and the body of the trailer.

[colliehauler]

Use Dicor made for RV caulk. Silicone will not work.