Dicor?

[Dog_Folks]

We have an aluminum framed, Filon sided trailer now. I always liked the fact that if we developed a leak the frame would not be damaged as a wood framed trailer would be. (And we have)

We are now considering a wood frame, aluminum sided trailer. My wife suggested, as a way of allaying my fears that from the first day we own it that we seal every roof penetration with Dicor. In other words Dicor when new, and not wait for a leak.

I have seen how well Dicor works on our present trailer. Do you guys think it this “before a leak develops idea” would be as “good” as an aluminum frame?

I have done the research on aluminum versus laminate walls, and overall can be comfortably go either way. Just wondering about the Dicor idea.

I may be overthinking this, but we plan on keeping this trailer 20 years or more.

[kmbelt]

I wish i had known/thought to do that when i bought mine as i have had a leak in the front and the rear.

reseal or add more to everything that could leak.

Remove any and all Silicone caulk and replace with Dicor (this was my problem). Mine had a lot of silicone on vertical surfaces and that is where my leaks were as the silicone did not flex with the trailer enough. Non-Sag Dicor is now my best friend as well as the self leveling.

[turbojimmy]

I wire brush the loose stuff off and put new stuff over top.

[jfkmk]

I'm glad this was brought up, I have a question for those who re-apply the Dicor. How do you prep the old caulking? Surely no one is completely removing it and reapplying it on an annual basis. Do you just clean it and add a layer on top?

Thanks!

[dfm]

I put Eternabond on my front cap seam, still have to do the back. Redid the dicor on every other seam or edge joint. Removed 322 screws and put dicor in every screw hole before turning them back in. I still have to check the 5 Running lights mounted on the trailer body, that will be tomorrow.
I hope I am Getting to be waterproof!

[ryanw821]

Our camper had a leak from day one, we luckily found it early, and while it was still under warranty, and dealer dicor'ed it for me (and then I went over that with eternabond tape at front and back roof edges).

Not a fan of Forest River's build quality, but I have been very happy with how our dealer has treated us, they have made every issue right.

[turbojimmy]

I brushed an EPDM coating (not the Dicor brand) around every protrusion and seam on my Allegro and it worked awesome. The only place I developed another leak is where the factory roof rail was mounted. The mounts flex and the brush on sealant - while pretty thick - did not work in a couple of spots. I used Dicor tape on those mounts and have been leak free. The Allegro is aluminum framed so I wasn't too worried about the pre-exsting leaks when I got it.

So yes - be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to leaks!

[Dog_Folks]

GMandJM wrote:
Wow - 42 years!! In a row?!?!?! (Just kidding).

That's awesome!!! (And I agree with her about the Dicor) 🙂

Well to be completely honest we did get divorced for 90 days once when we were young, so I guess it is 42 years, on and off :W

The results here so far shows she is smarter than I am ........again.

[GMandJM]

Wow - 42 years!! In a row?!?!?! (Just kidding).

That's awesome!!! (And I agree with her about the Dicor) 🙂

[Dog_Folks]

rjxj: Thanks for your quick response. You bring up some very valid and important points. Never thought of leaks from day one, but that is very likely.

Re my gal: Yep, and that could be a reason why I have stayed married to her for 42 years ,so far. As a footnote, she is the one wanting a new trailer as I am content with the one we have. She is such a great partner and asks for so little, whenever she really wants something, I will go through heck on earth to get it for her.

Again thanks for your response.

[azrving]

Heck of a gal you got there. 🙂 That's exactly what I would do and also seal around all the windows and lights. People think it's new and doesn't need anything when actually it's leaking from day one and they find out 2 or 3 years later. The previous owner of my FW didn't use it much at all but when we started using it all winter we noticed a leak by the rear window in the slide. I ended up removing the window and found that they missed the edge of the window opening with the putty. The hole was borderline too big which didn't help. I went around all the windows with proflex. It didn't happen because the old girl is 14 years old, it was bad from day one, I just put it into the conditions that showed the leak.

I would never assume that an RV is OK because it is new, I would immediately treat it as it could have numerous leaks. My son had the same issues with a damaged TT membrane from the day it was built and rotted out around the ac unit. Wham Bam get it out the door!