Exterior caulk question

[dryfly]

I have previously used Geocel ProFlex caulk for the outside of my fifth wheel. I found it was very difficult to remove the old caulk when it came time to re-apply. I also found that the caulk itself is not the easiest to work with as it is oil based and is quite messy to apply, particularly when you are just trying to apply a small bead. It just dries too quickly!

Since my trailer sets outside it seems like in about 2 years after applying new ProFlex it starts to get very hard and the flexing of the trailer, as it travels down the road, causes very small cracks in the caulk bead.

Has anyone tried a common latex caulk to fill in these small cracks? If so, what are results?

[RJsfishin]

Dicor WILL NOT harden or crack,......in 15 years I know for sure. Much of that time was in full summer sun also.

[donn0128]

Cracking is probably being caused by excessive flexing at the joint. It could be anything from loose mating parts to weak frame, to thermal expansion of disimilar materials. I think it is time you do some serious inspection to root out the cause

[dryfly]

therink wrote:
Any products containing latex or silicone will not last for RV exterior applications. I have only used Eurethane based caulk and Pro Flex is one product I have had good success with. Another option is Dicor lap sealant.

I won't dispute your opinion because it is conventional wisdom, but why am I having cracking issue with my application? Putting a thicker bead on will look awful, and I've generally found unneeded with good caulk. As I mentioned, getting it off is a bear.

Proflwx is just too brittle. There has got to be some type of caulk that will flex. Looks like the 2 posters above have had pretty good results.

More opinions on us of Proflex appreciated.

[therink]

Any products containing latex or silicone will not last for RV exterior applications. I have only used Eurethane based caulk and Pro Flex is one product I have had good success with. Another option is Dicor lap sealant.

[spadoctor]

I found Phenolseal to work well...comes white or translucent. Works easily as it is water based but actually does a better job then silicone once cured. I also used it on construction jobs for years. Lowes...HD...and good hardware stores have it for about 4.50 a tube. Also a GOOD caulking gun should be used not a 2.99 one

[CaLBaR]

I have found the same as you with the proflex. I had an especially bad place on the front of the trailer that split every time the temperature changed. Us 3M 4000UV and so far 6 months later still in great shape. There is another guy on here who caulked 8 years ago with this and still in great shape. I have another tube to do the rest of the trailer this summer.

Rob