Anyone had shrinking issues with DICOR caulking?

[imq707s]

When I first picked up my used travel trailer back in June, I scrapped out all of the old caulking from the seams, cleaned the seams with some wax&grease remover solvent, and recaulked everything with DICOR non-self leveling lap sealant….that’s what everyone seemed to like that I talked to. I used the self-leveling stuff for the horizontal roof joints. Now, only a few months later I’ve noticed that although the self-leveling stuff that I used on the roof is holding up great, the non-leveling stuff that I used on the rest of the trailer joints is starting to shrink and pull away from the joint in a few places. The majority of the spots are right up against the plastic trim pieces on the vertical seams on the trailer where the front, back, and sides come together.

Has anyone else seen this problem with the DICOR non-self leveling caulking? When I scrap it all out, and redo it AGAIN….should I use something different??

Thanks!

[azrving]

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[keymastr]

3M 5200 is not removeable without a special remover solvent they sell just for that purpose, and even then it is a real pain. It also cures under water. I had to remove a transducer from the hull of my boat once and it ripped a chunk of Fiberglas off when it finally released.

If you use a product like this I highly suggest using 4200 as it IS removable. Since you used the fast cure version rather than regular 5200 you probably did not achieve a good bond or you would not have gotten it off without damage.

[jake2250]

This time of year I do my annual winter exterior inspection. Usually requires some Dicor maintenance repairs. Some pulling away of the edges and some shrinking and cracking.
A few years ago I did the Eternabond replacement of the large seams and some edges. I then went around and dug out all the large beads of Dicor and replaced with thinner beads of Dicor. Seems to hold up better lot the elements and does not crack as much.
This year will require the removal of a few windows and re sealing (had a small leak early this year during a heavy rain storm). Did a temporary repair with DAP Dynaflex 230. Has seemed to hold up very well against the sun in CA.

[azrving]

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[azrving]

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[imq707s]

I have tried the 5200 on some other products.....and once it dries, its not coming off without one hell of a fight. I thinks its more of an adhesive than caulk. Don't think I would ever use it on my camper.

[subcamper]

rjxj wrote:
I did the same thing. I now use 3m 5200. it is much better but still removable. I used geocell pro flex around the windows.

Are you sure about the 3M 5200 being removable?

In the boat world, 5200 is seen as "permanent", whereas you use 3M 4200 if you want to remove it later.

Steve

[98coachman]

imq707s wrote:
Its a standard automotive wax and grease remover used before painting cars.....not sure why it would cause any issues.

It won't cause any issues! Probably the best thing to use for adhesion.:)

[imq707s]

Its a standard automotive wax and grease remover used before painting cars.....not sure why it would cause any issues.

[SoundGuy]

imq707s wrote:
When I first picked up my used travel trailer back in June, I scrapped out all of the old caulking from the seams, cleaned the seams with some wax&grease remover solvent ...

I too would normally use Geocell Proflex non sag formula on any vertical surfaces ... that said, I'd wonder if this "wax & grease remover solvent" you used isn't what is causing the issue.

[winnietrey]

I have been undergoing a similar issue, You can see my post in class c. I have never used dicor on the vertical surfaces. I use what Winnebago uses. I believe it is a high end silicone caulk. (nuflex 313) I know, many will say never to use silicone on an RV. But that is what the local RV shop told me to use, and so far, after 12 years, no problems, in terms of pulling away or leaks.

That said, I have been in contact with dicor, for questions I had about dicor roof lap sealant. They have been most helpful and responsive. My suggestion is you e-mail them and ask

[azrving]

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