Recaulking the camper

[djg]

Been on top of camper all caulking looks in real good condition, always stored in doors out of the weather. Bought new in 2015 asking if you would recaulk or not, still have inside storage in the barn, camper is all aluminum no wood to rot so even if there is a leak it should not cause a problem, it's a livin lite camplite TC just wondering what others would do.

Dave

[djg]

Thanks for the replies they seem to go either way so may be i'll just have a better look and figure it out from there I have lots of time being retired so i'll just have to see if this is the year to do it

Dave

[JimK-NY]

Most caulks have life expectancies of 20 years up to even 50 years. The issue is rarely failure of the caulk but flexing of the RV. If the caulk is good with no signs of deterioration or cracking, I cannot imagine replacing the caulk by trying to remove the old caulk, cleaning the surface and replacing the caulk. Lots and lots of work. You might add new caulk on top of the old but that is also rarely worth it and you might cover up a problem that needs to be dealt with.

Instead, I recommend a thorough inspection. By thorough, I mean every square inch, every seam, especially around running lights, windows, every screw head, etc. Rather than just recaulk perfectly good caulking, spend the time on inspecting once or twice a year.

[jimh406]

If you have time, it won't hurt anything to recaulk. It will just give you a bit more time before leaks which could be good. You might not have time next year or the next to do it.

[EricCO]

A bit like asking if some left overs in the fridge are still good, which always ruins any chance I have of enjoying it.

My OCD kicks in if I start wondering if the caulking on the camper roof is still good.

Next thing you see me doing is re-caulking the camper. Which I did last December.

I suggest redoing it to make sure. 🙂

[JIMNLIN]

My 32' 5th wheel trailer/rubber roof is a '98 model. I do a quick roof sealant/roof fixtures R&R as needed in the spring and in the fall just before I winterize for its 5-6 months winter sleep.
The roof sealant did great till '08 when sealant around the bath room skylight started coming loose in one 10" long piece (no leaks). I pulled all that was loose and used self leveling Dicor in those spots.
Years later the front cap/roof sealant showed small cracking. Removed what was loose and more Dicor self leveling sealant in those spots. Thats all I've ever done to the roof sealant since the unit was new.

[Lwiddis]

Caulk ages out like tires. After seven years I’d redo.