Sealing deck and loading ramp

[theracqueteer]

I need to reseal my ramp and deck again! The original sealant looked like crap and wasn't adhering to the platform. I pulled it all off and resealed with OSI Quad and it looked great for about 6 months. Now some portions still look good but a lot is not adhering anymore, much like the factory job.



So I am thinking about taking down the safety screen and dismounting the hardware and applying black Eternabond tape around the perimeter. Then when I remount the safety screen hardware, using black butyl putty tape at all the screw holes.



I am looking for feed back.

One, has anyone else tried this and did it work? I guess my biggest concern here is whether the Eterabond will adhere to the decking.



Two, is there any reason you know why this would't work?



Three, does anyone have a better idea for sealing the platforms?

[Loboclone]

How much water has penetrated the ramp/patio? Mine was water logged badly....rust on hinge hardware everywhere (top and Bottom)
Removed fasteners treated for rust, sealed with silicone. I applied roll on Raptor bed liner with granules over the whole thing.

Worked for me...…..

Pictures post on my album.

[Magnolia Tom]

I have read about this issue on other forums as well and the “preferred” method was to get some type of truck bed liner applied sealing all the screw heads and aluminum frame

[theracqueteer]

Originally Posted by Loboclone

How much water has penetrated the ramp/patio? Mine was water logged badly....rust on hinge hardware everywhere (top and Bottom)
Removed fasteners treated for rust, sealed with silicone. I applied roll on Raptor bed liner with granules over the whole thing.

Worked for me...…..

Pictures post on my album.

I have noticed that it has gotten a little heavier but not too bad yet.


I have been trying to keep it sealed with the OSI quad but some areas don't last long. I am not convinced that the surface they have is totally water resistant. Your and Tom's idea of a roll on / spray on bed liner sounds like a good way to go. Definitely something I am going to consider. Thanks Loboclone and Tom. As always your input is greatly appreciated.

[Gogrampa]

This issue is a “new to me issue” I have a new 222 and I’m wondering what are the signs the ramp is getting moisture inside? What can be done preemptively?

[Random]

I'm wondering too. Is it a matter of leaving the ramp down in the rain? Thanks.

[theracqueteer]

Originally Posted by Gogrampa

This issue is a “new to me issue” I have a new 222 and I’m wondering what are the signs the ramp is getting moisture inside? What can be done preemptively?

You will notice the ramp getting heavier and may notice when the surface appears dry, water will drip out when in the up position. Preemptively, keep a good sealant around the edges. Sealant should appear clear if is adhered well. It will have a more translucent or milky appearance when adhesion is failing.



I am not totally convinced that the surface itself is weather proof. I have been told by people with other model toy haulers that they were told the decks are not water proof. Doesn't make sense if you have to close up the deck every time it rains.

[theracqueteer]

Originally Posted by Random

I'm wondering too. Is it a matter of leaving the ramp down in the rain? Thanks.

Yes.

[Random]

I'm now wondering if I should run a bead of chalk of some sort along the inner and outer seam of the aluminum profile to try to keep water out of that gap... What do the experts here think?