Caulking- is it DIY project?

bono · 05-06-2018, 10:05 PM

Hi Guys!

Just returned from a weekend camping trip. I climbed to the roof and I noticed a couple of spots that need attention. I am not really a DIY person and always prefer that "an expert" fixes problems. However, given that it is really difficult to find a reliable person where I live and the price for a poor job is usually astronomical, I am considering fixing the spots by myself (unless you tell me that this is not really for somebody like me).

Questions:

- what kind of caulk should I use? Do I need to remove the old caulk or just add caulk on the old one?
- I assume I need to clean the surface - what is the recommended way to clean the surface?
- what is the black stuff in the corner of the trailer? Is this different kind of caulk?

Thank you!

Sundancer330 · 05-07-2018, 06:04 AM

Its an easy DIY project, go to Youtube and search for caulking RVs these will give you some tips on prep and cleaning. For the roof caulking use Dicor, anything on the sidewalls use OSI QUAD sealant which is available at Home Depot in many colors, dont use any silicone product on anything. As you said make sure surface is clean for a good bond, if old caulk looks sound but maybe an edge is just pulled up a bit just caulk over it

Jagiven · 05-07-2018, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundancer330

Its an easy DIY project, go to Youtube and search for caulking RVs these will give you some tips on prep and cleaning. For the roof caulking use Dicor, anything on the sidewalls use OSI QUAD sealant which is available at Home Depot in many colors, dont use any silicone product on anything. As you said make sure surface is clean for a good bond, if old caulk looks sound but maybe an edge is just pulled up a bit just caulk over it

X2,

Caulking is really easy. For the roof, you do not need to be to careful, clean the area and dab some on. If you never want to do it again, consider buying a roll roll of Eternabond (6" x 50 foot).

ISO Quad is sticky stuff! Give the TT a good washing. I like to use painter's tape to tape off the areas where I do not want any caulking, as I like a nice clean line, Once ISO quad is on, it is really hard to remove, any extra. Cut the tip really small to get started, you can always cut it bigger if you need too. Apply a little, wipe it smooth, with a very wet finger, repeat as needed. I use about 2-3 TSP of dish-soap to a cup of water. Once you got it the way you like it remove the tape while the caulk is still fresh. It is really, really easy.

RedHorse1 · 05-07-2018, 06:55 AM

I agree with Sundance, caulking is a DIY project. There’s very little magic or rocket science in a TT and you will do a better job than most RV techs. IMHO the more self sufficient one becomes the happier the camper becomes. ��
YouTube and JOF are my go-to resources when I need help.

Look into Eternabond tape for the roof.

RogerR · 05-07-2018, 07:14 AM

To get a good bond with Quad Seal make sure the area is Very Clean. I wash it and then come back and use alcohol on a rag to make sure it is 100% ready.
I have had to re do windows that the factory did not seal well and leaked. In hot weather and direct sunlight it set up in seconds. Old clothes are a must because you will never get it off them.

If you use Etearnabond tape I believe they recommend using acetone to prep the area. Acetone is very flammable! Use it sparingly. Roll on the tape with a roller to get all the bubbles out and the edge down very firmly. Once it is on it is almost impossible to get off. There are videos you can watch prior to doing it. Take your time, learn how, work slowly. You will succeed!

TWP723 · 05-07-2018, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundancer330

Its an easy DIY project, go to Youtube and search for caulking RVs these will give you some tips on prep and cleaning. For the roof caulking use Dicor, anything on the sidewalls use OSI QUAD sealant which is available at Home Depot in many colors, dont use any silicone product on anything. As you said make sure surface is clean for a good bond, if old caulk looks sound but maybe an edge is just pulled up a bit just caulk over it

+3

bono · 05-07-2018, 12:14 PM

Thank you Guys! DIY project then for me!

wags999 · 05-07-2018, 12:28 PM

According to Jayco today.. they recommend a self leveling type caulk on roofs and silicone on everything else.. I hate silicone but that IS what Jayco said to use.

Sundancer330 · 05-07-2018, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wags999

According to Jayco today.. they recommend a self leveling type caulk on roofs and silicone on everything else.. I hate silicone but that IS what Jayco said to use.

Never use SILICONE, if you ever have to repair that area aging nothing sticks to it, not even SILICONE. Jayco told me they use OSI QUAD sealant everywhere but the roof

Sundancer330 · 05-07-2018, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bono

Thank you Guys! DIY project then for me!

Make sure you check the roof real good twice a year

wags999 · 05-07-2018, 01:11 PM

service (service@jayco.com)To:you Details Slideshow

Good Morning,

For the roof we will use a self-leveling sealant, we do not have a sealant chart. For the sealant around the windows we use a clear silicone.

cid:image001.png@01D2DF77.D123EAE0

Austin Paulus

Customer Service Specialist

Jayco Towables

800-283-8267 Fax: 866.709.9139

Service@Jayco.com

903 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN 46540

Jayco| Entegra Coach

Starcraft RV| Highland Ridge RV

wags999 · 05-07-2018, 01:11 PM

I agree I hate silicone for a number of reasons.. but that was the response I got when I wrote yesterday to Jayco..

Sundancer330 · 05-07-2018, 01:18 PM

Well I still would not use it, better products that will last much longer than silicone, I will stick with the OSI QUAD. I hate that they tell different people different things

wags999 · 05-07-2018, 01:25 PM

I agree Sundancer330. I hate silicone as I said for a number of reasons.. miserable to work with, difficult to remove, etc. It's why I asked for a sealant chart, which Jayco doesn't have... but that is the Email I received this morning from Jayco service. I suspect they use some type of siliconized caulk rather than pure silicone.

Sundancer330 · 05-07-2018, 01:30 PM

They are not real forthcoming with information, when I asked they said QUAD caulk, I responded what the heck is that, they then replied OSI QUAD sealant, why didn't they they give me that info the first time

DNelson · 05-07-2018, 02:46 PM

Our Jayco dealer uses OSI Quad on everything except the roof. The only thing I don't like about the OSI is that when it is warm/hot outside it has almost no 'working time' to level it with a soapy finger.

Oh, I also agree that it is never good to use silicone. Besides nothing sticking to it I have read that it has no tolerance for UV light...and I prefer to use our RV outside!

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