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Old 05-13-2020, 05:44 PM   #1
JBWardFamily
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Clear RTV/Caulk Question

Hi all. I need to re-caulk some of the seams around our 2017 Cougar 33MLS and was wondering if regular clear caulk from Lowe's would work or if there was a better product made for RVs or heavy outdoor use.
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Old 05-13-2020, 05:59 PM   #2
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Don't use anything that has silicone in it. Silicone, when it cures, is nearly impossible to get off of your trailer and nothing will stick to cured silicone, not even "new silicone" so if you ever need to reseal that area, nothing will stick to what you "smeared on in 2020"...

Go to an RV parts store and get some ProFlex or Sikaflex for the walls, siding, windows, door frames. Use DICOR or Alpha Systems self leveling sealant for the TPO roof membrane and all the structures on the roof.

Here's a short video on "don't use silicone"
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Old 05-13-2020, 06:44 PM   #3
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I would use pro seal before I used SikaFlex. Pro seal can be removed much easier if needed.
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Old 05-13-2020, 07:18 PM   #4
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I use Proflex made by geocell for anything that is clear. I use non leveling Dicor for other applications not on the roof, and I use self leveling Dicor for the roof.

https://www.amazon.com/Geocel-GC2810.../dp/B001FC98X2

https://www.amazon.com/Dicor-551LSW1.../dp/B003YJLIW8

https://www.amazon.com/Dicor-501LSW-.../dp/B000BRF7QE

I believe the seal under the windows and the edge moldings is putty tape.

https://www.amazon.com/United-Abrasi.../dp/B000BQUPYE
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Old 05-13-2020, 07:25 PM   #5
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IMHO there's NO WHERE on a RV for 'silicone" caulk!
Silicone spray is recommended as lubrication.
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Old 05-18-2020, 06:12 AM   #6
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I asked this same question when we took delivery of our trailer, and the tech Emphatically said to use silicone caulk because it flexes, and adheres better than the "made for rv products" that are out there. I 100 percent agree with him. I used geocell proflex on our last camper and it did not hold up well. This contradicts other opinions on this thread, but to each his own. Just be sure to prep the area before application. No sealant will adhere to a dirty surface. I use silicone for other applications and have no trouble when it comes time to reapply. Good luck!
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Old 05-18-2020, 06:54 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tdesrosiers View Post
I asked this same question when we took delivery of our trailer, and the tech Emphatically said to use silicone caulk because it flexes, and adheres better than the "made for rv products" that are out there. I 100 percent agree with him. I used geocell proflex on our last camper and it did not hold up well. This contradicts other opinions on this thread, but to each his own. Just be sure to prep the area before application. No sealant will adhere to a dirty surface. I use silicone for other applications and have no trouble when it comes time to reapply. Good luck!
When comes time to reapply silicone will not adhere to silicone so all the old needs to be removed, which is next to impossible to do.
With the Geocell & good prep you can apply over the old.
Good luck with silicone!
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Old 05-18-2020, 07:21 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tdesrosiers View Post
I asked this same question when we took delivery of our trailer, and the tech Emphatically said to use silicone caulk because it flexes, and adheres better than the "made for rv products" that are out there. I 100 percent agree with him. I used geocell proflex on our last camper and it did not hold up well. This contradicts other opinions on this thread, but to each his own. Just be sure to prep the area before application. No sealant will adhere to a dirty surface. I use silicone for other applications and have no trouble when it comes time to reapply. Good luck!
Read a post recently where the dealer told someone to pour bleach down the drain because they had a clog. So take your advice where you feel confident.
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Old 05-18-2020, 07:38 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by travelin texans View Post
When comes time to reapply silicone will not adhere to silicone so all the old needs to be removed, which is next to impossible to do.
With the Geocell & good prep you can apply over the old.
Good luck with silicone!


Learned that years ago on our mountain home. I wanted to replace an entry window because it cracked. The previous owner was either in love with silicone or had stock in one of the companies because it was SLATHERED all over the window edges and the wood trim. I tried, in vain I might add, for a LONG time using lots of different things (along with some "motivational" language) to remove that stuff and make it look decent. Finally, what patience I had ran out and I tore the entire wall and window out and replaced it all so it would look good and not have silicone residue, wiggly worms etc. sticking all over the place. And yes, you cannot put anything on it hoping to stick....silicone or paint.
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Old 05-18-2020, 08:36 AM   #10
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IMHO there are "specific" products for somethings just like there are "specific" tools for each size bolt, screw etc. I've never been a fan of using non specific unless there's no alternative, i.e. something less than ideal to get me back on the road.

So if I'm planning on a repair I'm going to choose the right product or tool. I'm not going to tighten a #3 Phillips screw with a #2 bit, and I'm not going to put silicone on anything unless it belongs there.
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Old 05-18-2020, 10:58 AM   #11
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Once an old sealant has been removed, what would you use to thoroughly clean the area involved before adding the new sealant?
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Old 05-18-2020, 01:14 PM   #12
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Once an old sealant has been removed, what would you use to thoroughly clean the area involved before adding the new sealant?
I've used rubbing alcohol & denatured alcohol, both with good results.
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Old 05-18-2020, 04:06 PM   #13
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I hear this over and over. You know that my Fusion has a lifetime silicon roof, correct? There are primers made specifically for silicon.
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Old 05-18-2020, 04:58 PM   #14
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My Cougar came new with silicone caulk all over it. I hate the stuff.

I changed a failed marker light and the majority of my time was spent trying to remove the silicone. I used mineral spirits and a razor blade.
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Old 05-20-2020, 03:33 PM   #15
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My Cougar came new with silicone caulk all over it. I hate the stuff.

I changed a failed marker light and the majority of my time was spent trying to remove the silicone. I used mineral spirits and a razor blade.
Yeah, same here on our fuzion. Not so easy to spot touch up areas where the sealant has separated.
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Old 05-24-2020, 07:49 AM   #16
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I would use pro seal before I used SikaFlex. Pro seal can be removed much easier if needed.
What is the recommended maintenance schedule and procedure for all the windows, doors, hatches, etc sealing.
Annual? longer, shorter and what am I looking for.
Procedure is to pull old off, cut with knife, hot air gun, chemical, what???
Thanks
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Old 05-24-2020, 07:52 AM   #17
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depending on your weather conditions I would inspect at least annually. More often if the trailer sees a lot of direct sun. We use plastic tools to remove, used to use denatured alcohol to clean but cant get it in CA anymore. then reseal. We have a supplier that delivers "solvent X" and I don't know whats in it.
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Old 05-24-2020, 08:03 AM   #18
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My Cougar came new with silicone caulk all over it. I hate the stuff.

I changed a failed marker light and the majority of my time was spent trying to remove the silicone. I used mineral spirits and a razor blade.
I was about to say, and now I don’t, you’ve already said it. Silicone all over the passport, lights trim, etc.
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Old 05-28-2020, 09:12 AM   #19
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Use a urethane caulk. In the construction industry, control joints on builds, urethane caulks are used. You never see silicone on the exterior. A 2 part urethane is better but you will have to mix up a 2.5 gallon pail. Get a one part in a tube. HD sells a clear urethane, can not think of the name.

Cut a small hole on the end of the spout. Depending how big of gap you need to fill will be how fast you move. Get some dish washing soap and water in a cup. Dip your finger in the soap and smooth the joint out. The window guys use the Arsenal window clean when they caulk. Just spray the caulk then wipe. I like the soap in the cup. Sometimes will take a small brush and soap the caulk joint then wipe.
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Old 05-29-2020, 05:54 AM   #20
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Originally Posted by Steve's 70-5 View Post
Use a urethane caulk. In the construction industry, control joints on builds, urethane caulks are used. You never see silicone on the exterior. A 2 part urethane is better but you will have to mix up a 2.5 gallon pail. Get a one part in a tube. HD sells a clear urethane, can not think of the name.

Cut a small hole on the end of the spout. Depending how big of gap you need to fill will be how fast you move. Get some dish washing soap and water in a cup. Dip your finger in the soap and smooth the joint out. The window guys use the Arsenal window clean when they caulk. Just spray the caulk then wipe. I like the soap in the cup. Sometimes will take a small brush and soap the caulk joint then wipe.
Sikaflex? Is that the caulk?
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