Sealing the Trailer

[BRDof3]

Time to start thinking about potential leaks and the need to re-seal before winter. I know that Eternabond tape is widely used. What about the areas that the tape wouldn't do too well? The side and front/rear corners and joints, for example. The aluminum (I guess) side is cenellated rather than smooth, so I don't think I'd get the tape so that it made a good seal throughout.

My question is, what type of caulk? What about rubber silicone? The owner's manual for the TT is less than helpful, and the dealership advice can be iffy. I haven't had the first sign of trouble, and want to keep it that way.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Be sure to check the gaskets around the storage compartment doors, Rob. That's where my problem was. I have replaced the gaskets with rubber foam from Lowes, making a really tight seal (but we'll have to wait until the next round of rain to be sure). I believe there is an issue with silicone caulk and expansion rates. I use butyl rubber caulk on the roof from my RV dealer.

 

[tileman]

Yep thats great stuff used it on the base plate of my barn and so far 4 + years no leaks.

 

[Pirate-Jeff]

Be sure to check the gaskets around the storage compartment doors, Rob. That's where my problem was. I have replaced the gaskets with rubber foam from Lowes, making a really tight seal (but we'll have to wait until the next round of rain to be sure). I believe there is an issue with silicone caulk and expansion rates. I use butyl rubber caulk on the roof from my RV dealer.

How about a garden hose set to sprinkle to test the seal. Just don't blast it hard. You could bring it to the Mid Atlantic it should be raining here again soon, This year It's like living in a tropical rain forest. My lawn thinks it's May not the end of August and I hate cutting grass.

 

[BRDof3]

Be sure to check the gaskets around the storage compartment doors, Rob. That's where my problem was. I have replaced the gaskets with rubber foam from Lowes, making a really tight seal (but we'll have to wait until the next round of rain to be sure). I believe there is an issue with silicone caulk and expansion rates. I use butyl rubber caulk on the roof from my RV dealer.

Your storage door leaks were what made me think to check things again now. I was hoping you'd see this so I could find out what you caulked with. I hope to be able to trade this trailer up in a fairly short time, but just in case, I'd like to make sure it can be around for a long time.

Thanks!

 

[BRDof3]

Hey Jim, what size foam did you get at Lowes? I was thinking 1/4" but I just measured and looked at the doors from the inside, and I think that would keep the door from closing.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Hey Jim, what size foam did you get at Lowes? I was thinking 1/4" but I just measured and looked at the doors from the inside, and I think that would keep the door from closing.

Rob - sorry it took me so long to get back, hope it's not too late. I got the rubber foam weatherseal 3/4" wide by 5/16" thick. It compresses some which is what I wanted to hopefully get a good seal. I used denatured alcohol to clean off the residue from the old weatherstripping. I did have to adjust the latch a little on the doors in oder to get them to close completely.

 

[BRDof3]

Another new owner's question- how do I tell if the caulk on the roof edges, and that surrounding the rooftop items (AC, vent, antenna) is good or might allow water to seep in? The caulk on the edges still has a bead, except for one tiny little gap that looks like it might be beaded under the surface. The sealant around the roof items looks good. How do you identify a hairline that might allow the water in? If you are re-caulking the roofline, do you trim the old caulk off flat first?

I'm paranoid, but am I being paranoid enough? It seems that if I have to wait for stains or soft sots to form then I've already waited too late.

 

[disney4dan]

Not sure if this is too late, but there were some good DYI articles on rv.net over the summer. Not threads on their discussion boards (which can be very informative), but blogs with photos and more discussion on how to do it.

I remember being surprised when we first got our trailer and read the manual - Jayco recommends annual inspections of all seals. I did this, but obviously did not know what to look for because I missed some spots and we had a disaster with wood rot on the back wall. Was a bad seal between the membrane roof and trim connecting the aluminum siding to the back wall.

Good luck with it.