Choosing the Right RV Sealants for Your Vehicle
Dave SolbergRV sealants are essential for keeping out moisture and maintaining a firm bond between the components of your RV. It’s very important for the lifespan of your RV that you complete regular inspections to ensure your RV sealants don’t have any cracks or gaps that might lead to leaks in your unit.
Depending on the type of roof material such as rubber membrane or fiberglass, and the component it is sealed to such as a roof cap or antenna base, it’s extremely important to select the right sealant for each part of your unit. Certain types of RV sealants are best suited for specific jobs, and you should take care to choose the right type. So in this lesson, we introduce a variety of RV sealants, and teach you what products are ideal for which jobs.
Picking the proper sealant for your RV
Some RV manuals come with a chart that lays out which RV sealants satisfy the needs of each part of your unit. However, if you’re still unsure which sealant you should use on a certain component, we recommend avoiding a generic silicone sealant that can cause cracking and leaks in your unit. Instead, Dave Solberg introduces a range of RV sealants that you can utilize on your vehicle to properly adhere to that material for a long time to best keep moisture away.
Dave walks you through each of the most common sealants that are readily available at hardware stores, and explains what they’re best used for. He talks about a handful of RV sealants, including butyl tape for windows and roof and side vents, and discusses the proper way to use this handy, pliable sealant.
Typically, RV owners opt for silicone RV sealants for their ease of application. There are several options from which you can choose, including self-leveling joint sealant for vents, exterior siding and trim sealant that expands and shrinks to accommodate temperature changes, as well as thermoplastic sealant. Remember, it’s important that you don’t just settle for any generic sealant, but rather find the right sealant for the job required. Do your homework and, as always, consult the manual if you get stuck!
iii have a 1968 Winnebago – I’ve been trying try I refurbish . My roof leaks so I used a silicone base roof paint ( don’t remember which manufacturer) but it still leaks . So I’ve decided to do a rubber roof this year. Do I have to strip all the silicone roof paint off so the rubber adhesive sticks , if so , what can I use to make this easier? And, what type of roof would u recommend?
Hi George. The roof coatings applied to the rubber roofs aren’t going to stop leaks. These coatings preserve the rubber material to allow it to last longer. Leaks happen at the seals and seems around components that are sealed with a lap sealant. If you are experiencing leaks you will need to inspect the lap sealant for any openings or cracks and touch up as needed. When I have installed new rubber I have removed the old rubber or over-layed with luan and then new rubber. It is not recommended to put rubber on top of rubber. I’m not sure what it will do with the coating that was applied either. When replacing the rubber, it is always best to remove the old (which is hard to do) or over lay with luan and then new rubber. I recommend just finding where it leaks and fix this with the proper sealant to make sure any leaks don’t get worse.
Dan
RV Repair Club
Need to replace water damaged interior walls in 2001 Shasta Camper. What wood do I need?
Hello. The wall panels are usually just standard 1/4″ panels. You can get accent panels at local hardware stores but for original paneling you would have to go through the manufacture. RV parts suppliers might have different options as well but some hardware stores usually carry panel boards. Behind the walls is different for all RV manufactures. Usually you will find 2×3’s as studs but they could be smaller. You can install whatever you want in it’s place though. They don’t use larger lumber so they can save on weight but you can rebuild how ever you would like.
Dan
RV Repair Club
How do you determine what products are required using the Winnebago call out sheet that only provides Winnebago part numbers, without going to a dealership?
Hi William. Winnebago used to provide sealant charts with the brands and types of sealants for each location. They were organized by model and year as well. Unfortunately when they changed the website last year they removed this option from their website. I have not been able to locate it again. You would have to contact them directly and see how to get the chart again.
https://winnebago.com/contact-us
Dan
RV Repair Club
Keeping the faith by sealing out water
Great vid.. thank U✌🏽🇺🇸.
suggesting silicone to be used on a rubber or TPO roof is just wrong . silicone is one of the worst things you could use , dicor or super flex . is what should be used along with eternabond tape
The screws have fallen out of the latch that holds the door open. There was no sealant installed with the screws from the previous owner. What can I use to ensure a tight fit for the screws to go back in? I am assuming some kind of a sealant. Right?
Hello Jan,
I’m assuming your are referring to a compartment door and probably what we called the “Chicken Beak” plastic or metal spring loaded latch? I would recommend a good quality silicone sealant that is outdoor quality and not affected by moisture. Fill the existing holes completely and put a little bead along the back side of the latch where it will touch the sidewall. You’ll be amazed at how tight silicone will bond!
Hope this helps,
David RVRC Video Membership
Hi I had a leak in my truck camper and I have staining on my carpet , and the wood has damage what can I use to clean the carpet and fix the wood ?
Hello Diane,
Depending on the severity of the stain, I would recommend renting a carpet steam machine and a good industrial cleaner. They make some great portable models that are easier get in and out of campers. As for the wood, start with a wood bleach available at home improvement stores, although this will not “fix” the wood. If it’s deteriorated, you will need to replace it.
Thanks,
David RVRC Video Membership
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It would be nice to have footnotes listing the type of sealant. The tubes were facing the speaker and not the camera.An audio presentation would have been the same.
My unit leaks and I don’t know where.
Hi, Milica. To provide more specific troubleshooting information we need to know the make, model, and year of your RV and what area you have seen some signs of moisture penetration? You state “My unit leaks and I don’t know where” however you must have some type of staining, delamination, or soft material that is visible? If you can provide more specific information we should be able to provide some steps for investigation.