trailer resealing

[Tractorat]

I just got off the phone with an rv shop. They want $70/hr to reseal my 1988 19ft TT. And say it will take 8 hours or more. (seems kind of stiff)



Has anyone had any luck with just buying a bunch of tubes of some kind of silicon sealant and doing it themselves ?



And if so, did you have to spend a lot of time digging out the old stuff ?



Mike

 

[Big MAK]

I had a 36' Hitchiker Dbl Slide resealed a couple yrs ago. All seams for less than $100 (including roof).



My old caulk was in good shape; just old and cracking in some places. Removing it wasn't necessary. Removing all the old stuff would be time consuming! I don't think removing it would be needed unless there was already several applications.

 

[RustyJC]

If you have an EPDM (rubber) roof, forget the silicone sealant. It won't adhere to EPDM over the long haul. EPDM requires special sealants - see Dicor's products. Dicor is a major supplier of EPDM membrane roofing systems to the RV marketplace.



These products should be available at a reputable RV parts department or supply house.



Rusty

 

[rweis]

Yep, EPDM & silicone don't match. You will never get it sealed with those two. Will LOOK sealed, but NOT sealed. Then it REALLY gets fun.



Bob Weis

 

[Tractorat]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will try it myself. But I think I need to ask some questions at the rv shop



Mike

 

[TowPro]

your really supposed to do it every 6 months.



I check in the spring to see how it weathered the winter, then through the summer I keep an eye out for holes from branches. Then the fall I check again to make sure everything is tight for the winter.

 

[Driftwood Ram]

MBuck,

Where did you find a shop rate of $70. 00 per hour up here??? I do not want to ran on your parade, Pun intended, but just because you reseal will still not guarantee against the dreaded leaks which really are a PITA. We have a 2000 Alfa Ideal and had it "resealed" in October at the factory in Chino, Ca. By December it was leaking. Our owners manual says "check every year and reseal as necessary"

 

[Tractorat]

Thats what they told me. (In Seattle) I usually keep it under a tarp when not in use. Haven't had a leak in the 6 years Ive owned it.

 

[rKortan]

Whatever you do please REMOVE the old caulk. If you do not you will only be asking for problems when the seal on the bottom begins to leak and you can't find it. ALL manufacturers recommend this or they will not warranty their products. Dicor does have the best products for sealing your roof seams..... Bob Kortan, BJ's Mobile RV Service and Repair