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Old 04-25-2011, 05:36 PM   #1
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Is it a good idea to apply Eternabond on a new unit?

I have a new Rockwood fifth wheel we picked up in January and has been in our shed since. In the next week or two I hope to get everything ready for our first camping trip. I have seen good post about eternabond tape, but was wondering if I am wasting my time and money by applying it to a new unit. Most of the time when we are not camping, it will be stored inside. If it is worth while, could someone advise me as to how much tape might be needed and how to prepare the unit before taping. Thanks.
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Old 04-25-2011, 06:17 PM   #2
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I just finished applying eternabond on my brand new fifth wheel today. Picked it up Thursday. I purchased 2, 50ft rolls. I bonded all the seams around the vents, antenna, across the front seam where the front cap meets the roof and same on rear. I used about 70 ft total. I didn't use any on the side ends of the roof as the rubber/plastic roof wraps down the sides about an inch or so. I asked the same question on a post before and was told, the sooner the better.. I cleaned the area to be taped with acetone and used only my hands and fingers to press it firmly. It stuck like.....eternabond. I can see why they have a lifetime warranty. It won't be coming off any time soon.
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Old 04-25-2011, 08:50 PM   #3
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Thank-you for the information. Could you tell me what width you used? Thanks again.
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Old 04-25-2011, 09:45 PM   #4
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I bought one 50-ft roll of 6" tape, and it did my whole roof, but just!
As the front and rear seams are on top of my fifth, they got the full 6 inches. I cut it lengthwise, down to 4" and 3" for other different spots.
I did the three roof vents, the skylight, the TV antenna, and the toilet and sinks vents.
It works best on a new camper, as the original sealant is still very sticky. I can't imagine the Eternabond ever coming off.
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Old 04-26-2011, 07:16 AM   #5
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Thanks for the help.
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Old 04-26-2011, 07:43 AM   #6
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One further question please. Did you apply the tape over all the existing caulk, even where it is put on very thick?
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Old 04-26-2011, 07:48 AM   #7
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I did not remove any of the original sealant, as it is there for a reason.
The eternabond is VERY flexible, and conforms to the odd shape of the goop. Just be sure to clean the surface on either side of the goop, and clean it well, especially the rubber roof.
Good luck!
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Old 04-26-2011, 07:54 AM   #8
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I used 4 " width and doubled ( overlapped) it on the front and end caps. I done the same as Crocus, as he gave me advice earlier. It is very sticky and once it sticks, there's no turning back. It's on there for good.
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Old 04-26-2011, 10:00 AM   #9
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Thanks again to both of you, I hope to do the job next week.
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Old 04-26-2011, 10:57 AM   #10
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We were told by dealer that this might void the roof warranty. Has anyone else been told this?
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Old 04-26-2011, 11:18 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Granted View Post
We were told by dealer that this might void the roof warranty. Has anyone else been told this?

I was told by my dealer to go ahead and seal it as the caulking is not covered by the warranty anyway.
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Old 04-26-2011, 11:24 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Granted View Post
We were told by dealer that this might void the roof warranty. Has anyone else been told this?
That's interesting they told you this. You'd think they would want to extend the warranty if you use Eternabond.

I have two issues with their statement:

1) I thought the roof warranty is only good if you regularly inspect, clean and seal your roof.

2) Don't some high end RVs come from the factory with Eternabond?
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Old 04-26-2011, 11:37 AM   #13
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Our fifth has Eternabond on the roofs of the slides, and that appears to be the same material as the rubber roof, so I don't take the claims very seriously that Eternabond would damage anything.
Just another dumbass dealer, it would seem.
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Old 04-27-2011, 02:35 PM   #14
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I used one roll of 8" and two rolls of 4". I used the 8" on the end caps and the 4" elsewhere. I had one full unopened roll of 4" and about 1/5th of the 8" roll left over.

One thing I did was to install any tape overlap from back to front like shingles. That may not be really necessary, but I thought it would minimize the number of tape edges open to the wind/rain while moving. I installed the tape right over the Dicor compound which in some cases was already looking pretty rough even after less than 1 year between mfg, dealer, and my final possession. (It was new when I bought it but toward the end of that model year.)

I've posted some of these pics before, but for convenience I'll post them here again:
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Old 04-27-2011, 03:08 PM   #15
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My Flagstaff is done now as well. Finished this morning.
1 Eternabond Seam Kit (8 inch wide)
1 roll 4 inch wide
2 cans of Prep-primer. I could have gotten away with one, but really sprayed it on to ensure solid bonding. I also sprayed every layer when overlapping since the upper surface of every "lap" tends to be the weak spot if other posts are any indication.

Used ALL of the 4 inch roll and a bit over 3/4 of the 8 inch roll. I am keeping the remainder and the primer can (remember to flip it over and clear the nozzle) in my repair kit in case of a rip from a low hanging limb.
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Old 04-27-2011, 03:43 PM   #16
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Great information and thanks for the pictures Willis. I am planning on doing mine next week.
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Old 07-08-2011, 04:09 PM   #17
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I know this is late but might help others that are as slow as I am. If you are just using your fingers to rub the tape down make sure to do so with a piece of cloth or something to keep the blisters down that the friction creates. Ask me how I know..... I did my front and rear seams this past weekend and think it sealed real well but won't be posting any Pictures..... Might get around to the other seams but have to wait for the sores to heal.
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