Proflex Sealant Cracking

[KevinS]

Going Fishing Again. (For information)

Posted a few questions over the years about Proflex sealant cracking right down the middle. Had a thought today. I wonder is my problem comes from using UV 303 protectant on the entire exterior. Could the UV 303 be making the Proflex hard and causing it it to crack. Any thoughts?

The best advice I got last year was to use a product called Lexel which I have not found yet but have not dug in to internet purchases very hard.
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My original post from a few years ago:

Proflex Cracking
Hello everyone. I posted something like this a couple a years ago looking for advice. I received some advice and applied it but still am struggling with the exact problems. My problem in a nutshell.
- I apply the sealant following the absolutely most anal approach possible and after a month it cracks.
-The sealant gets hard and splits in the middle.

I need a sealant that is better than Proflex. I cannot seem to buy the 2300 MHRV in Canada which I would try unless someone wants to give me the name of a magic distributor? I have applied it to fridge vents, it cracks, water entry covers, it cracks, flush connections, it cracks, body joints it cracks ect. ect. summer time it cracks winter time it cracks some more. I put it on the moment I pick it up from the busiest RV parts store around, it cracks. I have published my process to multiple people, techs and the all say it is more than perfect. Basically I clean off all the old sealant using mineral spirits and plastic scrapper. I clean off any residue with isopropyl alcohol. I let that dry, tape off and apply the sealant as thinly and carefully as I can. Within a month the sealant cracks down the middle, I am sometimes madder than others so I fill the crack with more Proflex. The stuff gets hard as a rock and I start cursing. I have never tried so hard to do something correctly and have it fail. The only other things I can think of is that I use Turtle wax zip wax for washing the trailer (highly recommended and No Hydrocarbons as far as the MSDS says) and 303 protectant for UV. I am open to any all recommendations as I am completely lost.

[007matman]

Looks like you're using the white.

I was using that too and recently switched to the clear. I'm going on a year now with some of it and it still hasn't cracked.

I don't claim to have a definitive answer.. I've been struggling too.

[Indy500]

I found lexel at lowes

[Sailor Bill]

Try DICOR , Can get on Ebay, Walmart and rv dealers.

[007matman]

I've used Dicor.

Please don't. That stuff is a total waste of time. Pro-Flex lasted more than a a week. Dicor Non-Sag Lap Sealant didn't.

Unless there is a different type you're referring to...

This is what I used.. it says it's good for vertical surfaces.

https://www.campingworld.com/dicor-n...8aAoBNEALw_wcB

[Sailor Bill]

Originally Posted by 007matman

I've used Dicor.

Please don't. That stuff is a total waste of time. Pro-Flex lasted more than a a week. Dicor Non-Sag Lap Sealant didn't.

Unless there is a different type you're referring to...

It's what the manufacturers use , mine lasted 3 years , and I'm just now cleaning it up and adding new after two winters in Fl. and 1 in TX. Sits outside year round.

[007matman]

Originally Posted by Sailor Bill

It's what the manufacturers use , mine lasted 3 years , and I'm just now cleaning it up and adding new after two winters in Fl. and 1 in TX. Sits outside year round.

I did the whole camper with the stuff under advise from someone on this site. I had to replace all of it after my first trip.

If you can get the stuff to work that's great.

[Riccochet]

Lexel and be done with it.

[Gumpster808]

I’ve been doing some research on OSI.

Had the windows replaced in the S&B and it is what they used to seal around them.

Don’t know if anyone else has researched but has been staying pretty flexible around the windows, is paintable, etc.

Still need to dig in and see if it would work on the camper though.

[Macrosill]

Originally Posted by Gumpster808

I’ve been doing some research on OSI.

Had the windows replaced in the S&B and it is what they used to seal around them.

Don’t know if anyone else has researched but has been staying pretty flexible around the windows, is paintable, etc.

Still need to dig in and see if it would work on the camper though.

IIRC OSI Quad Sealant is the factory sealant used by Jayco.

[Gumpster808]

Originally Posted by Macrosill

IIRC OSI Quad Sealant is the factory sealant used by Jayco.

Good to know, thanks.

One of the window installers redid a truck camper and used it everywhere - been a few years and no issues with it.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Sailor Bill

It's what the manufacturers use , mine lasted 3 years , and I'm just now cleaning it up and adding new after two winters in Fl. and 1 in TX. Sits outside year round.

Not my manufacturer, Flagstaff.
They use Alpha products sealants. The factory sent me some.

You can buy Alpha sealants (rebranded) as SuperFlex at Camping World.
I've verified with Alpha it is their product.

Camping World is the only place I've been able to find it.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by KevinS

...clip...

The best advice I got last year was to use a product called Lexel which I have not found yet but have not dug in to internet purchases very hard.

Lexel is available at Lowe's, Home Depot, ACE Hardware, Walmart and a gazillion places on the internet.

Here is a Google search...

Lexel


As to whether the 303 protectant is causing your cracking... sure, it is possible.

Is it the cause... we can only guess like you but if you liberally apply it on your entire camper it sure could be.