Sealant/caulking help?!?!

[Xtrmtj]

Have a 2002 Rockwood Roo. I am pretty happy with it but have some issues I need help with.

Since it is a 10 year old camper it needs the outside caulking and seams resealed.

I am a DIY person for the most part, and don't trust the local dealers. I feel they will make an excuse to say...you need a new camper.

So with that. I would like the input from all experienced ROO campers and other campers on this.

I want to reseal the entire camper.

Please let me know your thoughts on the best methods, products and tips and tricks. I have searched with little help to find a complete listing.

[bikendan]

it sounds like what you want to do, is common to all RV's, not just Roo's.

most use Dicor and Eternabond for the roof caulking and sealing. Eternabond is popular because it's pretty permanent.
i'm sure if you looked thru the Tech and Repair section, you'd find lots of posts about roof maintenance.

if you're talking about the seals around the canvas bunk doors, then that's a hybrid-specific thing.

[Xtrmtj]

Just to be clear I am talking about all sealing and calking

Bunk bed
Windows
Doors
Roof.....etc.

Keep the input coming please

[Xtrmtj]

Hey guys can I get some help here. Got a big camping trip coming up and I want to get this stuff done.

[Marc73]

Originally Posted by Xtrmtj

Just to be clear I am talking about all sealing and calking

Bunk bed
Windows
Doors
Roof.....etc.

Keep the input coming please

Lap sealant on roof do not use silicone. Use pure silicone everywhere else . Make sure you clean all areas first I use rubbing alcohol .

[Tiggerdad]

Dicor self leveling sealant for roof, vents and seams. Dicor Lap sealants for other joints

I have had good luck with Proflex polyurethane for seams elsewhere and vertical seams. I had asked the same question on this forum and was told that Forest River uses Dicor for the roof and vents. They also said that Forest River uses Tremco 644 on all other joints. A quick look at the Tremco web site says that it us a Silicone. I will research further but have always felt that Silicone was not to be used on RV's. Perhaps it is better that the Silicone available at the big box stores.

[TexasBBQ]

See http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ior-26873.html

For roof use Dicor self leveling sealant or equivalent.

I've removed enough failed silicon sealant - I don't recommend it for exterior use on any RV/TT

[Herk7769]

Ditto on "Never Use Silicone"

For seams between doors and the walls (Butyl Tape) for door seals use EDPM weather stripping.

1/8" X 1/2" X 30' Butyl Seal - RVWholesalers.com RV Parts and Accessories

.216"X .354" X 100' Clean Seal - RVWholesalers.com RV Parts and Accessories

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Xtrmtj

Just to be clear I am talking about all sealing and calking

Bunk bed

since you haven't posted with model of Roo you have, does it have bunk beds?

because some hybrid are bunkhouse models with bunk beds.

if you're talking about the canvas bunk ENDS, then that's different.
not much caulking there but the rubber D-seals, in the bunk end frame, should be replaced if they are cracked or compressed.

[Xtrmtj]

Just to be clear my Roo, I don't know the model other than it is a 23ft. And yes it does have the fold out bed/bunks on each end.

The leak seems to be coming in from the frame, while the bed was extended for us to sleep in. The frame the screws to the TT, is what I think is leaking.

I have heard that people use a tape putty and removed either the window or other opening. Lay down new putty tape, them screw down the window or other feature. Then scrape off extra the squeezes out.

Is this an accepted practice for the bunk beds to seal them?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Xtrmtj

Just to be clear my Roo, I don't know the model other than it is a 23ft. And yes it does have the fold out bed/bunks on each end.

The leak seems to be coming in from the frame, while the bed was extended for us to sleep in. The frame the screws to the TT, is what I think is leaking.

I have heard that people use a tape putty and removed either the window or other opening. Lay down new putty tape, them screw down the window or other feature. Then scrape off extra the squeezes out.

Is this an accepted practice for the bunk beds to seal them?

i'm confused. you say removing the "window" and ask if it's accepted for the bunk "beds".
there are no windows to remove in the bunk ends.

if you could post some pics it would really help. especially if it's a hybrid-specific issue.

[Tiggerdad]

IMO, the description you wrote is the proper way to make an initial seal for sealing. I also believe that adding caulking over the horizontal and vertical seams is added insurance against a leak.

[Xtrmtj]

Originally Posted by bikendan

i'm confused. you say removing the "window" and ask if it's accepted for the bunk "beds".
there are no windows to remove in the bunk ends.

if you could post some pics it would really help. especially if it's a hybrid-specific issue.

I was misleading on this bikendan, I meant in general speaking of features that are placed in the camper. Such as the frame that surrounds the bunks, mine leaks there, and as a look into further. The design on my 2002 that hinge and bunk floor you lay on don't extend far enough in close position to keep rain out.

Will FR give a discount on a better designed bunk. I like my camper, and want to keep it, but feel the bunks were POORLY designed to release without any water problems.

Any help is appreciated.

[bikendan]

just for your info, the Hybrid first came out in 1998 from R-Vision.
FR started making the Roo in 1999, so yours was only the third year that they had been making them.
all the early hybrids had issues, especially those before 2005.

[spierce617]

Do a search on Roo Bunk bed ends. You will find many threads that will tell you how to replace the ends or fix what you have. I hope this helps.