silicone or rubber caulk?

[Reddog49]

Is it best to use silicone caulk when replacing hardware on a trailer? I have heard that some caulks are not good for the exterior. Thanks

[Herk7769]

I would never use Silicone Caulk because it does not last.
UV just wrecks it and it is hard to get off without scratching.

If what you are doing is "permanent" use a good quality marine cement.

A "Warning" though, every thing I mounted that I thought would be "permanent" has either broken and then needed to be replaced or I got tired of it and changed my mind.

Eternabond makes a double sided sticky tape for mounting stuff to the exterior that comes up with a hair drier or heat gun.
EternaBond Doublestick MicroSealant Putty Tape

If it needs to come out of a tube and water intrusion is your issue, Dicor can't be beat.

3M Marine Cement is the way to go for seals that come loose.

[jmswms]

I agree with herk779 My DH says never to use caulk of anykind on an rv. Get the putty that comes in a roll at most RV places. He says because of the flexability of rv and the temp changes they will pull away-you might not think so and then water gets in and then you get rot. He also likes Dicor but it's kind of messy