Caulking for external receptacle

[robbecky]

Hi folks. In order to make my TT a little more friendly towards cable/satellite/antenna, I am going to add another external cable jack that leads to my living room TV.

What I want to know is: should I just standard silicone caulking for seal the outside receptacle or is there something special I should use for the external caulking?

Rob

[CincyGus]

I'm not a fan of silicone. For one, it doesn't last even though it's "rated" for 15-20 years most of the time. Secondly, nothing sticks to it if you have to repair using something else (Dicor/Eternabond) and it's a pain to get off to get a clean install surface if you find yourself needing to do that.

Most outdoor receptacles on campers use Butyl tape under the covers to seal the edges.

https://www.amazon.com/Butyl-Window-.../dp/B0070O93HA

You basically cut it to length, overlap the ends and the sides slightly and place it on the backside of the cover so it sits right at the edges. Mount the cover, tighten it down and then seal the edges with Dicor non-leveling sealant if you feel super paranoid about water intrusion and want a second layer of protection.

[jtaylor1920]

In addition to the butyl tape I’d seal around the cover with Proflex RV sealant.

https://www.amazon.com/Geocel-28100V...s%2C200&sr=8-2

[KyDan]

I just use Dap Alex fast dry in the roll up tube from Home Depot or Lowes.
It's paintable and flexible and will outlast your trailer AND you can use it inside or outside your house. And it's ¢heap. And you can clean your finger tip or what-ever with a damp towel- until it drys. After that it's permanent.

IMO there is no need for a specialty "RV" caulk.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by jtaylor1920

In addition to the butyl tape I’d seal around the cover with Proflex RV sealant.

https://www.amazon.com/Geocel-28100V...s%2C200&sr=8-2

X2

[jeff64]

Originally Posted by jtaylor1920

In addition to the butyl tape I’d seal around the cover with Proflex RV sealant.

https://www.amazon.com/Geocel-28100V...s%2C200&sr=8-2

X 3

[BriaBeck]

Has anyone tried a product called "Lexel" for RV sealing?


I've used it for other applications, and it seems to be very good stuff. It is a bit pricey though, at about $7 a tube.



I'm going to replace my outdoor speakers once spring rolls around, and I bought a tube of Lexel to seal around them.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by BriaBeck

Has anyone tried a product called "Lexel" for RV sealing?


I've used it for other applications, and it seems to be very good stuff.



I'm going to replace my outdoor speakers once spring rolls around, and I bought a tube of Lexel to seal around them.

Yes.
If I couldn't get ProFlex RV, I would use Lexel.
I try to avoid Silicone sealers around R/Vs at all costs.

[Bama Rambler]

Originally Posted by BriaBeck

Has anyone tried a product called "Lexel" for RV sealing?

Yep. Use it all the time. It seals as well as anything I've ever used.

[johnruff]

I ran my satellite cable in through the floor and just use a connector. Did not want to drill through the wall.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by CincyGus

I'm not a fan of silicone. For one, it doesn't last even though it's "rated" for 15-20 years most of the time. Secondly, nothing sticks to it if you have to repair using something else (Dicor/Eternabond) and it's a pain to get off to get a clean install surface if you find yourself needing to do that.

Most outdoor receptacles on campers use Butyl tape under the covers to seal the edges.
...

You basically cut it to length, overlap the ends and the sides slightly and place it on the backside of the cover so it sits right at the edges. Mount the cover, tighten it down and then seal the edges with Dicor non-leveling sealant if you feel super paranoid about water intrusion and want a second layer of protection.

The reason for putting Dicor (or other sealant) around the edges is that butyl tape remains sticky forever. If you don't put something that cures around it, it attracts dirt and looks ugly.

Larry