Questions: Preparing to Eternabond

[LinandLen]

Hello. We have a 2016 Forester Class C 2861 DS, and we're preparing to clean and then apply Eternabond tape to each end and sides. I have watched just about every video there is on applying this tape. I need advice on the size tape I need to order. When I looked at the ends, it seems we need at least the 6" tape not the 4" tape that I've seen applied in most videos. What are your suggestions? One video suggested that the 6" tape is more difficult to apply because of air bubbles. And for the sides of the RV, should we go with the 4" tape. One video I watched, the guy was using a 2" tape on the sides, but I don't see how that would be wide enough to cover the screws and dicor up top. Also, how far down/over the sides do I need to cover? This person was covering all the way over to the gutters. This seems to be the most confusing part because the 2" tape was covering the seams at the top all the way over to the gutter. I didn't see how that was possible, but this guy was doing a meticulously amazing job. https://youtu.be/zUxnQ6C1BlY

[1100mike]

I used 3" centered over all the seams. If a pile of Dicor was too thick I trimmed it down. I can't imagine trying to get 6 inch down without making a wrinkled mess..

[Rolland]

On a previous rig I used 4” over the front and back moldings that bridged the Dicor roof and fiberglass cap. I felt 6” would help provide a better cover. Cleaned the area with rubbing alcohol, then applied, then sealed the edges with Dicor self leveling sealant.

[LinandLen]

Originally Posted by Rolland

On a previous rig I used 4” over the front and back moldings that bridged the Dicor roof and fiberglass cap. I felt 6” would help provide a better cover. Cleaned the area with rubbing alcohol, then applied, then sealed the edges with Dicor self leveling sealant.

Thank you, Rolland. I have the 4" and the 6" tape, but now I feel the 6" will be harder to apply, so I think I'm going to go with the 4" tape for the ends and the sides. The 4" tape just barely seems to cover all the dicor, so I"ll most likely be trimming some of the dicor before I apply the tape. The sides which are around 28' each are probably going to take forever, so I'm not even sure I want to tackle it. We'll see.

[NMWildcat]

Once you get started you will find it is actually fairly easy and will go quicker than you think. You might start on a vent or skylight to get the hang of it before you tackle the seams that might be seen from below. While you have to be more careful with the 6" application in avoiding bubbles, I did not find it to be any more difficult to lay down successfully.

[Rolland]

Originally Posted by LinandLen

Thank you, Rolland. I have the 4" and the 6" tape, but now I feel the 6" will be harder to apply, so I think I'm going to go with the 4" tape for the ends and the sides. The 4" tape just barely seems to cover all the dicor, so I"ll most likely be trimming some of the dicor before I apply the tape. The sides which are around 28' each are probably going to take forever, so I'm not even sure I want to tackle it. We'll see.

Watched one video that showed 6” to cover the seams adjoining the rubber roof to the front and rear, 3” along the sides and I believe 4” on vents, etc. a good tip from it, if you need to trim around something that is round like my Winegard 360 antenna, keep the cut off pieces for future problems of small tears if it happens.

[LinandLen]

Originally Posted by Rolland

Watched one video that showed 6” to cover the seams adjoining the rubber roof to the front and rear, 3” along the sides and I believe 4” on vents, etc. a good tip from it.

Thanks! Would you be able to post the link to the video? I haven't seen any videos of someone applying the 6" tape. I did see one video where the person used the 4" on each end, and it didn't seem to be wide enough because he overlapped another strip to completely cover his seams and dicor, but I'm trying to avoid that.


Update: I think I found the video showing the 6" tape application. https://youtu.be/AgNaUgPiwaE

[rmac04401]

Here is my before and after pics on front cap transition eternabond application.

[LinandLen]

Thank you, rmac04401! I see you trimmed off the excess Dicor and then applied the tape. Is this the 6" tape? Looks great!

[rmac04401]

It was 4”. Bought a 50” roll off Amazon. I only trimmed the side of rail the fiberglass was on. Mainly due to how crappy and uneven they applied the Dicor. The Dicor pulled off with a little effort in places once I scored down the rail as you can se I only got one little wrinkle along the front. But it is secure and solid.

[Rolland]

Originally Posted by LinandLen

Thanks! Would you be able to post the link to the video? I haven't seen any videos of someone applying the 6" tape. I did see one video where the person used the 4" on each end, and it didn't seem to be wide enough because he overlapped another strip to completely cover his seams and dicor, but I'm trying to avoid that.


Update: I think I found the video showing the 6" tape application. https://youtu.be/AgNaUgPiwaE

I think this is the one I watched. Looks like the sides he used 2”, not 3”

https://youtu.be/5SCWISz52cw

[Rolland]

Nice work rmac04401

[rmac04401]

Thanks.

[LinandLen]

I finally started my Eternabond project. Here are some photos of what I've done so far. I used the 6" tape on the end caps and the 4" tape to seal around the fantastic fan vent. I think I may just use the Dicor on some of these smaller vents. Still working on it. So far it's going well. I'm not looking forward to the longer side seams, but it should go fast once I start laying the tape down. It's the cleaning and prep work that's time consuming. Also, my knees really hurt!

[jeff64]

Get some knee pads. Prep work on anything isn't fun time

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[Rolland]

Linandlen, I’ve got to say nice work and great results on that your done so far.

[cfo111]

only thing I would add on vents really should have rounded corners this prevents any chance of lifting or peeling back and just mack better just saying.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by cfo111

only thing I would add on vents really should have rounded corners this prevents any chance of lifting or peeling back and just mack better just saying.

It might look better to some, but if you have worked with Eternabond, you know it doesn't really matter. If the surface is properly prepared, and tape properly applied, the edge will not come up. I have some 7 year old Eternabond tape corners that still look like the day I put them on.