Leak protection

The friendliest place on the web for anyone with an RV or an interest in RVing!
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.

AngelaD

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2022
Posts
1
Location
Seattle, Washington
Newbie here with 30 year old RV just purchased. I’m pretty stoked because I’ve wanted to travel in an RV for decades. Im trying to minimize obvious troubles before they start. I’ve been reading about Eternabond tape for roof repairs. Can I use it for windows or vertical areas? Thanks.
 
How would you used the tape on windows? Are you planning to seal them up or repair them somehow? If you were to tell us more about the 30 year old RV we could probably give better advice.
 
Temporary fixes are just that. The best plan is to find the actual leak and fix it properly. With a unit that old you really need to start from the top and work your way down. You have a fall and winter project ahead of you.
 
Do you think they want someone that looks like a bunch of homeless people and they may need to evict them in a couple of weeks.
This is one time where you can judge a book by its cover.
 
First determine if the leaks are originating from the windows. If so, go to the nearest RV parts place and tell them you need a roll of the stuff that goes round the windows. Take the windows out that leak and scrape the old caulk out and put the new stuff in. Replace the window. Also make sure the weep holes are not clogged.
 
First determine if the leaks are originating from the windows. If so, go to the nearest RV parts place and tell them you need a roll of the stuff that goes round the windows. Take the windows out that leak and scrape the old caulk out and put the new stuff in. Replace the window. Also make sure the weep holes are not clogged.

Yup - Water rot is so serious that you really have to get to the root of the leak if you want confidence in the future.
 
First determine if the leaks are originating from the windows. If so, go to the nearest RV parts place and tell them you need a roll of the stuff that goes round the windows. Take the windows out that leak and scrape the old caulk out and put the new stuff in. Replace the window. Also make sure the weep holes are not clogged.

I think butyl tape is used.
 
I would start with a complete roof reseal if it has not been done in a while but, inspect the roof seams and look for cracks or voids in the seam sealer. This really takes some warm weather as I understand it if using something like Dicor self-leveling lap sealant.

We just bought a 25-year-old class A and were fortunate that the previous owner just resealed the roof last year but, we still found a couple of small leaks after a rain from two other spots, the stove vent fan was leaking on the counter which vents to an outside wall and the upper windshield gasket was leaking on the vinyl dash pad. Both were easy caulking fixes, but we were fortunate to find out all of this before we hit the road. I have had a month to go through as much as I can think of and thanks to those here who helped me. Now, I have emergency patch repair with me as well as a few tubes of Dicor and silicone caulk so I can make at least temp repairs even in pouring rain. Better safe than sorry.

About the age of your unit: We have been asked for pictures of our coach at some parks when making reservations over the phone because they have age limits on RV's. So far we have been accepted because of the condition but, I have heard of some parks that do not make these exceptions to their rules.
If it is old and in good shape keep it washed and waxed and tidy and you may be just fine. Most parks really just do not want a plywood and duct tape covered hobo camp that looks like its been in a demolition derby.
 
there are videos on youtube for roof repair and taping. \
I been using eternabond tape for 3 years now and it sticks well and seems to last. i just coated the entire roof with liquid rubber and had to sand e tape and coat with contact adhesive per mfg recommendations. seem that the tape has a coating that needs to be treated before anything will stick well.\
i taped around the frig exhaust vent ( was leaking) before i used liquid rubber. coated over the tape... i dont expect any problems for 30 years now lol.
 

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
131,930
Posts
1,387,711
Members
137,681
Latest member
skidsteerpilot
Back
Top Bottom