Eternabond tape

[pappi49]

I am pretty sure I know what kind of answers i will get but going to ask any how.

Since eterna bond tape is running about $60 a roll i was wondering if any one has used one the many copy cat brand off of Amazon at less than $30. I have found at a bare minimum 10 different brands of sealing tape. I realize that probably all of them are made in China but I am not really sure that is a detriment.

I would really prefer to buy American made but that is hard to justify when it is at least double the price of everything else. I am the first to admim that in this day of sky high inflation I would like to save a buck or two but not sure if the trade off is worth it.

If anyone has used one of the many knock offs, please let me know and tell me how it has held up and performed. Also how was the ease of installation as compared to the name brand.

As allways, thank for your input. It is greatly appreciated.

 

[IBTripping]

I've always used Eternabond. But, I checked Amazon for the less expensive sealing tapes and found some have very good reviews. Based on that, I might try one of the alternatives when I run out of my roll of Eternabond.

 

[Utclmjmpr]

My question is,,,,, do you really need it that badly,, or do you just need a small amount.???>>>Dan

 

[garyb1st]

Put Eternabond on the front and rear cap seams 2 or 3 years ago. So far no problems. Used some black Gorilla tape for some other roof repair a few years before that and after a year or so, it was flapping in the wind as we rode down the highway. I know Gorilla tape is not sold as a sealing tape but I expected it to last a lot longer than it did. For the money, I'll go with Eternabond. It worth the extra $$$'s just fot the piece of mind.

 

[Edd505]

I am pretty sure I know what kind of answers i will get but going to ask any how.

Since eterna bond tape is running about $60 a roll i was wondering if any one has used one the many copy cat brand off of Amazon at less than $30. I have found at a bare minimum 10 different brands of sealing tape. I realize that probably all of them are made in China but I am not really sure that is a detriment.

I would really prefer to buy American made but that is hard to justify when it is at least double the price of everything else. I am the first to admim that in this day of sky high inflation I would like to save a buck or two but not sure if the trade off is worth it.

If anyone has used one of the many knock offs, please let me know and tell me how it has held up and performed. Also how was the ease of installation as compared to the name brand.

As allways, thank for your input. It is greatly appreciated.

I carry Flex Seal tape & paste for just in case repair and hope it works. My son's used it and says it works, I'll see. I also carry a roll of tyvek tape, water proof and super sticky for the under belly, about $15 a roll at the big box stores.

 

[Ray-IN]

I have a roll of the knock-off stuff, It seems to work very well. I have 2 strips of it 4" wide X 6" long covering where the roof-mounted spotlight was on the MH front cap. It's been there for about 6 years so far and holding tight.
Best I remember it was about ½ the cost of Eternabond.
I did use cleaner-prep and a roller tool like Eternabond recommends.

 

[TheBar]

I carry a left over 5' roll of Flex Seal for emergencies. It is just as sticky but is not as thick as Eternabond. Maybe 1/16" thick vs 1/8". Flex Seal is very hard to work with because it stretches too easy and then it won't lay flat. I put 100' of Eternabond on all sides of my roof and around vents n 2014. Still looks new and is just as flexible. When it comes to water intrusion I use the best available. 20 years ago I lost an RV due to caulking that failed after 3 months. Won't happen again on my watch.

 

[pappi49]

My question is,,,,, do you really need it that badly,, or do you just need a small amount.???>>>Dan

Actually, I dont need it at all at this time. I was/am trying to be proadctive and seal the seams and edges of the trailer before I do get a leak. Not really sure if that is the best way or not but I figure it cant hurt.

 

[Lou Schneider]

I used Eternabond to repair a tear in an EDPM roof (tree branch) 15 years ago. Still looked perfect when I sold the motorhome 4 years ago.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I bought a brand X roof sealing tape at my local hardware store 20 years ago when a falling tree limb punctured the roof on a metal storage building in my back yard. It's still in place and never leaked a drop, even though it has been pressure-cleaned every years since.

But to give a more direct answer, some of those sealer tapes are thinner and somewhat less durable than Eternabond (or its pro-grade competitors like Dicor DiSeal or Alpha's Alphabond). Still probably adequate for most uses, though. I'd use them for anything short of a permanent repair, but if I hoped for it to last forver, I think I would spend the bucks for a known, top quality, product.

 

[Bobtop46]

My dad had a aluminum panel roof installed over the front porch. They used inferior tape over the joints when installed. I replaced and sealed all the leaks with Eternabond tape. Prep took 85% of the time. Had this been done when new, I wouldn't have had to redo it.

 

[touchracing]

As important as the roof of an rv is the cost of one nights camping is a small price to pay for the premium roof tape.

 

[Boat Bum]

When it comes to water abatement I spare no expense.

 

[pappi49]

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions. I have not purchased the tape yet and actually that is a good thing.

Something I thought about as I was getting ready to purchase the tape is what width of tape are most of you using.My main objective is to get the roof sealed at the point that it turns downward and terminates at the rain gutter. My gutter is about 3/4 to 1 inch below the roof. Given that number I coulkd actually use either the 3" wide or the 4" wide.

So what say the experts, which is my best choice? Again thanks for all your help, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[Utclmjmpr]

I have the 3 inch and over the years it has taken care of my every need and all seams,, I still have 1/2 roll.. Just remember that you should ROLL all that you put down with a small roller,, I got one at Home Depot.. After placing it where you want it,,,, don.t even think of trying to move or adjust it..>>>Dan

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

From what I recall there are different sizes both width-wise, 2" vs 4", and many different lengths of Eternabond in case you don't need a full roll and not pay out as much.

 

[pappi49]

Just to let everyone know, I went inexpensive and purchased the Beech Lane tape. Got it in a 4" by 50 ft. roll and it comes with a lifetime mfg. warranty. Really dont know exactly what it covers as I haven't/din't read it yet but it's nice to have the piece of minnd.

Thanks to all for the help, it is appreciated.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Let us know how it works out for you!

 

[pappi49]

Let us know how it works out for you!

I will, as soon as it gets above 30 degrees here in Ky.