What type of exterior sealant?

Zerograv · 07-02-2018, 02:23 AM

What type of sealant does dutchman use around trims, outlets, lights.

It looks to be silicone, but isn't that basically a no no in the rv world?

I want to reseal the entire exterior of my 2018 kodiak 186e. If dutchman did use silicone doesn't it have to be all removed before I can reapply? What would be the best method for doing this?

franktafl · 07-02-2018, 12:04 PM

I worked on one of my lights yesterday and yes, silicone was used by Dutchmen. It stuck pretty well to the trailer body but not to the light and I was getting some water behind the light. I used the putty when I put it back on so the back would be fully waterproof. On the roof, you want to use DICOR or something like it. It seems they used silicone around some of the more insignificant items but, I prefer to use dicor or EternaBond products for anything I add.

Zerograv · 07-02-2018, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franktafl

I worked on one of my lights yesterday and yes, silicone was used by Dutchmen. It stuck pretty well to the trailer body but not to the light and I was getting some water behind the light. I used the putty when I put it back on so the back would be fully waterproof. On the roof, you want to use DICOR or something like it. It seems they used silicone around some of the more insignificant items but, I prefer to use dicor or EternaBond products for anything I add.

Oh I definitely would use eternabond and dicor for the roof, my main concern at this point is lights and corner seals. Why the hell would they use silicone?

**wahoonc** · 07-02-2018, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zerograv

Oh I definitely would use eternabond and dicor for the roof, my main concern at this point is lights and corner seals. Why the hell would they use silicone?

Because they are idiots and it is cheap?

It may be Geocel Proflex which looks similar to silicone but is an isobutylene polymer (whatever the hell THAT is!)

Aaron

Zerograv · 07-02-2018, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wahoonc

Because they are idiots and it is cheap?

It may be Geocel Proflex which looks similar to silicone but is an isobutylene polymer (whatever the hell THAT is!)

Aaron

I doubt its proflex. Had a translucent look to it rather than clear which was my first clue as to it being silicone. I've been super happy with the trailer and this is more a preventative maintenance thing but what a pain in the ass. You cant even apply more silicone without needing to remove the old.

Mineral spirits and a plastic putty knife are by best bet I assume?

**wahoonc** · 07-02-2018, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zerograv

I doubt its proflex. Had a translucent look to it rather than clear which was my first clue as to it being silicone. I've been super happy with the trailer and this is more a preventative maintenance thing but what a pain in the ass. You cant even apply more silicone without needing to remove the old.

Mineral spirits and a plastic putty knife are by best bet I assume?

Plastic and wooden scrapers, they make silicone remover, to the best of my knowledge nothing else will touch it. If there is ANY traces left nothing will adhere to it.

Aaron

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Zerograv · 07-02-2018, 05:05 PM

I contacted dutchman they said it is definitely silicone. I asked why in hell would they do that and they said they cant comment on it and advised me to take it to the nearest dealer lol.

sundancer 87 · 07-02-2018, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zerograv

I contacted dutchman they said it is definitely silicone. I asked why in hell would they do that and they said they cant comment on it and advised me to take it to the nearest dealer lol.

They can't comment because they don't want you to know the blind installers use the odor to know where they're slathering it all over the place