Exterior RV Caulk Removal | Never Use Silicone Sealant!

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In this video, we begin tackling the monumental project of resealing the exterior of the RV. Although this project tested our patience and stamina, we know that doing this job the right way will be worth it in the long run. Knowing we’re doing all we can to prevent future water damage is a great feeling.
We start the job by removing all of the leaky, weathered butyl tape and removing the rusty, ancient awnings that really don’t add any value to the rig. Then we move onto removing the crumbling, stubborn silicone sealant that should never ever EVER be used on the exterior of an RV… EVER lol.
To remove every last morsel of the old, cracked silicone caulk we used a putty knife, adhesive remover, mineral spirits, and good ol’ elbow grease. After it was all removed, we filled in any gaps with fresh butyl tape (the waterproof putty tape that goes underneath the caulk/sealant). In the next video, we apply new sealant (non-silicone) to the entire exterior of the RV to ensure it is finally waterproof.
Why are we hating on silicone? Well, for starters silicone is extremely hard to remove. Secondly, silicone doesn’t stick to itself. This means that in a year or so when you need to repair a cracked or leaky spot of your silicone caulking - you have to remove literally EVERY speck of it to get it to adhere and create a water-tight seal. It’s absolute madness. You might be wondering if silicone is such a bad option, why is it used so frequently? Good question. We have NO IDEA!
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- Michael and Jenny Justus
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RV INFO:
NAME: HaRVey Dent
STYLE: Class C motorhome
YEAR: 1989
MODEL: Yellowstone Camino Classic
LENGTH: 28ft + Hitch and scooter
WEIGHT: 10,000 lb (approx.)
CHASSIS: Ford Econoline Club Wagon (e350)
ENGINE: Ford 460 7.5L V8 engine
ODOMETER: 47,000
MPG: 6.5 (on average)
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MUSICAL CREDITS:
Track 1: Blank [NCS Release] by Disfigure
• Disfigure - Blank | Me...
Follow Disfigure:
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/ disfigureofficial
/ disfiguremusic

[@rvninnorthcarolina3377]

To be clear, it is highly recommended to NOT use Silicon Caulk as you would find in the big box DIY stores. Most professional RV service techs recommend RV specific Silicon sealants for wall/vertical seams and DiCor Lap Sealant for roofs (NEVER silicon anything on roofs). I use Geocel ProFlexRV on my walls/Vertical seams and Dicor LapSealant on the roof. What is great about he Geocel is once you clean out the seam and apply a fresh bead, the following year (or as needed if sooner) you can clean the area and the reseal over the old seam. The ProFlex says flexible and does not dry out and crack. It also is made to deal with the extreme flexing that an RV is subject to, something regular silicon caulk for homes was not formulated for. I have also heard that automotive sealants is also an alternative but I have never tried them. When I had my old Winnebago, 1972...., after 10 years, I removed all the windows, door frames and corner seams and replaced the caulking (Butyl tape possibly) that was under the frame because it was drying and shrinking as well....applied new sealant and then replaced the windows and resealed with marine silicon (yeah the was in the early 80's and RV sealant did not exist...things were different then). Point is like they are doing, removing and completely resealing is highly recommended after 10 years. Awesome video and thanks for sharing!

[@marredcheese]

_silicone_

[@colingee6687]

You guys are an amazing couple. I really enjoy watching your series. Great patience and effort to refurbish your motorhome. I owned a 1990 unit that was very similar to yours, 28 foot with a Ford chassis and 460 engine. I pampered it and it was still in great condition when I sold it in 2012. It had less than 14,000km.

[@DuetJustusFam]

Thank you Colin! Wow. You're rig sounds like it was amazing. We've really enjoyed ours. 😊

[@MikesGarageReviews]

km? Lol 🤣

[@annisarich]

I just started on 1981 Yellowstone Camino LT 20ft trailer. Enjoying the binge watching your work. I assume I will be finding much the same tasks in my future. Thanks for posting

[@DuetJustusFam]

+Richard Lindsay wishing you the best on your reno!

[@ken12269]

Great job. I am about to re-do mine so thanks for the info!

[@happyinharned9583]

Yeah! At last....a pry bar! Love the videos....great job.

[@williamjustus6385]

Nice landing, Jenny!!

[@BikingWIthPanda]

you gottta actually remove all those trim strips to re seal them. you can't just cut off excess and add more and say it is done!

[@tombstone2826]

I have a 1989 Lazy Daze Class C and I use 100 percent silicone on the exterior and it works just fine and lasts for years . Seals are tight and waterproof.

[@mleibel4]

The silicone is doing its job! You get a lousy silicone then you end up with leaks and other problems! If it’s easy to remove then it means it’s not sticking properly to the substrates and this will result to adhesion failure.

[@michellestaley5161]

I love that all purpose tool you have there.

[@Bcroft39]

I just stumbled across your videos and have now subscribed. Me and my wife are getting a travel trailer soon so I've been watching a lot of videos to educate myself on RVing and maintaining the RV. We're not looking to be full timers, just a couple with the kids out of the house and about to celebrate our 30th anniversary by getting a RV and start living again. You guys are great..Also, my uncle has a RV that is the spitting image of the one in your videos.

[@tmathyssen]

Just found your site and we are really enjoying your RV renovations. The small, fun clips you add at the end are just the icing on the cake. Can't wait for the party (travelling) to begin. Tony & Cathy, St. Lazare Qc, Canada

[@DuetJustusFam]

Thank you, Tony. Welcome to the journey :-)

[@candeffect]

Silicone (not the paintable type) works best on gaskets held down with screws/bolts and will provide permanent leak proof seals. All other sealers will dry and crack. I've seen lots of non-silicone sealer, butyl tape, and Dicor re-dos. Manufactures use non-silicone sealers and butyl tape for lower costs/higher profits.

[@nrob450]

My question too. 🤔

[@DrivinandVibin]

Great video! Are y'all on the road and doing maintenance in between stops, or do you have a departure date?

[@DuetJustusFam]

Hey Kyle and Olivia! We are currently out on the road and are on our way up to the northeast. We finished installing our 600W solar system in March and haven't plugged in or paid for any utilities since then (besides gasoline and propane, of course). We will be in the northeast through the summer and then heading south for the winter. Thanks for following us on our journey. We are definitely looking to network with others who do what we do :). Maybe we'll run into each other out in the great unknown haha. Take care and safe travels. -Michael and Jenny

[@babzhill1011]

Nice job, love tor dogs!

[@DuetJustusFam]

+The Rolling Hills Thank you :) They are our fur babies haha.

[@ambers52]

Am I missing something? What did you guys use to seal it up? I've read a lot about dicor and also the eternabond tape, we will use tape most likely on our '88 Kit RR. Thanks.

[@jazzma761]

I would’ve liked to have seen a longer shot of the caulking removal tool

[@samuelbankston2108]

Trying to demo the rv sealant. Getting the top layer was easy but the stuff under was like marshmallows Now the client got me some Quadra stuff that you need grollia hands to get out. Idk how I'm going to finish.

[@bob_frazier]

I just used some DAP230. One road trip it looks filthy and won't wash clean. Advice? Anyone?

[@scotthowe2286]

And no leaks,but will get diecore for roof stuff.

[@solresonance]

What kind of tool are you using to remove the caulk & where can a person buy one?

[@cantire1234]

It is called a "Painters tool". Any hardware store, paint store, etc will sell them. I saw a video that showed like 10 different things you can do with the thing

[@kennyc388]

Not silicon....Would NEVER come off that easy, NEVER!

[@andrewturner2226]

Yeah, looks more like old butyl putty.

[@marilynn-s1820]

Hi, I'm enjoying your 'journey'. I'm curious, what do you recommend as a non-silicone sealant? Thanks! "In the next video, we apply new sealant (non-silicone) to the entire exterior of the RV to ensure it is finally waterproof."

[@DuetJustusFam]

Hi Marilyn. Thank you for the comment. Okay... first thing's first. Never use a silicone based anything for the exterior of an RV... EVER. Second, make sure that what you are using is a SOLVENT BASED sealant. Here is an article that was very informative goo.gl/nnNpdV. As you can see in the article, they found a product called Geocel Pro Flex. We wanted to go with that, but because it wasn't available locally, we decided to go with a more widely available product called OSI Quad goo.gl/cFxz8Z. You can pick it up for less than $6 a bottle at most home improvement stores. It is amazing stuff and works very well! We hope this information is helpful :) -Michael and Jenny

[@marilynn-s1820]

Gr8 info, thanks a bunch!!

[@lishayost144]

Dicor lap sealant is great for exterior of RV, etc.

[@BobbySstl]

Hey, new sub... are yall in St. Louis?

[@manuelzamudio]

Whats the name of the 33sec tool? THANKS

[@tomatoguy23]

That putty knife has a few different names. I've seen it called a 5 in 1

[@willbush1]

What type of NON Silicone Sealant do you recommend? Couldn't find the next video you said you were doing resealing with non-Silicone Sealant?

[@billsiclari7151]

I re sealed all the moldings with chemlink primer and then m-1 chemlink adhesive sealant and all new screws took me all summer

[@billsiclari7151]

I did my 1992 e 350 class c

[@markepsteen5718]

I didn't learn anything. The very end they were something about shims and closing the Gap. The camera was on the roof..... who the hell could see what they were doing?

[@kaloriinn]

would you be willing to contract out your services?

[@papawoody7352]

Go to amazon { trim insert for rv} will pop up that white insert up to 100ft rolls about $22.00

[@DuetJustusFam]

+papawoody Awesome! We have definitely looked into replacing all of the trim. Maybe we'll put it in a future video... Thanks for the tip!

[@scotthowe2286]

Just went threw Florence

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I'm afraid that the reasons to not use silicone are lost on me.

[@frankenstein3163]

nothing can hear to it.. roof paint and lap.. im thainking!?

[@ohwell2790]

They never did say what they used. No product name no watch channel.

[@laronis]

I missed it too. What the heck?

[@josephpray125]

if you don't use Silicone Sealant , what do you use ?

[@curiousgeorge555]

My preference is polyurethane sealant.

[@bob_frazier]

@@curiousgeorge555 Does dirt stick to it? Can it be washed clean?

[@DannerPlace]

It's time to buy a new RV.

[@wmdjohnson]

You don't need a respirator, 😂

[@williammarkey5321]

Where the 2 dogs where eating the grass the bugs were loud!...

[@biggils8894]

Everything needs maintenance, don't blame rubber sealant for being inappropriate. Bcse it's not!

[@mndoing]

What happened to you guys? No new videos in over a year

[@jimmydeen58]

great video..

[@DuetJustusFam]

+Jimmy Smith Thanks, Jimmy!

[@Mike-pj1kv]

Silicone works well if applied correctly on the correct application. So I wouldn't say never use it.

[@iair-conditiontheoutsideai3076]

Silicone doesn't stick to EPDM

[@iair-conditiontheoutsideai3076]

Silicone works great on the sides but never on the rubber roof

[@yeahthatshouldwork]

Nuthin a ladiea is more displeased with than silicon caulk.

[@clydehamilton8056]

As a lifelong contractor I think silicone caulk should require a permit to buy. I have restored two RV's and both had the same problem, SILICONE! If you do not know the proper use and quality stay away from it. You guys are a great couple.

[@garvincentcia5873]

That's just so mean , when you two showed your drop down shower. , I sead O a drop down shower and at the same time saying that you girl wife fell of the ladder ....

[@Jogjosmowwdkfs]

Did I hear him call y'all's subscribers "youtubers"? That's a laugh

[@beedear9792]

i would perfer no music on how to videos and straight to the point info.

[@_DB.COOPER]

That music is loud and horrible. Just my opinion of course.

[@ronniecardy]

worse thing you can use on a TT. 5TH WHEEL R A MOTOR HOME

[@Muthurtucker]

Then what do you use? They certainly don't tell you in this video.

[@georgemoomaw9437]

Please loose the background music. It ads nothing

[@tdavis7899]

Ditch the annoying music.

[@DuetJustusFam]

It has been ditched 👍🏼

[@TheBandit7613]

Really don't need that crappy music

[@kennyc388]

If you enjoy endlessly fucking with something and spending money, BUY AN RV !!!!!!!!!!!

[@DuetJustusFam]

+Anton Bouchette Lol! Buy a CAR, buy a HOUSE, buy a BOAT... it all takes money & maintenance. Such is life.

[@bkryder]

Anton Bouchette. apparently youve never had a woman

[@Dionne2U2]

Not enough true information. Wasted my time on this vid.

[@Muthurtucker]

Thumb down. You didn't list the product that you used instead of silicone. Click bait report.

[@tubsun]

The mention options in these comments including OSI Quad. And they say their next video shows use of such an alternative.

[@kj6qvb]

If you spent less time on the dogs eating grass and more time on the details of removing the old calking, it might have been more useful.

[@apaulothegreat1581]

Screw American made bullshit, however if you not the lazy sob most are, built it yourself fiberglass it done no maintenance 😶and how much did you pay for the factory made junk😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😃moomoney😶