Check your window caulking

[Jubal]

6/2013 Escape 19 stored in a enclosed pole barn except for 102 days of travel. The caulking around the top of the windows is degraded and breaking off. Geesh, a two year old trailer and yet another repair that I have to make that could have been avoided. Any suggestions on the type of caulk to use to replace this clear caulk ? And yes, the 30A in line circuit breaker failed on our trailer also.

[rbryan4]

2 years does seem a short life span for the caulk.

[cpaharley2008]

That little piece does not appear to be a caulking failure, perhaps a tree branch or other object broke that little piece off. A little dab of clear silicone should keep it intact. If it were the entire
top and on your other windows then I agree it maybe the caulk but otherwise just a routine maintenance which is small compared to SOB maintenance.

[rbryan4]

Looks to me to be more a contamination or bubble up failure rather than from something hitting it. Besides, he mentioned it's stored sheltered.

[gbaglo]

That appears to be butyl and it is normal for it to ooze out over time ( heat and pressure ).
At a recent Escape Rally, ETI gave away a small keychain scraper to remove it. You can also use a plastic putty knife.
I've tidied up some of my windows after six years. Five minute maintenance.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Looks to me to be more a contamination or bubble up failure rather than from something hitting it. Besides, he mentioned it's stored sheltered.

It maybe stored sheltered but I doubt the days used were also sheltered.

[escape artist]

Hi: Jubal... At least your Escape doesn't have a transmission!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

That appears to be butyl and it is normal for it to ooze out over time ( heat and pressure ).
At a recent Escape Rally, ETI gave away a small keychain scraper to remove it. You can also use a plastic putty knife.
I've tidied up some of my windows after six years. Five minute maintenance.

Hi; gbaglo... You're lucky they gave out "Florida" ice scrapers!!! Which end do you use. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Jubal

6/2013 Escape 19 stored in a enclosed pole barn except for 102 days of travel. The caulking around the top of the windows is degraded and breaking off. Geesh, a two year old trailer and yet another repair that I have to make that could have been avoided. Any suggestions on the type of caulk to use to replace this clear caulk ? And yes, the 30A in line circuit breaker failed on our trailer also.

Bob looks like a piece missing . It is very normal to have to maintain . As said the butyl does squeeze out and need to be addressed once in a while . Just add a little sealant to spot . Pat

[J Mac]

Those butyl scrapers do double duty as a scratch n win lotto scraper too!

[padlin]

Looks like the clear caulk split at the tops of the windows to me. Might be the same Proflex they use on the marker lights.

[KarenH]

I must be missing something in the picture as it looks to me just like the normal maintenance issue with the caulking that was explained during the orientation.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by KarenH

I must be missing something in the picture as it looks to me just like the normal maintenance issue with the caulking that was explained during the orientation.

Hi: KarenH... Some folks think if you spend a bundle for a fine trailer it shouldn't require "Normal maintenance".
I just had to replace the 12V water pump. Reace asked me if I could do the R&R or did I need to take it to my RVTech. He had the pump shipped by bus to me... and I managed to do it with both of my left hands!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Jubal]

Look at your trailer windows caulking ! The caulking is clear at the top and butyl on the sides and bottom. Hardly a result of impact, another poor attempt to divert the subject.. The caulking is clearly cracked, shrunk, and degraded. This is not the only window with cracked caulking. I understand that silicone caulking does not adhere well to gelcoat. I assume the caulk is clear to blend in with the white gelcoat and black window frame. Any suggestions for a clear caulk that will work ? Really, caulking repair within two years is maintenance ?? Not just a piece missing the whole top seam is open.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Jubal

Any suggestions for a clear caulk that will work ?

Have used Lexel with good results. No silicone and good durability. If it ever fails there is a lifetime warranty as well.

http://www.sashco.com/hi/pdfs/Lexel_TechData.pdf

[thoer]

From my talks with Reace - all the exterior caulk is Proflex, which is supposed to be one of the best RV caulks available.

[reetired]

Everything has some type of maintenance...

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by thoer

From my talks with Reace - all the exterior caulk is Proflex, which is supposed to be one of the best RV caulks available.

Yes, Proflex is made by Geocel.

http://www.geocelusa.com/images/Tech...chData0315.pdf

It's a quality caulk, and does have a limited warranty, although they don't state the warranty term. I've used both on windows and doors. The only reason I usually prefer the Lexel is because of the lifetime warranty. Had a bad case of Lexel some time ago when I was caulking around some shed windows, and they replaced it without even asking for the batch back. Both apply easily, although the Proflex has a stronger smell and therefore probably more VOCs. In fact, Proflex can't be sold in California because of it's formulation.

[MyronL]

These windows have two parts, the outside part and the inside bezel part, which clamps the unit in place with screws. Before the install you run a strip of butyl tape around the outside, which insures a perfect waterproof seal. You then putty knife away any excess that squeezes out. Case Closed! So why it is necessary to then....guild the lily, by adding a silicone bead on top of the butyl... is beyond me.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by MyronL

These windows have two parts, the outside part and the inside bezel part, which clamps the unit in place with screws. Before the install you run a strip of butyl tape around the outside, which insures a perfect waterproof seal. You then putty knife away any excess that squeezes out. Case Closed! So why it is necessary to then....guild the lily, by adding a silicone bead on top of the butyl... is beyond me.

Very true. The caulk is kind of overkill if the butyl is intact. But, the caulk isn't silicone. And that's a very good thing.