2000's Classic side skirting question

[oldcarguy]

Pulled the left rear lower skirt off our 2307C a week or so ago to fabricate an access door to make it easier to get to the black/gray water drain valves and drain hose connection (more on that project in another thread), and realized that somewhere along the line, someone had caulked the seam between the top edge of the skirt and the side paneling with silicone.

It's obviously been there for a long time, but it doesn't look like the factory did it, which raises 2 questions:
1. Does anyone know if the factory used any sort of sealant between the lower skirting and the lower body side panels?
2. Should that seam be re-caulked when the skirt panel goes back on? I don't really want to caulk over the old silicone, and getting to old UV-baked material off is going to be an absolute bugger of a job.

 

[JackandJanet]

I wouldn't think there is a need for caulking for the lower skirting. My guess is, the caulk is there to seal the area where the lower body side panels meet the flooring in the trailer, to prevent water getting in there. I also would not be surprised if what you are seeing IS the factory applied sealant.

While some have lauded HiLo's build quality, I've found in my trailer that there are places where it was not particularly done well. I suspect this is true of most any trailer manufacturer though.

I don't think you would need to replace that caulking, if it looks sound. Others may have different opinions.

- Jack