Preferred sealant for the front window?

[r67northern]

Hi All,

I'm sure I read this somewhere on the site but now I can't find it - any recommendations on the best sealant for the front (forward facing) window? I've got to take mine off and reseal it sometime soon.

It was replaced a few years ago but never properly seated so it likes to leak from time to time.

Thanks for the help and advice

 

[piperjim]

You don't mention what year you have. Is the exterior fiberglass?

I can't speak from experience, but will simply report that when we had a fiberglass camper (Scamp) the general consensus on that forum was that old-fashioned butyl tape was the best for a window in a fiberglass shell. Anyone who had experience with silicone caulk on fiberglass generally hated it because it didn't last long (doesn't adhere well under RV conditions) and was heck to get off the fiberglass. However, folks reported getting 25 years of good performance from butyl tape.

If you want something more modern, 3M Marine Sealant is another option that is popular in the fiberglass egg community. YMMV is you have another type of exterior.

Good luck

 

[r67northern]

Thanks for the insight. The trailer is a 2000 24' classic.

I wasn't sure if the butyl tape would hold on its own, I've only seen it put around the side windows of things where there are screws and things making a clamping force. The Marine sealant is an interesting idea too. Thanks.

 

[sam-HILO]

Window sealing

We have taken out and resealed all our windows in our 1990 Classic. It has been several years and all is very dry. We used butyl tape to thje round part of the window after removal. When the window is reinserted cut off excess butyl. Then use Lexall caulk. It is about 8$ a tube at ace hardware. Utube has a video on how to do this procedure.

 

[r67northern]

Thanks all - I wasn't sure that big curved front window would hold well using the butyl tape but that sounds like the way to go.

 

[JIM L-HILO]

Thanks all - I wasn't sure that big curved front window would hold well using the butyl tape but that sounds like the way to go.

DO NOT use butyl tape to seal that front window. It is not an adhesive type product. I have used many thousands of ft of butyl to seal between the logs on log homes. I have also been using Lexel sealant for over 20 years. Both are great produces when used in the correct applacation. That front window has been put in with an adhesive/sealant product. To try and remove the front window I would worry about breaking the window. On my HiLo which had a couple of leaks around the window I just cleaned around the edge of the window and sealed with Lexel and never had a leak since. Before trying to remove that window check with J&R trailer repair to see what their reccomendation is about removing the window and the sealant to use to put it back with. Their ph# is 740-392-1600. For info on Lexel go to Home Solutions | Caulk, Sealants, & Stains - Sashco

 

[Treeclimber]

That front window is installed just like the windshield of a car ! ! As Jim L mentioned, as great as butyl tape is, it is not an adhesive sealant. Any auto glass replacement center can do it, maybe "on the side" for a few bucks. I called Safelite and they charged me $60. Installer gave me his cell number and the next reseal only cost $30. (?)

 

[r67northern]

That front window is installed just like the windshield of a car ! ! As Jim L mentioned, as great as butyl tape is, it is not an adhesive sealant. Any auto glass replacement center can do it, maybe "on the side" for a few bucks. I called Safelite and they charged me $60. Installer gave me his cell number and the next reseal only cost $30. (?)

Thanks guys, it was unprofessionally installed a while back, a couple pics:

IMGP2900 by Lineswest, on Flickr

IMGP2901 by Lineswest, on Flickr

So it has to be dealt with one way or another. There are spots where you can see the window edge if you push back on the fiberglass that surrounds it. It was just never properly seated.

But thanks again for the clarification - no to the Butyl tape both you and Jim L

 

[sam-HILO]

A picture is worth a thousand words

DH looked at the posted pictures and agreed a glass installer might be best. Can't hurt to get a price. HiLo has different styles of windows depending on the year. If you can't get a hold of J&R then you could give my HiLo dealer a call. Jay Simon in parts(30yrs.experience.) Mantelli trailer sales @ 1-716-625-8877

 

[r67northern]

Thanks all, I'll be sure to let a professional take a look too.