Exterior reseal

[DCRYOR]

I have a 2017 Reflection 29RS in the shop for some routine maintenance. Their 12 point inspection found that they need to do an exterior reseal for $500. I'm reaching out to this forum see if this is truly needed or is a DRE (dealer revenue enhancement).
The previous owner and I have kept the rig in covered storage and use it about 3-4 days per month. And it has a spray on roof (RV Roof), so that should be good. Their statement of work: "Remove all sealant on the sides of the unit and replace it with fresh sealant".

I have two concerns:
1) Does it really need it after ~5 years of occasional use?
2) How good a job will the shop tech do? Obviously dependent on the tech, but just wondering if they can be successful.

I will be full-timing in the rig beginning in June, so I don't mind paying for something that's truly needed, just not sure it is.
If you've had this done, I'd be interested in hearing about it.

Thanks in advance.

[Calbar]

I have a 2017 Reflection 29RS in the shop for some routine maintenance. Their 12 point inspection found that they need to do an exterior reseal for $500. I'm reaching out to this forum see if this is truly needed or is a DRE (dealer revenue enhancement).
The previous owner and I have kept the rig in covered storage and use it about 3-4 days per month. And it has a spray on roof (RV Roof), so that should be good. Their statement of work: "Remove all sealant on the sides of the unit and replace it with fresh sealant".

I have two concerns:
1) Does it really need it after ~5 years of occasional use?
2) How good a job will the shop tech do? Obviously dependent on the tech, but just wondering if they can be successful.

I will be full-timing in the rig beginning in June, so I don't mind paying for something that's truly needed, just not sure it is.
If you've had this done, I'd be interested in hearing about it.

Thanks in advance.

I have had to redo wall sealant on my 2018 297RSTS in a number of areas so if yours has not been done it is likely due. I also know that GD uses silicone to do the factory sealing on the sides so unless they clean off any residue very well new sealant will not stick. I have had this problem in a couple of areas. I am also not a professional but took me about 3 hours to do one slam door but then I removed the door completely so that I could clean off all of the old silicone easier.

Water is the death knell for RVs so if it needs it and they can show you where and why it is best to either do it yourself or have the dealer do it.

Rob

[Stealth13777]

I just had to do this to my 2019, but mine is parked outside. It was obvious that the sealant was compromised in quite a few locations. There are multiple sealants out there (GD customer service recommended a particular brand silicon), but I used Lexel since you can re-apply and it will stick to itself.

It’s an absolute bear of a job and if they do good work, I would happily pay $500 to not do it myself again. If you are going to full-time, I would recommend it even if your sealant wasn’t 5yrs old. As it is, IMO you are due. I wonder if they would let you select the sealant used (a few are recommended consistently on this and other boards).

[openrangeowners]

Recommend looking into using this .... https://www.geocelusa.com/product/pr...xible-sealant/

See cautions about TPO, EPDM and polystyrene materials though ....

[Calbar]

I just had to do this to my 2019, but mine is parked outside. It was obvious that the sealant was compromised in quite a few locations. There are multiple sealants out there (GD customer service recommended a particular brand silicon), but I used Lexel since you can re-apply and it will stick to itself.

It’s an absolute bear of a job and if they do good work, I would happily pay $500 to not do it myself again. If you are going to full-time, I would recommend it even if your sealant wasn’t 5yrs old. As it is, IMO you are due. I wonder if they would let you select the sealant used (a few are recommended consistently on this and other boards).

I also used Lexel on anything I resealed. The only trouble I had was if there was still some silicone residue the Lexel like most other sealants did not stick until I cleaned it better.

Rob

[Calbar]

Recommend looking into using this .... https://www.geocelusa.com/product/pr...xible-sealant/

See cautions about TPO, EPDM and polystyrene materials though ....

I don't understand most people's facination with Pro-flex. I used it a number of years ago on my Rockwood and it got hard and started to split and crack. I was not happy with it.

Rob

[bjlakatos]

I don't understand most people's facination with Pro-flex.

Totally agree. I don’t know of a better alternative though. One of my friends uses lap sealant by dicor because it works so well. But it does not come in clear. Also whatever alternative to pro flex must not be silicon-based.

The best part about ProFlex is that it’s easy to tool and it’s easy to remove and replace.

[bjlakatos]

My experiences indicate the highest risk areas for a wallside caulking are any trim along the floor line and slide out floor trim on all three sides.

My recommendation is if you are full timing soon then you should get very proficient at caulking/sealing or routinely Have it done by a trusted professional. But as the other posters indicated water is the worst enemy of an RV and it’s expensive to repair.

[Fivecodys]

I don't understand most people's facination with Pro-flex. I used it a number of years ago on my Rockwood and it got hard and started to split and crack. I was not happy with it.

Rob

I had the same issue on my old Flagstaff. I was not happy with the resluts

[orbiker]

I also used Lexel on anything I resealed. The only trouble I had was if there was still some silicone residue the Lexel like most other sealants did not stick until I cleaned it better.

Rob

Rob
Do you have any tips and tricks for the removal and cleanup before resealing?

Thanks, KEN