Caulking around openings in exterior unnecessary?

[DQueso]

Hi,

First post here, and less than 1 year RV experience. I recently called a mobile tech to have a look at caulking around my windows and other items cut into the exterior of our 2020 23 bhe GD Imagine. Wanted to see him do it, so I could repeat myself going forward. He told me there were "crushed gaskets around each of the openings in the exterior that were water-tight, and caulking was basically unnecessary." I can't imagine that's true, but wanted to check with the experts.

Thanks!

Daniel

[MoonShadow_1911]

Hi,

First post here, and less than 1 year RV experience. I recently called a mobile tech to have a look at caulking around my windows and other items cut into the exterior of our 2020 23 bhe GD Imagine. Wanted to see him do it, so I could repeat myself going forward. He told me there were "crushed gaskets around each of the openings in the exterior that were water-tight, and caulking was basically unnecessary." I can't imagine that's true, but wanted to check with the experts.

Thanks!

Daniel

It's not a gasket, it's butyl sealant tape. It's kind of like a thick caulk in a roll.

From what I understand, the butyl tape is supposed to make it so you don't need to caulk the edges. I know uncontained water and RVs don't play well together, so I prefer to caulk everything.

Every window and door on my 320MKS was called with silicone caulk. This last spring, I removed most of it and used Lexel Silicone caulk to recaulk everything.

Just my two cents, adjusted for inflation.

[huntr70]

Grand Design hasn't used butyl tape in years.

There is a crushable foam gasket around most windows, along with custom cut Mylar gaskets.

[MoonShadow_1911]

Grand Design hasn't used butyl tape in years.

There is a crushable foam gasket around most windows, along with custom cut Mylar gaskets.

Ah! This, I didn't know. Thanks, @huntr70 !

[trailrydr]

Grand Design hasn't used butyl tape in years.

There is a crushable foam gasket around most windows, along with custom cut Mylar gaskets.

So....... caulking around exterior "factory" cut in openings aren't neccessary?

This may work for windows and doors.... but speakers, lights, camera base, and other outlets appeared to be (and were) caulked from the factory when I replaced a few of them on my 2019.

[huntr70]

So....... caulking around exterior "factory" cut in openings aren't neccessary?

This may work for windows and doors.... but speakers, lights, camera base, and other outlets appeared to be (and were) caulked from the factory when I replaced a few of them on my 2019.

I would caulk them for assurance.

It sure can't hurt.....

[DQueso]

Thanks, everybody. I figured it couldn't be unnecessary. Better safe than sorry. Thanks!

[hobienick]

Just don't use silicone. It will make it so nothing else will stick to that spot again. Including more silicone.

[MoonShadow_1911]

Just don't use silicone. It will make it so nothing else will stick to that spot again. Including more silicone.

This is why I use Lexel. It sticks to most everything, including itself. The only caveats I have found is that it isn't easy to remove.

[Calbar]

This is why I use Lexel. It sticks to most everything, including itself. The only caveats I have found is that it isn't easy to remove.

I used Lexel on my previous Reflection. Only problem I had is the Lexel doesn't stick to silicone either and silicone is a pain to clean off properly. If still there the Lexel peels really easy. If no silicone it is great.

Rob