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Topic: Sealant for End Cap (Read 477 times) previous topic - next topic
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Sealant for End Cap
I discovered a small gap at the side of one of my end caps. Besides that the end caps look quite good (they were being resealed by Lazy Daze about 2 1/2 years ago).

Is "3M 5200FC Fast Cure" the right sealant for this? Or is there something else that is better? Do I have to scrape off as much as possible of the old dry stuff that is in that area, or can I apply the sealant more or less on top of it?

Klaus
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Sealant for End Cap
Reply #1 –
It's difficult to tell how large the "small gap" is from the photo, but, if the factory sealed the end caps when you say, they missed a spot!  :o 

Scrape out the old sealant and any dirt and goop completely, clean the surfaces thoroughly with acetone, apply blue tape to both sides of the gap, leaving about an 1/8" space to fill with sealant, then shoot 3M 5200 Fast Cure into the seam. Be sure that it fills the gap completely. Smooth out the line; remove the tape after about an hour or a bit more. Pull the tape away from the newly-sealed seam when removing it to prevent any possibly still tacky sealant from "stringing".

You might want to expand the project to include *all* of the caps; if one area of the end caps is in the condition suggested by the photo, it may well be that other areas will follow it pretty shortly!
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Sealant for End Cap
Reply #2 –
I would do the whole end cap, both edges and both sides ( driver and passenger)

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Sealant for End Cap
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Klaus  - 
I discovered a small gap at the side of one of my end caps. Besides that the end caps look quite good (they were being resealed by Lazy Daze about 2 1/2 years ago).

Is "3M 5200FC Fast Cure" the right sealant for this? Or is there something else that is better? Do I have to scrape off as much as possible of the old dry stuff that is in that area, or can I apply the sealant more or less on top of it?

Klaus
Search endcap and its iterations and you will find many discussions on this topic.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Sealant for End Cap
Reply #4 –
Klaus

A rig as old as yor should have the end caps and the window frames resealed. You don't want to repeat the rot experience of downgrader and many other owners of older rigs. It's a lot easier to reseal than to repair.

There are dozens of posts on resealing both the caps and windows to be searched for.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Sealant for End Cap
Reply #5 –
Often you can secure caps as the sealant cures without screws. As an example, I pulled out most of the lower rear end cap driver's side to reseal, then secured it with rope, adjustable clamp, and 2X2" aluminum angle stock:

Steve


2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Sealant for End Cap
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Klaus

A rig as old as yor should have the end caps and the window frames resealed. You don't want to repeat the rot experience of downgrader and many other owners of older rigs. It's a lot easier to reseal than to repair.

There are dozens of posts on resealing both the caps and windows to be searched for.

Larry

am downgrader, can confirm  😭
 
Re: Sealant for End Cap
Reply #7 –
I'm curious why the mothership uses plastic end caps? Surely this would last longer with an aluminum end cap? And would have similar coefficients of expansion. I'd love to hear others thoughts...
—
Harvey, the RV
1989 22' Front Lounge