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Topic: Resealing Back Caps (Read 259 times) previous topic - next topic
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Resealing Back Caps
Hi All
I have some issues with portions of the seams around the back caps... should i reseal the entire seam or just the damaged area?
 Some of the seam still looks fine.... X
2002 Mid Bath named Ralph

Re: Resealing Back Caps
Reply #1
Welcome to this Neighborhood.  You’re smart to reseal the end caps before you have water intrusion.  While planning that project, I’d suggest you closely examine the sealant around the windows too.  If some of the existing sealant is needing repair, I’d certainly consider doing all the seams.

We have some resealing experts around here who generally recommend a high quality sealant like 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant Fast Cure 5200.  Finally masking tape and disposable gloves will be your friends in this kind of project.  Hope this helps.

Re: Resealing Back Caps
Reply #2
I am using the 3m 5200... blue tape yadda yadda.... just wondering if i should do top to bottom cutting thru portions that arent currently damaged to keep the line contiguous
 
2002 Mid Bath named Ralph

Re: Resealing Back Caps
Reply #3
If the caps are not loose or pulling away from the underlying sheet aluminum, then you could leave them alone.
With an old rig, resealing the caps completely isn't a bad idea, caps can leak in small spots that are not very noticeable to the untrained eye.
 Having white sealant cross the colored areas is the cost of keeping the rig intact...your choice.

Ed's suggestion to reseal the window is good, the windows are also a major source of leakage on older rigs. especially the rear window
The roof seams and protrusions also need occasional resealing.

Owner of an old rig.
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: Resealing Back Caps
Reply #4
Thanks so much for the sage wisdom!  Im very new at all of this and just overdosing on youtube vids.  Roof was just redone beginning of summer ( I bought ralph this month) so i thinki should be ok there.  Is there a min temp you can apply the 5200.  Cant find any reference to it.
2002 Mid Bath named Ralph

Re: Resealing Back Caps
Reply #5
Thanks so much for the sage wisdom!  Im very new at all of this and just overdosing on youtube vids.  Roof was just redone beginning of summer ( I bought ralph this month) so i thinki should be ok there.  Is there a min temp you can apply the 5200.  Cant find any reference to it.

3M recommends that 5200 Fast Cure be stored at between 60 and 80 degrees, that would be a good temperature range for application.
I would avoid cold temps as 5200 is very thick and it gets thicker as it gets colder, making it hard to squeeze and control the tube or caulking gun.

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: Resealing Back Caps
Reply #6
Thanks Larry!!  I finally found the recommendations.  3m says not below 40 degrees soooo thankfully its still 70 in the day here with only a drop in temp to 58 at night for this week... It also says to "mist" it so it cures faster...
2002 Mid Bath named Ralph

Re: Resealing Back Caps
Reply #7
Thanks Larry!!  I finally found the recommendations.  3m says not below 40 degrees soooo thankfully its still 70 in the day here with only a drop in temp to 58 at night for this week... It also says to "mist" it so it cures faster...

3M 5200 Fast Cure skims over quickly and will cure overnight. I do not use misting and have not found a need to do so.
The air contains the moisture needed to cure the polyurethane even in our mostly dry climate.
Do plan on using the entire tube of 5200 within a day or two, it will cure quickly in the tube after opening. Sealing the opened tube can slightly slow down the curing.

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: Resealing Back Caps
Reply #8
I did the work today.  Pretty happy with the results.  Looks clean.  I used dental tools to clean everything out and it worked better with my small hands.  I also found that it was not messy at all.  Planning was key.  Taped bottom to top, so pulled clean. Paper bag to deposit gloves, sticks in as i worked. I thankfully used the small tube and it worked good for my hands.  thank you all for the coaching.
2002 Mid Bath named Ralph