Should I use silicone?

[cmanger319]

We have a new 2013 3900FB. We love the unit and have had almost no issues with the unit. Except on the front of the unit down where the corner molding meets the front panel and the side panel on the ODS. This molding is screwed into place and apears to be siliconed to seal where the pieces come together. The problem is that there is now a break in the silicone between the panels and the molding. This is at the lower part of the unit just above the bottom board and extending up about 10 inches.

Now my question. What do you recommend I use to reseal this and how do you recommend I prepair the surfaces?

[Art-n-Marge]

I'd recommend a tube of silicon sealant (not necessarily the adhesive/seal just in case you ever need to remove the molding). Your choice of clear or white - try to match what's already there.

Wash the area carefully to remove any surface dirt, then allow to dry REAL WELL. If you use a blow dryer to help it dry quicker, don't use a high setting or you might blow water into the opening. Sealing any water into the rig could cause mold.

Then apply a bead of silicon and use a wet finger to carefully create the new seal. You might even start by overlapping the areas where there is still some seal. Using a wet finger makes application and cleanup much easier.

I have had to do this to a couple of places where the silicon seal has come off. It seems that maybe not a wide bead was applied or the gap of the two surfaces have widened over time to create the separation. No, this shouldn't happen and yes, it does happen.

[DQDick]

Clear silicon seal is what we use. The sun more than anything seems to be what's worked on what we have had to fix.

[Hooker]

While attending a rally last month, I watched a tech using a different sealant than the silicone I would have used. He was putting Geo Cel 2300 (http://www.geocelusa.com/roofing.htm...&product_id=46) on a $500k American Eagle MH...think I'll try it next time.

[bigskyjimmy]

I had a problem when I first bought mine and was getting water in the bedroom turned out they missed putting sealant on the bottom corner of the cap so like was said before clear caulked it problem solved

[Irlpguy]

It has been my experience that on such a new unit and even my 2012, if the caulking has separated from one surface there is some kind of movement going on. That does not happen around your fridge vents, heater vent and so on. It only seems to happen early on where there is something that has moved.

I could be entirely wrong but I would be checking that possibility. In this area on some units, the separation of the caulking is an indicator of frame flex and might need to be addressed.

[grampachet]

On a new rig I would do no repairs. Let warranty cover it in case of any problems later on. My old random thoughts. CW had me cover my window trim with shipping tape until I could bring it to keep it dry.

[cmanger319]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I am relatively new to this forum but love it already.

[mazboy]

I have emailed you...let's talk