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Best Solvent To Remove RV Window & Roof Caulk?


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#1 BreakAes

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Posted 10 September 2019 - 02:14 AM

Hi all,

 

I've been doing research on what the best solvent is to remove RV window and roof caulk. I don't know what was used by the previous owners, but I'm currently using Pro-Flex to seal up the windows and panels on the sides, and I'm open to caulk product suggestions for the roof. I have a 1996 Lance Squire 8000.

 

I'm at the point where I need to get a solvent to get the rest of the caulking off. Originally I thought I might get So Brite DSR-5 (also known as Re-Mov), but the reviews are mixed, and some of the prices are high: https://www.amazon.c...customerReviews

 

The local RV store rep suggested Crest Acry-Solv, which also isn't cheap, but may be more reasonable than the So Brite product. Crest Acry-Solv seems pretty rare, but here is some positive commentary on it:

There's also this Transtar Acry-Solvent, which is less expensive and got some good Amazon reviews, although somebody said he prefers benzene, which I think I'll take a pass on. I don't know if any of them are using it to remove RV caulking though: https://www.amazon.c...customerReviews

 

Has anybody used any of these 3 solvents to remove RV caulk? Or do you have a suggestion for something else to use to remove RV caulking?

 

I'm leaning towards going with the Crest Acry-Solv, but let me know if you have any information for me, thanks.

 


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#2 WjColdWater

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Posted 10 September 2019 - 12:43 PM

I’m not familiar with the products you list for your project. But I have knowledge of a product that might work and be more cost effective. I used GOOF OFF Pro-Strength for boat carpet glue remover. Worked great and is easy to work with. One caution with any of these products is to use the proper PPE. These products are usually flammable and toxic to the body. Use these products in a well ventilated area away from any possible ignition source. Two pieces of PPE are a must chemical gloves and a organic respirator. Good luck on your project.
Wayne
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#3 BreakAes

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Posted 10 September 2019 - 08:28 PM

Thanks Wayne,

 

Have you heard of Auto Tech Quick N Easy Adhesive Remover? It seems like the best stuff, at least from the reviews I've seen so far: https://www.amazon.c...customerReviews

 

Somebody said he likes it more than Goof Off, but it is expensive.


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#4 BreakAes

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Posted 12 September 2019 - 06:14 AM

I took the camper to the local RV shop, and it seems the consensus is that everything has to be re-sealed. One of the guys told me that Par Bond is currently on the roof. He also said instead of trying to chase down a leak, it would be better to just strip all the old stuff off, and redo everything.
 
This seems like a potentially really big job for my aide, so I'm hoping it'll work out. He does have roofing experience, but no RV experience, so hopefully it will be sealed up really well by the time it's all said and done. I definitely want to fix the leak(s), and protect the camper from water damage.
 
I was talking to my neighbor, and she told me this: "My dad had a leaky trailer, and he would put a couple of coats of snow coat on it. It actually held up pretty well, and I was even able to sell it after he died, and he kids lived in it quite a while.  Just saying getting someone to roll on a good coat of that might be easier than a caulking and sealing all the seams. Also that sealant they sell on tv has a paint on kind, and some in a tube, that I hear seals up everything even on the worst conditions. I can’t remember what it’s called. Riteaide had some in its “as seen on tv “ aisle."
 
I'm not familiar with Snow Coat, or this Paint On Sealant that she's talking about. I did see stuff like Heng's and Henry's RV Roof Coatings, which I'm also not familiar with. Are those just for roofs? And is there any Coating/Sealant for the sides of a camper? I have a 1996 Lance Squire 8000, and the materials the camper is made out of determine which of these Coating Products you need, right?
 
What can you guys tell me about all this? It would be nice if this sealing job could be done easily, but I feel like I'll have to do what it takes to get it done right, within reason. The guy who sold it to me told me there were no leaks, and we didn't think there were any when we looked it over. I don't think he was trying to screw me, and the camper seems to be in fairly good shape otherwise, but this is giving me a big headache.
 
Thanks.

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#5 Bill D

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Posted 13 September 2019 - 12:54 AM

I wouldn't even question resealing the entire camper if it's a 1996 model.

 

I think your budget and how long you intend on keeping the camper will dictate which route you take.

 

It's mainly labour, so shopping for the right person to do the job should be your focus.  If they have experience, they will also know which products to use.

 

Best of luck.


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#6 BreakAes

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Posted 14 September 2019 - 03:04 AM

Yeah, I'm having it resealed, and I'm thinking about having the roof, and maybe the sides, coated with the right RV Coating depending on what material the roof is made of.

 

The guy at the RV store said it's fiberglass, but the brochure said it's one piece aluminum, so I need to get clarity on that.


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#7 windy

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Posted 18 September 2019 - 06:17 PM

My go to solvent for cleaning is acetone. Keeps my hands cool in the summer and smells
Good to boot! [emoji33]
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#8 Bill D

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Posted 18 September 2019 - 11:33 PM

My go to solvent for cleaning is acetone. 

 

We have a jug of acetone at the shop for removing gooey stuff, like sticker glue.

My manager who purchased it, was an RV mechanic for about a decade.

If I remember, I'll ask him if he used it as an RV mechanic for caulking.


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