The Pros And Cons Of Cool Sealing Your Camper

Keeping your camper in good condition is paramount, and one of the most important things you can do is properly seal it. Water damage can wreak havoc on your camper, and sealing the seams is a relatively simple process that can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Whether you have a canvas or vinyl camper, there are a few different ways to ensure your camper remains waterproof and functional. For vinyl campers, you can use sealants, caulks, or special tapes, while for canvas campers, you'll need to apply a waterproofing solution and then a seam sealer. It's also important to avoid using silicone-based materials, as they can be difficult to remove and leave an uneven surface. Instead, opt for products like Dicor, Geocel, or EternaBond, which are designed specifically for sealing RV seams and offer excellent durability and flexibility.

Dicor Lap Sealant: a flexible, water-tight solution that never hardens

Dicor Lap Sealant is a flexible, water-tight solution that never hardens, making it ideal for sealing your camper. Dicor is a self-levelling sealant, perfect for use on camper roofs, as it is the industry choice for sealing RV roofs. It is also available in a non-levelling version, which is better for vertical surfaces.

Dicor is a popular choice for sealing RV seams as it never hardens, even after years of UV exposure. This is in contrast to silicone caulk, which dries to a hard finish and cracks over time. Dicor remains flexible and watertight, providing a strong seal that prevents leaks.

The sealant is compatible with EPDM, TPO, and PVC membranes and adheres well to a variety of materials, including aluminium, mortar, wood, vinyl, galvanized metal, fibreglass, and concrete. It is easy to apply using standard caulking equipment, such as a caulking gun or pumping system, and is available in tubes, 5-gallon, and 55-gallon containers.

Dicor Lap Sealant is a reliable choice for sealing your camper, offering strong adhesion, flexibility, and water resistance. It is a popular choice among RV owners and professionals in the industry, helping to ensure a watertight seal that protects your camper from leaks and water damage.

Silicone caulk: a waterproof but hard-drying option that cracks over time

Sealing your camper with caulk is essential to prevent leaks. Water is one of the main enemies of any truck camper, and if you allow your seals to crack and deteriorate, water will seep in.

Silicone caulk is a waterproof but hard-drying option that can be used in an emergency to seal a leak in a rainstorm, for example. It is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, as it is resistant to water and adheres well to any smooth surface except wood. It is also excellent for weatherproofing your camper, sealing around doors, windows, and utility cables. It is flexible and can withstand extremes of temperature, and it has a lifespan of over 20 years.

However, silicone caulk has some limitations. It cannot be painted, so it should not be used on drywall or wood. It also has a long drying time and produces unpleasant or potentially harmful fumes during installation, so good ventilation is required. It also needs to be protected from moisture for several days after application.

When choosing a caulk, it is important to consider the surface you are sealing and the conditions it will be exposed to. For example, if you are caulking wood or another surface that must be painted, polyurethane caulk is a better option. It is also easier to clean up than silicone caulk and dries completely in about 24 hours. However, it will not hold up as well as silicone caulk in high sunlight exposure.

Sealing tape: an easy, time-efficient method, but may not be aesthetically pleasing

Sealing tape is a quick and easy method for sealing your camper, and it can be used in a variety of places. It is a good option if you are looking for a non-permanent solution, as it can be easily removed with an adhesive remover.

There are several types of sealing tape available for campers, which differ in terms of their composition and application. Foam tape, for instance, is self-adhesive and can be used to seal gaps between the camper and truck panels, preventing drafts, noise, and vibrations. Topper tape, on the other hand, is recommended to seal the bottom rail of the topper during installation to protect from water and dust. It comes in different widths, such as 1 inch, 1.5 inches, and 2 inches, and has a paper backing.

There are also various types of RV sealing tapes available, which can be used to repair leaks and seal roofs, windows, and vents. These tapes are usually waterproof and UV-resistant, and some come with a rubber roller for easy application. The width of these tapes can vary from 1 inch to 6 inches, and they typically come in a length of 50 feet.

While sealing tape is a convenient option, it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution. Over time, the tape can get dirty and ugly, and it may need to be replaced. Additionally, it is important to note that sealing tape should not be used as a substitute for constant inspection and maintenance of your camper's seals. Regular caulking and inspection of your camper seals are crucial to prevent water damage and leaks.

Caulking: a good option for sealing camper seams, but messy and difficult to remove

Caulking is an essential part of RV maintenance. It is a good option for sealing camper seams and preventing leaks, but it can be messy and difficult to remove.

Caulking is necessary to prevent water damage, which can cause major problems such as mould, rotting walls, and a buckled floor. By performing regular check-ups and recaulking as needed, RVers can avoid costly repairs.

When caulking an RV, it is important to choose the right type of caulk for the job. There are two main types of RV caulk: self-levelling sealant and non-self-levelling sealant. Self-levelling sealant is best for horizontal surfaces like roofs, as it expands and self-levels into joints and cracks. Non-self-levelling sealant, on the other hand, needs to be manually spread and is suitable for vertical areas.

In addition to choosing the right type of caulk, it is also important to prepare the surface properly before caulking. This includes cleaning the surface, removing old caulking, and checking the weather forecast to ensure there will be no rain during the application and curing process.

While caulking is an effective way to seal camper seams, it can be messy and difficult to remove. Removing old caulking can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, and it is important to ensure that all residue is removed before applying new caulking. In addition, some types of caulk can be runny, making the application process more challenging.

Overall, caulking is a good option for sealing camper seams, but it is important to be aware of the potential challenges and difficulties involved in the process. Regular maintenance and timely recaulking can help keep an RV in good condition and prevent water damage.

Cool Seal: a ton less expensive than Dicor, but may not work on wood, rubber or fibreglass

Cool Seal is a ton less expensive than Dicor, but it may not work on wood, rubber or fibreglass. Dicor is the industry choice for sealing RV roofs because it is a self-leveling sealant. It never hardens, even after years of ultraviolet light exposure, and remains flexible and watertight over time. However, it can get ugly and dirty and has a tendency to shrink and separate.

Cool Seal is a similar product, but it is designed for mobile homes and metal roofs. It is not clear whether it will work on wood, rubber or fibreglass, which are common materials for RVs. One user on a forum noted that mobile homes have metal roofs and that Cool Seal may not be designed to work on other materials. They also noted that mobile homes use tar with Cool Seal to seal around protrusions, and questioned how this would work on an RV roof.

Another user on the same forum thread noted that they had successfully used Cool Seal on a bus conversion with a metal roof. They needed four or five coats to cover a pinstripe on the rear cap.

A third user on the forum said they had "seen others use it [Cool Seal] and it seemed to work". They also noted that Kool Seal makes a product specifically for RVs, called Kool Seal RV, which is compatible with EPDM rubber roofs.

A fourth user on the forum said they had used Cool Seal on their aluminium roof with "no issues", but that they would not recommend it for a fibreglass roof. They recommended using Dicor Fiberglass Roof Coat or marine deck paint instead.

A fifth user on the forum said they had used Cool Seal on their rubber roof for 18 years, re-coating it every two to three years, and that it had worked perfectly.

In summary, Cool Seal is a similar product to Dicor and may be suitable for use on RVs with metal roofs. However, it is not clear whether it will work on other common RV roof materials such as wood, rubber or fibreglass. Some users have successfully used it on their RVs, but others have questioned its compatibility with these materials. If you are considering using Cool Seal on your RV, it is essential to do thorough research and consult with experts or manufacturers to ensure that it is compatible with your specific roof material.

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