Seam Leaks: caulk or sealant?

[blkmagikca]

I'm no expert on sealants, Bud. I just go with what JC says. Vulkem is a brand of sealant, but other brands may have the same composition and properties. As I mentioned, I bought the stuff at JC where I have my regular servicing done.

[desertair27]

Originally Posted by blkmagikca

From the Airstream store: https://store.airstream.com/product_info.php?products_id=163 Price is $48 including a can of Vulkem. https://store.airstream.com/product_...roducts_id=163

So that applicator is specifically for the ACRYL- r and comes with the can of ACYRL- r product. Vulkem which is now call Trempro 635 or 636 is a different product and is only sold in a caulking tube that I've seen.
They seal seams very well but are different types of sealant, FYI.


28430W-100ACRYL-R 16 OZ CAN WITH APPLICATOR

[blickcd]

I'm really surprised that no one asked yet, but Chillbilly, where are you seeing water get in? Front window area, coming from a seam in the wall panels? Any more information would help and we could advise you where to apply the sealant of your choice.

[blkmagikca]

Originally Posted by desertair27

So that applicator is specifically for the ACRYL- r and comes with the can of ACYRL- r product. Vulkem which is now call Trempro 635 or 636 is a different product and is only sold in a caulking tube that I've seen.
They seal seams very well but are different types of sealant, FYI.


28430W-100ACRYL-R 16 OZ CAN WITH APPLICATOR

If you look back at my earlier posting (post #8 of this thread), I mentioned that the pump I got was from the Hardware store near the factory. That pump has a 1-piece canister that screws onto the pump - it is, consequently, brand/manufacturer neutral. It is the pump that they actually use at JC, as they buy the sealant in drums. When I bought the pump at the hardware store, I took it over to the factory and they filled it for me (small charge, don't remember how much it was).

[desertair27]

Originally Posted by blkmagikca

If you look back at my earlier posting (post #8 of this thread), I mentioned that the pump I got was from the Hardware store near the factory. That pump has a 1-piece canister that screws onto the pump - it is, consequently, brand/manufacturer neutral. It is the pump that they actually use at JC, as they buy the sealant in drums. When I bought the pump at the hardware store, I took it over to the factory and they filled it for me (small charge, don't remember how much it was).

Well that's makes total sense, I'll have to try the trempro in that type of applicator.
Thanks for the info.
Mike

[dkottum]

A few weeks ago at the factory tour they were using Adseal and another sealant for finer applications I didn't recognize the name of.

[baylito99]

As woodfox 45 stated Capt. Tolley's is great stuff. I used it to detect leaks on horizontal lap joints on my AS roof seams. It will wick into a leak area like magic, give it as many coats as it takes to seal it (usually two or three). I am convinced.

[capt ken]

I have a leak problem from the over head strip up forward where strip ends and under each window above bunks. Replaced AC not long ago but ruled that out as source of leak.It seems it would have to be close to centerline on roof but can't locate where. any suggestions appreciated. On caulking products, I've used 3-M 5200 marine caulk on my boats for many years.

[cwf]

Silicone is aNONO. The acetic acid solvent eats aluminum.

Acryl-r works fine but not as watery as Capt. Tolleys. With the more watery, lower viscosity. It can "wick" into open tighter/thinner spaces. Just like water does

But, so far I am using Acryl from JC. WHY? Because I have it. And I like that it has good "build" properties. I only have one recent leak I haven't fully resolved. But that's because it's raining.

[crestonrv]

did you pull air box and water test new a/c ? does it have pan ?
seams = small bead of grey vulkem 12" at a time rub into edge with thumb , wipe off excess with rag DAMP with mineral spirits . a 25' trlr will take a very long boring tedious day .
windows same as seams , check at bottoms of square windows for cracks at corners , seal with vulkem . water test after 24 hrs. you will figure out quickly what I mean by small bead :-)

[Skatiero]

I have experimented with numerous products on a number of different Airstreams and found that rather than try to find the leaks here and there I take the time (usually a couple of days) and seal my trailer completely. First I clean up all the old by carefully scraping out and off all the seams. I use gray adseal and acryl-r with the pump and that's it. It's what JC uses and it works. If you want it to look professional use painters tape when applying both. Use a very small bead, then smooth out with a glove covered finger and then pull the tape. Then carefully smooth it again. This can be done very fast. Use acryl-r on body panels and any very small cracks. The wicking action is great. Use adseal on everything else. I use adseal on the window eyebrows and acryl-r on the sides and bottom. Make sure you do the belt line trim(tops) and the rubrails. Also taillights and all clearance lights.
Rob

[wvstreamer]

Rob
Appreciate you cutting to the chase here. I wonder if the acryl-r is what you use on side items like the rub rail, belt line, lights etc What about rivets too? I discovered a small amount of water in the area from the front door and dampness on bottom of couch arms. I was late fall after our last trip...so due to weather, I put it away under roof and will go to work on it in a few days. First will be to try to find that issue, then do the whole thing. Ordering the products tomorrow. Adseal and acryl-r with pump.
Mine is a 03 Classic purchased last Sept and kept inside for a lot of it's life. We will see the issues soon.
Thanks
Dave

[Skatiero]

Acryl-r for panel seams, small openings and rivets. Adseal for rubrail and other larger openings.