Sealing belly pan with butyl tape?

[Freefall]

I have a few smallish gaps in the belly pan. I read that butyl tape was the best to seal with.
I'm having a hard time locating butyl tape and there seems to be big differences in brand quality.
Thoughts? Suggestions?

[Tim A.]

Why seal it? Any water which then gets in there will be trapped and might well not dry out.

A number of years ago, I drilled into the belly pan on our trailer (to mount something) and water came out. This was after a couple of months of dry sunny weather during which the trailer had not been used or washed. I assumed it was water that had collected during a prior trip. I then drilled a number of 1/8 inch holes in the low spots of the belly pan and had water run out of several. I left the holes for later drainage and, in subsequent work on the trailer, have seen no water in the belly pan.

Do my little holes let water in? Probably, but it can drain right back out.

Tim

[AtomicNo13]

I think sealing is a bad idea. A little airflow is a good thing!

[Wingeezer]

sealing larger openings into the below floor area would seem a good idea as an attempt to keep mice out, but I wouldn't try to seal it up against water - I think whatever you do, water will find its way in and if the floor or the belly pan is sealed with tape, it will just lay there causing very humid conditions and corrosion, If anything, as Tim has done, I think a few strategically placed small drain holes would be a good idea!

Brian.

[wvstreamer]

Yes to small drain holes. Replacing the metal is no treat. Been there.
Dave

[r carl]

I think you should seal gaps big enough that would let a wasp in.