caravan re-seal

[Stuart_5134014]

Hello there, contemplating re-sealing my lunar apollo 417. I have done it before on my old elddis tornado, but that was many moons ago! The question i have is the choice of sealants-Ribbon mastic sold by the roll or the gun-mastic like silkaflex? do either have benefits over the other? or is one specific for an awning rail for example? The ribbon style seems better for ease of application/mess/cleanup etc but i don't want to use this if its not the appropriate type.Any help anyone?

 

[kev_5134068]

I resealed an older van a few months ago and was told the best stuff to use is the one on a roll because the one in the tube is to messey and breaks down after a few summers where as the ribbon style seals better and is easier to use and lasts longer. Iwas told this by a guy who works in the caravan building trade eg swift caravans.

The main problem i had was when you try to put the screw in the tape grips thescrew andas you tighten the screw it spirrals around .But if you place the tape on the trim then put the trim in position press it home well leave it for a few mins then screw it up it seems to hold it better

 

[vauxhall2]

hi see........

http://hp-h.com/p/wizard41/
will answer all your questions from the fixit team

 

[Drmartin_5091967]

Hi Stuart,

I'm about to do the same job. I too have looked into the tube and roll mastics and have spent many hours looking at which is the best solution and seal as i only want to do this job once. My conclusion is to use the roll mastics. This is what the manufactures use. I have just found and purchased a box of 10 rolls of the latest rubber based mastic which is garranteed for 20yrs. It is 32mm x 2.5 mm thick x 19mts long. Look up hodgson HP600 on the net for the spec sheet. I dont need 10 rolls so if you want some let me know. Regards

 

[Stuart_5134014]

Thanks to all that replied! Van is now completely resealed, with the "mastic on a roll". Should be ok for a few years now!

 

[Guest]

If you plan to keep the caravan get a good clear silicon sealant and carefuly coat any where water might get in .

 

[rob_jax]

"get a good clear silicone sealant and carefully coat any where water might get in"

Don't do this on aluminium panels - it's one of the real mistakes you can do on an Eriba or other long-life aluminium covered van

RTV Silicone releases an acid during the cure process and this attacks the underlying aluminium panel - not immediately, but over a period of years.

RTV Silicone is OK on a GRP panel, but any metal in contact with the silicone - like a screw or aluminium trim - will be corroded too.

Butyl mastic is safe on GRP, rubber, aluminium and all metals.

Robert

 

[cris_408518]

We use non silicone on most things due to spray paints.

But use Silicone Frame Sealant for use on glass, UPVC, Steel and alluminium for some jobs.

I think the last batch was a UNIBOND sealant and I'm sure we've used a DOW product before.

No problems on any metals including caravan screws and trim !

 

[rob_jax]

When I said don't use RTV silicone on aluminium, I was speaking as a chemist / chemical engineer - they are incompatible.

Robert

 

[cris_408518]

Rob - I'm humbled.

I know who to call now if I can't understand the instruction sheet or the side of the tube ;-)

 

[peter_374227400]

Dr.martin hello there,

Any ribbon mastic left over?

petersturdgess@tiscali.co.uk

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Cris,

No worries. There's loads of things that appear contrary to common sense or just plain daft - for instance, why can't you take a (mercury) thermometer on an aircraft?

This was taught to everyone in our undergraduate class as an example of how not to make assumptions. All you need is a minute drop of mercury and a big sheet of aluminium (or kitchen foil) - fold the aluminium foil in two, place the smallest drop of mercury in the middle, and hold between thumb and finger - most people scream in pain in less than 30 seconds. The mercury dissolves the passivated top layer on the aluminium, allows room air to react with aluminium, dissolve, react, dissolve, react, faster and faster until it burns your fingers. About 1kg of mercury would be enough to "dissolve" an EasyJet sized aircraft.

Robert

 

[cris_408518]

Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure I don't take the wifes ancient barometer with mercury thermometer when I fly ;-0

But if you think that's a quick an dangerous reaction try getting a tube of mastic out in paint shop before you've informed them that it is not Silicone based.

Faster than the Mercury you will have sprayers hurling anything they can at you and turning all sort colours before they explode like a nuclear inferno ;-)

They say that one tube of Silicone can ruin a paint job in even a large hanger where they paint Aircraft.

 

[Karen_5077975]

Hi there,

We have recently bought a 1991 Swift Challenger 490/5S, and i just wondered:

The caravan appears to have been sealed all the way round with white sealer on the outside where the panels meet. Is this a way of protecting the van? Some of the sealer has also started to peal off due to the van being stood for a long time from the previous owner. Do i need to reseal the outside of the van, and if so what is the best sealer to use, just normal sealer that you would use in your home?

Thanks

Karen.