Fixing a Leaky RV Slide Out Seal

Рет қаралды 122,089

7 жыл бұрын

After our extended snowbird trip down south I like to go over our Cougar fifth wheel trailer with a fine tooth comb looking for defects. This spring I discovered a small leaky seal in one corner of the slide out room. Luckily it hadn't had a chance to progress too far. Still, though, it had weakened a small area of the floorboard.
I found the leak was caused by a small opening in the external silicone sealant. Silicone caulking will dry out over time leaving openings for water to penetrate. Water had seeped in over time and wetted the floor board making it a bit spongy. Given enough time I'm sure it would have rotted away completely and led to a structural failure of the slide room. Glad I caught it early!
To repair the problem, I first removed the external flange and scraped away the old silicone caulk using a plastic chisel, scotch pad, and my thumbnail. To help loosen up the old caulking, I use a product called "Goo Gone Caulk Remover." With around a 1/2 hour of effort, I was able to get rid of pretty well all the old silicone. Extremely important as nothing will stick to silicone.
Next, I drove several 1 1/4 inch Teks Screws through the affected board area and into an aluminum beam above it. I made sure the screw was countersunk into the wood as not to catch when the slide is drawn in.
Finally, I reattached the flange and resealed it with a product called SikaFlex 291, a high-end marine grade sealant. I smoothed out the SikaFlex and made a smooth seam using a special caulking tool. The tool comes with multi-sized flexible trowls. Then cleaned up the overflow bits and let cure.
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Пікірлер: 110

@MikeConnerPhoto 7 жыл бұрын

Angie was all over that caulk job. She is a hard core inspector.

@hogcat858 7 жыл бұрын

Good eye for sure! Water leaks is the major thing that ruins a RV. You are lucky to have Angie as a inspector. She knows it all!

@randyneill1311 7 жыл бұрын

Ray you do a fantastic job keeping us informed! Thanks and keep it up.

@hankumanszyski5463 7 жыл бұрын

I'm always glad when I get my old caulk off too.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

:o)

@scottydawg3112 7 жыл бұрын

Another good caulk is called Silaprene made by Faucher Industries. It is used mainly in the construction and repairs on transport trailers. Comes in grey , or white. Fantastic stuff.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation. Haven't heard of that one before.

@josephwilliams2474 6 жыл бұрын

After I watched this video I went and looked and sure enough the same exact thing for my slide out. Fixing it this weekend. All your videos have been great. I've got a 2008 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 28.5 RLS. The layout is very similar to yours. Thank you.

@LoveYourRV 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, hope you got it in time. My fix has held up well, put to the test with lots of rain in the fall along the coast. Cheers! Ray

@northrube 7 жыл бұрын

Beautiful sealing job on the slide out repair! Thanks for showing the fasteners and caulking you use...on ALL your vids! Mark

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. Thanks for watching! Cheers, Ray

@allan1062 7 жыл бұрын

It is definitely I good sealing product and it stands up for ever!

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

I was thinking of using some on my plastic trailer fenders that are above the wheels. Currently, they are held on with screws but the plastic is starting to crack around a few of the screws. Thinking of pulling them off and running a bead of Sikaflex behind and reattach and cover the area around the screws with it.

@rvinghereandthere217 7 жыл бұрын

As always, thanks for the great tips.

@nitrojunki4249 6 жыл бұрын

White coleman gas is a real nice solvent to loosen old caulking.

@LoveYourRV 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

@Owen4it 6 жыл бұрын

Hey Ray nice repair job.

@TheBuddy1939 7 жыл бұрын

Good look'n job Ray.

@MegaWillyxxx 7 жыл бұрын

For the toolbox damaged area, I would install a length of aluminum angle with screws and adhesive ...I used Sikaflex products for many years in the boatyard and they always performed well. Can't wait to see what you do in the next video !

@yc3613 7 жыл бұрын

Willy Smith I

@brianpeterkin3492 7 жыл бұрын

I'm always looking for potential leaks as well Ray. I find those razor blade window paint scrapers to get paint off the glass removes silicone really well on a flat surface and doesn't scratch the finish. Works super fast.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip! I'm also going to pick up a silicone scraper blade for my new oscillating multitool. Redoing the shower stall caulking is on the list for the fall.

@RBV1962 Жыл бұрын

Good video.. I am looking to fix the leak on my RV in sliding door locations it seems. Wets my carpet at times. Will replace sliding door gaskets and this as well. I just need to cover all the areas. Really great videos for us youtube learners to get tutored on caring for our RVs.

@jimschroeder1808 6 жыл бұрын

ya gotta stay on top of things that roll down the road ! ( preventative maintanence) !!!

@ChrisRI1000 7 жыл бұрын

Sika (pronounced see-kah) Flex is about the best. I used it when building a log home because it is able to flex so well as the logs settle over the years.

@dannykirby7425 10 ай бұрын

The water wicks off the side as it runs down the wall. It will run over and under the floor wood and slowly soak and gets the carpet wet also, that’s a problem on all slide outs. It needs a drip edge, so the water drips down and can’t go back under. I stopped the problem by putting a strip of aluminum tape across the bottom edge and just remove it when I bring in my slides

@LoveYourRV 10 ай бұрын

Found out mine had already caused damage. Ended up replacing part of the slide floor and installing a metal corner bead so it drips off. That was 4 years ago and no problems since that. www.loveyourrv.com/rotted-rv-slide-out-floor-repair-fixed-manufacturer-flaw/ Cheers, Ray

@marshallpoe8087 7 жыл бұрын

Whew! Lucky you caught that storage bin separation before it gave way driving down the highway. That would have been a real mess to fix up.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Yeah, luckily there is another layer below to catch it where the metal skirting wraps around the triler bottom.

@41johndeere 7 жыл бұрын

I had similar thing happen to my slide, I injected wood epoxy to strengthen the wood then applied eternabond tape to all the seals on the outside.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Good ideas there. I have Eternabond on all my roof seams, great stuff.

@freddy3190 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks from Canada....

@LoveYourRV 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome from Canada. :)

@julieh3327 7 жыл бұрын

A recommendation might be to carry the tool box in the truck when you are moving and just set the tool box in that bay when you are settled in camp. I'm guessing that the constant bouncing of the road with that heavy tool chest is causing the problem . . . Just an idea.

@rv2seemore623 7 жыл бұрын

You da man.Ann needs a drone.

@allan1062 7 жыл бұрын

I used Sica to seal my outboard to the back of my boat then had to remove it three years later, it took two hours just to break the bond. Had to use two wood plane blades to force the bond to break. Man was that engine stuck. Didn't even need the bolts!!

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

haha, WOW. I wonder if it was the 291, I see there are many different formulations, some are more of an adhesive and some are more of a sealant. ie. 291 is for sealing and 292 is for bonding

@allan1062 7 жыл бұрын

No idea, but u can't go wrong with the product.

@finhunter 3 жыл бұрын

Spraying flex seal along that bottom will help out quite a bit also.

@sickman1655 3 жыл бұрын

There are neoprene skis you can install on the bottom. Several different choices.

@LoveYourRV 3 жыл бұрын

I added a aluminum corner bead, works well and gives a good drip edge but should have went with stainless steel as the aluminum deposits a bit of black oxide on the floor that I have to clean off every once in a while.

@user-vt2ve6wq5x 5 жыл бұрын

Ouch that needs to be rebuilt with new Wood and the seal repaired and check slide if it is going in fully evenly

@LoveYourRV 5 жыл бұрын

The repair has been working well almost 2 years now, caught it in time before the floors structural integrity failed.

@howardlunsford3140 7 жыл бұрын

good information thanks for sharing

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

You bet, Cheers! Ray

@Metal_Stacking 2 жыл бұрын

I don't understand why all slides do not have a wrap under drip guide to protect the wood.

@sickman1655 3 жыл бұрын

Very common problem r.v builders need to address.

@retiredandrollin 5 жыл бұрын

It's a great video

@slimbeaux 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the education. Another way to beef up that area where you store your tool box is to cut a board to fit tightly in the bottom and then a couple of aluminum angles mounted on the end for the board to sit on. With the screws in horizontally instead of vertically you get more strength. If you really want to go deluxe a couple of angles the length of the board will really keep it from flexing. Just a thought.

@TheBuddy1939 7 жыл бұрын

Good idea just what I was thinking.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I was considering some sort of angle iron setup. I was thinking of bolting them onto the backside.

@slimbeaux 7 жыл бұрын

Definitely stronger that way.

@tombeilman5579 2 жыл бұрын

Common problem, the sidewall should have went to the bottom and capped the bottom

@allan1062 7 жыл бұрын

There is a good possibility you will never be able to get that trim strip off without destroying it, I have used Sicaflex marine grade on my boat, that stuff doesn't like to let go, but it will never leak!

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

I figure I could get an exactoknife blade in behind it. There is also this stuff called Debond - www.westmarine.com/buy/marine-formula--polyurethane-adhesive-spray-cleaner--12222295 But hoping I never get a leak again.

@retiredandrollin 5 жыл бұрын

Check out a Channel call "Just plain common sense". He has a video on this exact issue. He also discovered the cause and the solution. It's a little more involved, but your repair looks good.

@mikephilpott7126 7 жыл бұрын

Your always doing something. Relax, have a beer. Your retired.

@flopsiejmcardle 7 жыл бұрын

What is the name of that caulking tool? BTW- I love your no nonsense approach to RV maintenance.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

It's just a cheapie one I picked up. Says Modernhomes on it. Most hardware store will have something similar. ie. www.homedepot.com/p/Hyde-Caulk-Away-and-Caulk-Rite-Combo-Pack-43640/202102481 Thanks! Ray

@anthonymarino4260 7 жыл бұрын

those screws work great always use them

@UncleBuckle50 7 жыл бұрын

Ann's gone.... Party!!!!

@jeffr0 4 жыл бұрын

I know this is a bit old, but that sikaflex is really highly considered by danger marine and project brupeg

@redwards2006 7 жыл бұрын

Ray, do you have one of cameras on a flexible cable to inspect in behind things

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

No, I need to pick one up though, would be super handy.

@GreenHomeBuilderscom 7 жыл бұрын

I have a similar leak issue with my 2009 Keystone Raptor. Seems like the leak is originating from below and to the lower side. I hope to give your fix approach a try.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Hope you get it patched. Best of luck, Ray. :)

@Hundert1 7 жыл бұрын

What's a good way( product ) to lubricate the plastic screen door latch mechanism unit on my Dexter screen door?It's Probably entirely plastic except for a metal spring and pin maybe. ( I dont mean the sliding clear plastic main door access window. Although that needs some good plastics lube too it seems, when it acts up.) It's got a squeek and don't think it operates as smoothly as it can. It's got 3 screws on the inside handle unit. Maybe spray in some stuff? I got this BMW wax less( I think oiless too ) chain lube stuff that's non dust holding from BMW motorcycle shop. The sales guy told me he didn't like the wax type chain lubes. I used it on my bicycle chain and it's good. Seems to dry and dissappear. No wax gunk buildup. Often I just spray something like WD40 in a door bolt and through the key hole and just that helps without even having to go in deeper taking off the handles etc. which would be the most thorough. Prost

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

I may be inclined to try some 303 Aerospace Protectant on it.

@DavidSmith-vo3nd 7 жыл бұрын

Ray that was a nice repair job on that slider, I was wondering why you didn't use a small 1/8 inch think by 1 inc wide length of aluminum along the screws for a wider head for the metal screws? Were you worried it might have been to thick? Thank you for sharing !!

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Yeah though it might get too thick and jam. My slide doesn't have rollers so it just sort of slides on the carpet and a couple plastic shims at each end. I contemplated a metal plate but thought I'd try just the screws first, see how that works out.

@stormpodorg9729 7 жыл бұрын

Is there a reason you chose not to use eternabond on the lower slide joints?

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

I contemplated it but thought it may look bad, especially if I didn't get it to stick without creases. The shape was awkward to cover with the metal flange and the screws No one sees it on the roof, but the slide is pretty visible. Thought I give the Sikaflex a try instead.

@captsatch 5 жыл бұрын

A little food for thought, do you think that the sides of the floor may just be wicking water through the black covering on the plywood? I have just experienced the same sagging issue with my floor of a 3-year-old Keystone, and I believe the fact that they leave the sides of the slide-out floor exposed to the elements is actually the real problem. I plan on doing the same thing you have done to secure the floor and also adding a slide out ski drip edge. Your slide out floor is still in danger of wicking water from the sides due to still being exposed.

@LoveYourRV 5 жыл бұрын

I've been watching it on both sides since the repair, two years now and hasn't been a problem, with the cracked silicone seal water was able to get in behind the flashing and right into the wood floor board and stay there. With the bottom, it might get under the slide but quickly drops off it and the black plastic cover seems pretty water resistant. I also wax it, find it helps the slide run smoother and I guess also replaces water. Flashing may be an idea but have to make sure it doesn't interfere with the slide going in and out. Clearances can be tight. Cheers, Ray

@1timby 7 жыл бұрын

So, did you try the slide to make sure it worked.... Thanks

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Yup! Still works. :)

@nootay 6 жыл бұрын

Any reason you used the caulk sealant instead of eternabond? I did all my roof seals last year after watching your videos. I’m about to work on my slide and had planned to use eternabond on the slide roof seams, and also all the screw seams on top and down the sides. I noticed you didn’t use it on the sides. Any reason? Thanks so much for your videos that have been incredibly helpful for a DIYer

@LoveYourRV 6 жыл бұрын

On the top of the slide, where the rubber roof is I used Eternabond to cover the seams but I figured the SikaFlex would be a more robust repair for this area. I took off the metal flashing and added it underneath and then put it back on. So far I'm really pleased with the results, the SikaFlex is stiff but still fairly pliable. I have good confidence in the repair lasting a long time. Cheers, Ray

@nootay 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the quick reply! I had some screws backing out going down the side of the slide. for now i just snugged them up but had planned on eternabonding. Would you recommend the SikaFlex here?

@LoveYourRV 6 жыл бұрын

If you pull the screw and dip in SIkaflex and reinsert it should keep the screws in and sealed, the stuff is used for boat hardware. The only drawback is the stuff is so good it can be hard to get hardware off if you ever do want to. Another product people use for RV sidewall reseal is called ProFlex RV amzn.to/2txHV1V It's a little less permanent.

@ronniejr1983 6 жыл бұрын

hey did this work well for you? I have a one year old trailer with this same sag. I have to take it in to see if the manufacturer will pay for the fix as it is only a little over a year old from date of purchase. these things leak from the manufacturer I swear. dealerships should recaulk all problem spots before selling them

@LoveYourRV 6 жыл бұрын

Yes, one year later and the patch is solid, no more leak there, the wood is firm. :) Glad I caught it in time. Cheers, Ray

@northlander4370 4 жыл бұрын

i keep my tool box in my truck .

@longlongadventure4814 7 жыл бұрын

what is the pressure valve on your water supply?

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

It's a Valterra adjustable water pressure regulator - amzn.to/2sOj7Rs Definitely need it here, the RV park pressure is over 100 PSI, I knock t down to 55 PSI with it.

@longlongadventure4814 7 жыл бұрын

Love Your RV awesome- I often wonder about the water pressure. thanks for sharing

@amarmot3635 7 жыл бұрын

Ray I was curious why you didn't use Geocel Proflex.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

No reason, nothing against Geocel Proflex, I just didn't want to use silicone again. The Marine/RV parts store I was shopping at recommended SikaFlex 291 as an alternative for my application.

@quitplayin7780 5 жыл бұрын

Wow. I have to order this because no one carries it. Very annoying. And it's been raining the past couple days ;(

@LoveYourRV 5 жыл бұрын

You could use Geocel Pro Flex, it's pretty good and most RV parts places carry it. Cheers, Ray amzn.to/2I8lg5k

@TheBuddy1939 7 жыл бұрын

How about using an aluminum angle 1" x 1" on the inside of the shelf.

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

I'm thinking of using some longer heavy angle iron pieces on the back side of the box. Bolted to the vertical wall.

@mikephilpott7126 7 жыл бұрын

Love Your RV if you have access to some who can bend steel for you, piece bent to fit in that inside corner would work great. Something with a 6" wall on either side would be great. And not to thick like angle iron.

@jcf6597 7 жыл бұрын

Ray, great video. I've used sikaflex for years and it works well but you have to use it before the expiry date which should be stamped on the bottom. They usually have a 1 year expiry but I've received stuff that only had 3 monthes left before expiry so you just have to be aware of it. Another sealant that works awesome is Right Stuff, you can even put it on a surface that's wet and it'll displace the water and still stick to almost anything, but it doesn't work well in the presence of gasoline. www.canadiantire.ca/en/search-results.html?q=right%20stuff and

@LoveYourRV 7 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks for the tips. I hand;t heard of Right Stuff, will have to check it out. Cheers! Ray

@retiredandrollin 5 жыл бұрын

The title is How to prevent a wet slide out floor

@quitplayin7780 5 жыл бұрын

And he's showing you how...look for the problem. He's preventing more problems