When you have gaps and holes in your RV, it will bring along a variety of issues from noises from the outside to more serious issues like water leakage. You’re probably wondering if you could use standard silicone caulk. The answer is no.
If you want an effective solution for sealing gaps and holes in your RV, you need RV caulk. Two of the best brands are Dicor and Kohree.
In this article, we’ll help you understand all you need to know about caulk for your RV’s exterior. This will help you ensure that you get the best caulk and keep those pesky noises, pests, odors, and water damage from getting into your RV.
Things to Know When Shopping for RV Caulk
One of the best parts of shopping for something- especially RV caulk- is becoming familiar with some things you need to know before making your purchase. All you have to do is a quick internet search to find some of the best caulking tips- or you can keep reading here.
Below, you’ll find some of the critical aspects to keep in mind when you’re shopping for RV caulk.
Budget
One of the first things you need to ask yourself before making any purchase is how much you’re willing to spend on it. It’s not the best idea to purchase an RV sealant with a price tag that is more than you’re willing to spend. You’ll want to make sure that you stay within your budget so that you can use the extra cash for other RV essentials.
Resistance
You found a possible contender for your RV caulk- but you need to check a few things. Is it resistant to UV rays? Is it waterproof? You really need a caulk that is resistant to various elemental factors so that you can be sure it will hold up no matter what weather conditions develop.
Ease of Use
If you want to spend an entire weekend sealing the cracks on your RV, go right ahead- but if you’re like most people, that doesn’t seem like fun. You need to make sure the caulk you choose is easy to apply. This means you’ll expend less effort applying it- which will give you more time to pursue other tasks.
Different Types of RV Caulk
There are so many different types of RV caulk on the market, it can be quite confusing to find the right one. However, once you have a basic understanding of the various types, the decision can be easier.
Painter’s Caulk
You may also see this labeled as acrylic caulk or acrylic latex caulk. This sealant is likely the most affordable choice of all. You can use it to cover small cracks/holes and most of them can be painted over.
Vinyl Latex
When it comes to this type of caulk, the major attraction is convenience. This caulk is easy to use and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications. However, the issue with vinyl latex caulk is the lack of flexibility- which can cause issues for areas that expand and contract.
Silicone
Silicone caulk is extremely resistant to water damage. Therefore, if you wish to seal cracks and holes in areas where there’s lots of water, this is likely the best solution.
You may wish to consult an RV sealant chart to find the best caulk for your needs.
Advantages & Disadvantages of RV Caulk
There are both advantages and disadvantages to the various RV caulks on the market, which we will look at below:
Advantages of RV Caulks
Here are some of the advantages of RV caulks:
- Promotes watertight seal to prevent water leaks
- Prevents hot/cold air from escaping, which decreases energy costs
- Protects inside of RV from being damaged by the elements
- Decreases outdoor noise
- Many options for various budgets
Disadvantages of RV Caulks
- May not be flexible
- May not work for vertical applications
- May crack under extreme hot/cold
- May not be able to paint over seal
- May be more expensive than competing products
Best Brand of RV Caulk
There are many brands that offer top-quality RV caulks- but there are some that stand out from the rest of the crowd. This can be because they are a more superior product line or maybe they offer better customer service.
Two of the best brands of RV caulk are:
- Dicor
- Kohree
How Does an RV Caulk Work?
Caulk for an RV is an adhesive sealant that helps plug holes, cracks, gaps, and crevices in your RV. When it comes out of the tube, it’s soft and tacky. However, it will dry and harden over time. The best caulks will last for many years- even when exposed to extreme weather conditions.
What Type of Caulk Should You Use on Your RV?
This is a question that often comes up when people are shopping for caulking to seal holes and gaps in their RV. The answer really isn’t all that simple though. It really depends on the factors we discussed above as well as the types of gaps/holes you are trying to fill.
For example, if you have cracks or scratches on your RV’s trim, you’ll want to use an RV trim sealant. On the other hand, if you have cracks/holes in your RV shower, you’ll want to consider using a silicone caulk instead.
Where to Buy RV Caulk
Now that you know a little more about RV caulk, you’re probably wondering where you can buy it. After all, finding the right place to buy is just as important as buying the product because the last thing you want to do is purchase from a retailer that isn’t legit.
Keeping that in mind, there are two options when it comes to purchasing RV caulks: online or offline.
Online Shopping
Online shopping is a convenient way to get what you need. Simply go online to find reputable sellers. However, you must ensure that you are using the appropriate keywords, such as:
- Where to buy Dicor sealant
- Lexel caulk for RV
- Lexel adhesive caulk
Offline Shopping
If you’d prefer to be able to hold the packaging as you read the specs on it, you might consider visiting popular stores such as Walmart, Lowe’s or Home Depot. You may also consider local hardware stores as an option.
Conclusion
Chances are, at some point, you’ll notice that you have cracks or gaps in the exterior of your RV. At this point, you’ll need to get some caulk made for RVs. There are several things that you must consider when making this purchase- however, you should know that Dicor and Kohree are among the top brands.