Putty tape squeeze-out

Man in Blue · 07-26-2008, 08:04 AM

All over my 5'ver, the putty tape is or has been completely squeezed out due to the years of side wall expansion/contraction. Is there an easy fix short of removing the vinyl and channel? Thanks.

Man in Blue · 07-26-2008, 08:04 AM

All over my 5'ver, the putty tape is or has been completely squeezed out due to the years of side wall expansion/contraction. Is there an easy fix short of removing the vinyl and channel? Thanks.

Lug_Nut · 07-26-2008, 10:08 AM

Apparently not. That was a question I asked Newmar earlier this week. They said it has to be removed and a new tape is now being used. So the channel has to be removed, then the tape removed and the new put on. Then the channel put back on. Mine is more difficult as the Girard awnings above must first be removed.

Peter

Man in Blue · 07-26-2008, 01:11 PM

What is the new tape all about? The tape on my rig looks and feels like standard plumber's putty. Thanks for the reply.

Lug_Nut · 07-26-2008, 01:30 PM

I don't know, all I know is that Newmar had some issues with a putty like tape and they are changing the brand or type. The old tape cause some, not all, to bleed out the upper retaining channel. This is probably caused by heat on the top side, however mine is only prone to this issue on the passenger side. My passenger side faces north all winter and is somewhat shaded in the summer. Therefore we can conclude this is a random problem.

Peter

NeilV · 07-26-2008, 03:20 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Man in Blue:
What is the new tape all about? The tape on my rig looks and feels like standard plumber's putty. Thanks for the reply. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

It should be a butyl rubber tape like a two sided Eternabond. Plumbers tape has oil in it that can stain and deteriorate the fiberglass.

**RV Wizard** · 07-27-2008, 05:39 AM

All of the butyl or putty tapes will ooze out over time. It just depends on how much is used and the compression it is put under. This does not necessarily mean that there is no sealant still under the molding or frames. Only an inspection will reveal this case. A plastic knofe can be used to trim off the excess and then clean with a mild solvent like Goo Gone. Wipe the area then with denatered alcohol and a clear silicone can be put along the edge. Good luck and keep us posted.