Biting the Eternabond Bullet

[Flanz]

Originally Posted by brobox

That will make the Eternabond project a little easier, for those that want to do it, on the newer models.

Well, not really. Took a look at the awning setup while I was on the roof. The awning body is lower to the roof and the roof seam looks to be center to the awning. Not much room at all to get in there. That's why I asked you how you got in there to put the tape down. To me it looks like the awning would have to be removed and then the tape installed.

[brobox]

Paul can you post a picture? On the Classic there is plenty of room to lay the tape along the seam. On the classics the awning sits forward of the seam just behind the sweep shown in the photo. After removing the sweep the seam is right there. I don't know what a new model looks like.

[Misty123]

Originally Posted by brobox

Paul can you post a picture? On the Classic there is plenty of room to lay the tape along the seam. On the classics the awning sits forward of the seam just behind the sweep shown in the photo. After removing the sweep the seam is right there. I don't know what a new model looks like.

Chuck, the new awnings don't stand up like the classics. They lie down and are much wider than the classics. It would be tough to get under them, but on the other hand the 311 sealant used today is much better plus the awning helps shade the seam from the sun.

[brobox]

Originally Posted by Misty123

Chuck, the new awnings don't stand up like the classics. They lie down and are much wider than the classics. It would be tough to get under them, but on the other hand the 311 sealant used today is much better plus the awning helps shade the seam from the sun.

I hope the sealant is much better. The photo in post #3 was behind the sweep, shaded 100% of the time. I have to admit, I know nothing about the new models, I can only relate my experience with a Classic. One thing that really needed improvement was the sealant with the number of roof leaks in the past. If there is no way to get Eternabond on the seam under the awning, it might be a visual inspection each year and hope for the best.

[jestal]

Based on what my seams look like on our '13 antique getting rid of the sweeps may get rid of a great deal of the problem on the roof to side seams. In many places the sweeps were installed so that the sweep rested or pressed directly on the caulk. The pressure of the sweep eventually displaced the sealant to the point that there were deep grooves and the roof surface/seam was clearly visible at the bottom of the groove. I kept busy refilling those grooves until the Eternabond covered it.

I also found that 50% of the screws that hold the sweep to the rail were stripped as received. maybe someone did this after the factory before we got the coach 1 year used but the joint did not look like it had been disturbed and the screws were not marred from previous removal. I replaced all the screws with stainless fasteners and predrilled the holes instead of using the flaky self drilling and tapping screw style.

Obviously this just applies to the roof side seals as all the ancilliaries and vents and such have seams and sealant that needs constant maintainence and survielence.