Caulk Residue Prevalent around trim/doors on possible used purchase PICS

[TandCplusRV]

Looking at a pre-owned unit this past week and noticed that the trim around all the storage bays / bays in general and along the layer of "trim" that runs the length of the coach as well as little pieces like the clip that holds the storage bay doors open has darkened, messy looking caulk around it. The dealer assures me that this is factory done (this is a 2013 unit being sold as a preowned with 10k miles) and that the caulk is just "darkening with time in the sun" but it's really bold/noticeable. Is this a problem? Sloppy? Actually previous owner? Two pics should be attached (first time I'm doing that so hope I did it right!) "Caulk" is only like this on trim and bays - not on windows, etc.

[spritz]

Boy I think I would take a pass on that one, unless you want to redo them. I had to redo a couple my self it wasn't hard to do and the results are worth it even if your the only one that knows what you have done...
Good Luck,
tb

[TandCplusRV]

Is this just an indicator of sloppy attention to detail and largely cosmetic or something that is actually "wrong" with the coach? Is it hard to redo? Does it just buff out with elbow grease? I can't imagine it actually came from the factory like that.

[USMCRET]

I'm not seeing much in the second pic, but based on the first, I would be highly suspicious of that unit. If it came that way from the factory, you are buying a unit built by a company with quality control problems at a minimum. If it didn't come from the factory that way, someone has attempted to fix a problem that you don't know about. Either way, I don't like it.

[monkey]

I have the exact same problem on our A . Whatever was used before we got it looks like the grey stuff in the first pic and it's nearly Impossible to get off without damaging the fiberglass... Even bought a heat gun, no luck... Can't see the factory leaving it like that, but being that new,,, guess so.... Good luck.

[gruelens]

I think it is no secret that there are caulks out there that are designed to last longer than a couple of years without discoloration. If the manufacturer cut that corner, what other corners did they cut. Do not factor anything the salesman says into your decision making. Be thankful you were observant enough to see this issue on the surface, not to mention what may be hidden from view. Run Forrest Run!

[mojoracing]

I had a super c that came that way from the factory. When it was new you didn't see it but as it aged and the calk collected dirt you could see the streaks where the access had been wiped off. It looked exactly like the compartment door pic you posted. Either way, it looks like you might need to redo it. Not a big deal. I would however check the rest of the coach out very well.

[mojoracing]

By the way, a mr clean eraser sponge will clean that up and it will look like new.

[TandCplusRV]

A Mr Clean eraser? Wonder if that will do the trick? Might have to bring one with me when I go take another look.

[ahicks]

It's in need of some TLC, that's all. If you're going to pass on a coach with something like this present, there aren't going to be many used coaches that will suit your needs. This is about as basic a repair as you're going to run across in the "unscheduled" maintenance category. This kind of thing can start as early as 2-3 years?

Best if taken care of in a dry spell so no moisture is trapped. Get a couple quotes on it if you don't want to attempt yourself. Not hard work, but can be tedious. Start in areas not seen as often as there's a learning curve involved in applying the caulk after removing the excess bedding compound.

[mojoracing]

A little advise on the mr clean sponge. Rub lightly to remove the dirt. Keep in mind the sponge and area should be wet. Also in the pic, the excess that is above the radius on the compartment door…… rub a little harder and it will roll that access right off. Great way to remove the factory goobers and clean the good stuff at the same time.

[TandCplusRV]

Originally Posted by mojoracing

A little advise on the mr clean sponge. Rub lightly to remove the dirt. Keep in mind the sponge and area should be wet. Also in the pic, the excess that is above the radius on the compartment door…… rub a little harder and it will roll that access right off. Great way to remove the factory goobers and clean the good stuff at the same time.

If I take the Mister Clean sponge to the excess here do I still need to reapply fresh caulk once this stuff is cleaned up? If so, what's recommended for bins and the rail along the side of the coach? Silicone?

[mojoracing]

Yep, your rv dealer will have the right stuff. You only need to redo it if it is missing in places or separated or cracked.

[mgscott4]

It looks like mold in the lower picture, a little "Clorox cleanup" and a rag, it will look as good as new.