How to Seal the Front Window on a Class C RV
The front window (found in the over the cab bedroom) is placed in the frame of the RV as if it were a house window, yet subjected to the elements and vibration from driving as if it were a windshield. If the window has begun to develop leaks, it is time to seal the front window of your Class C RV. It is also a good habit to reseal this window at least once every two years.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Ladder
- Rubber gloves
- Paint scraper
- Dish soap
- Water
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Marine-grade silicone sealant caulk
- Caulk gun
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1
Set the ladder up so you can easily reach the outside of the front window of your Class C RV. Don't be timid about stepping on the hood of the engine of your RV while working, but make sure that your ladder allows you to reach the upper parts of the window safely. Put on a pair of rubber gloves.
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2
Remove all of the old caulk by scraping and prying it out of place with a paint scraper. Be careful not to remove the black butyl rubber that is around the window. This rubber is between the window and the frame of the RV; remove only the exterior caulk places on top of this.
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3
Mix a small amount of liquid dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Dip a sponge in the bucket and clean all of the road grime and leftover caulk from around the window. Let the surface air-dry completely when you are done.
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4
Cut the tip off the marine caulk by inserting it in the hole in the trigger of the caulk gun designed for this purpose. Insert the plastic tip of the caulk top and squeeze the trigger, and the tip will be cut off. Turn the metal pin on the handle of the gun away from the body and drive the pin into the tip of the caulk tube to pierce the inner seal. Fold the tip back to the handle. Pull back the pump arm of the gun. Place the caulk tube in the gun and push the pump arm into the tube until it locks in place. Squeeze the trigger a few times to make sure the pump arm is working.
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5
Hold the caulk gun at a 45-degree angle with the tip centered on the space between the window and the frame of the RV. Press the trigger slowly to release the caulk; as the caulk fills the gap, slowly drag the gun around the window. When the trigger is completely depressed, release the trigger. Pick up the tip of the caulk gun slightly and move it back onto the caulk you just placed. Begin to press the trigger again and dispense caulk so the new line of caulk overlaps the previous one by 1/4 inch. Do this until the entire window is sealed.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Wet the tip of your finger (in the rubber glove) and then smooth the caulk around your window. This will help prevent the caulk from sticking to the glove and give the caulk a more finished look.
Caulk applied to the inside of the RV is to provide a surface for painting and finishing only. Do not rely on interior caulk to prevent water leaks or water damage to the RV.
