This post will show you how to replace the silicone seal on a 2016 Highland Ridge RV Light Series.
Silicone seals are an essential part of an RV trailer or caravan. They prevent moisture, dust, and even insects from getting indoors. That is why we recommend changing the seals at least once a year or as soon as you notice they no longer work.
Read on to learn how to replace those damaged seals in your RV trailer. People do this differently, but you might find how we do it better.
THINGS YOU´LL NEED
- Silicone.
- Caulk gun.
- Painter´s tape.
- Spatula.
- Paper towel.
- Sprayer.
- Thinner.
- Ethyl Alcohol.
- Scissors.
You can use a sharp knife instead of scissors.
STEPS TO FOLLOW
STEP 1: REMOVE THE OLD SILICONE SEAL
Our Jack uses a spatula to remove the old silicone. Don’t use too much force to avoid damaging the caravan’s paint.
As you can see at 0:20 in our video
STEP 2: CLEAN THE SURFACE
After removing the silicone, be sure to remove grease, dust, and anything else that will prevent the new silicone from adhering correctly.
Clean again using thinner and then ethyl alcohol. These products guarantee a disinfected and clean surface to apply the new silicone.
STEP 3: PUT ON PAINTER´S TAPE
Use painter´s tape along the joint. After applying the silicone, remove the tape for a clean, professional finish.
As we see in our video, the tape doesn´t necessarily have to be blue, as long as it peels off easily and doesn´t stick to the surface when removed.
Place and adjust the tape in sections, so it is straight and well attached to the trailer.
Next, place another strip of tape spaced 3/8″ (1 cm) above the joint.
As you can see at 0:45 in our video
STEP 4: APPLY THE SILICONE
The first thing to do is to cut off the tip of the silicone tube cap.
Cut a small piece with the scissors. This way, there won’t be too much product coming out, the application on the joint will be better, and you won’t have to remove too much excess product.
We recommend using a caulk gun like the one in our video. The gun makes it easier to apply the silicone.
Put the silicone directly on the joint along its entire length.
In this case, our Jack used DAP dynaflex 230 silicone, which has excellent adhesion and flexibility, which is essential for sealing joints in a trailer, where there is a lot of vibration, which can cause the seal to crack and peel.
This silicone also resists UV rays, which makes it last longer.
As you can see at 1:04 in our video
STEP 5: REMOVES EXCESS PRODUCT
After applying the silicone, run one of your fingers along the joint to remove any excess product.
Do not press the silicone too hard to avoid damaging the seal.
As you can see at 1:08 in our video
STEP 6: REMOVES THE PAINTER´S TAPE
The last step is to remove the painter´s tape for painting.
Instead of tape, some people spray soapy water on the silicone with a sprayer and then remove the excess, as explained in this article.
As you can see at 1:23 in our video
FINAL THOUGHTS
As you can see, changing the seals on your trailer is simple.
Keep your motor home protected from moisture, dirt, and insects, and instead focus on having fun during your next trip or holidays.