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qhumberd
Moderator

Window sealant/caulk?

TresK3
TresK3 Member Posts: 85
in Products and Accessories
We're getting some water leaking in, around the front window of our 2019 Tab 400. The thick rubber gasket/seal-thing that the window presses down on when latched looks fine, but the sealant between that part (the gasket... or whatever it should be called) and the side of the trailer is failing. I think I can solve the problem by pumping a little bead of caulk between the gasket and the trailer.

Does that sound reasonable? If so, what would people recommend for a caulk? Perhaps a 100% silicone window sealant?
2019 Tab 400 Boondock Lite
2017 Dodge Durango AWD with Tow Package IV
A can of Skyline Chili in the pantry
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  • qhumberd
    qhumberd Administrator, Moderator Posts: 781
    edited August 2025
    @TresK3 the first place I would confirm is intact is the top rail where the window is mounted as there is some caulk there. The roof material is aluminum and I am not sure how the silicone would adhere. I think NuCamp recommends Geocell as the caulk on most of the exterior.

    Some pictures of the location of the leak and the area of the window might help others to figure out where to investigate

    There are some products to help the gasket retain its flexibility as well that go on with a sponge. This is from the "Unofficial Guide":

    Aerospace 303
    Aerospace 303 is to plastics & rubber what suntan lotion is to a bather. It has an SPF45 providing UV protection to hard plastics, black trim, clear polycarbonate, vinyl and the rubber gasket liners of our storage compartments. At the beginning and end of each season, we wipe down all the door and window gaskets with 303 keeping them soft and prevent cracking & aging from UV. DO NOT use it on glass, paint or chrome.
    2019  T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"
    2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Crew Cab
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  • TresK3
    TresK3 Member Posts: 85
    @qhumberd, the gasket itself seems fine - it's soft and flexable and the window mates up against if well. The water comes in when I use a hose around the bottom corners, which, coincidentally, is also the part where the gasket is pulling away from the trailer side. My plan is to remove the window, clean the area thoroughly, and seal anyplace where the gasket seems to be coming lose. Someone at a campsite recommended Geocel ProFlex RV, which may also be an option. Have you had experience with that one?

    Thanks for the recommendation of Aerospace 303. That sounds like a great idea to keep all of the gaskets soft and pliable. 

    2019 Tab 400 Boondock Lite
    2017 Dodge Durango AWD with Tow Package IV
    A can of Skyline Chili in the pantry
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  • qhumberd
    qhumberd Administrator, Moderator Posts: 781
    I have only used caulk around the exterior shower and the exterior 120V outlet.

    I believe I used the 3M 4200 and it holds up well.

    Another thread on the sealants and windows discusses our 2019 400 and has some other links:

    https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/10838/window-sealant
    2019  T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"
    2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Crew Cab
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  • TresK3
    TresK3 Member Posts: 85
    Fixed the leak!

    Bought a tube of Geocel ProFlex RV caulk/sealant (clear). Carefully pulled the gasket away from the trailer at all four corners. I didn’t pull too hard, just enough to see what was no longer sticking. Then I cleaned between the gasket and the trailer and applied a pretty good bead of Geocel (I masked the area with blue tape ahead of time, to make clean up easier). I pulled the window shut and locked it to apply pressure while the caulk dried. I tested with a hose, a few days later, and no leaking. Also stayed dry when I washed the baby, which involved a LOT of water.
    2019 Tab 400 Boondock Lite
    2017 Dodge Durango AWD with Tow Package IV
    A can of Skyline Chili in the pantry
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+

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