Exterior Seal Maintenance Guide: Tips to Protect Your RV Investment
In this guide, we’ll cover how to inspect and maintain the exterior seals on your Keystone RV, a critical step in protecting your investment. By routinely maintaining your RV's exterior seals, you help prevent water intrusion and preserve the overall quality and longevity of your RV.
Importance of Exterior Seal Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your RV's seals is essential to avoid seal voids, cracks, and other deterioration that can result from exposure to sunlight, weather, and travel wear. We recommend inspecting all exterior seals at least twice a year—more frequently if possible—and to closely monitor seal conditions around high-stress areas on the roof, windows, and door frames.
Step-by-Step Exterior Seal Inspection & Repair
1. Inspection Guidelines
- Frequency: Perform a full inspection at least twice annually, and every three months for the roof.
- Where to Look: Inspect the RV thoroughly from front to rear, top to bottom, including roof seams, windows, doors, and storage compartments.
- What to Look For: Check for seal voids, cracks, shrinkage, or any signs of deterioration due to age or sun exposure. These signs indicate areas in need of repair.
2. Repairing Seal Voids: Tools & Process
- Tools Needed: Caulk gun, silicone sealant, and alcohol for cleaning.
- How to Repair: Follow these steps if you identify a seal void needing attention: Clean the Area: Start by removing any old or damaged sealant and cleaning the area with alcohol. Apply New Sealant: Use a caulk gun to apply a bead of silicone sealant, overlapping slightly with the existing sealant to ensure a watertight seal. Smooth the Sealant: Gently smooth the newly applied silicone for a clean finish. Inspect the Result: Ensure the seal is even and smooth, which helps provide long-lasting protection.
3. Roof Seal Inspection & Maintenance
- Frequency: Inspect the roof at least every three months, as it endures the most exposure to the elements.
- Safety Note: If you’re not comfortable with roof inspection or if conditions are unsafe (e.g., wet surfaces), contact a Keystone authorized service center for assistance.
Additional Resources
For detailed instructions on seal maintenance and inspection, refer to the Keystone Owner’s Manual—Section 1 and Section 13 provide comprehensive guidance.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.
