Many of us have. The first step is to remove as much of the old caulking as possible. Clean the area and install new urethane caulking, not silicone. You will need a putty knife, utility knife, caulking gun and caulking.

It's a simple DIY job, definitely not something of which to be anxious.

I use two products: 3M 5200, or Sikaflex 295UV.

Jamestown 1 800 423 0030   Some big box stores, most marinas

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=2002&familyName=3M+5200+Marine+Adhesive+Sealant

Gard

Yes it can be used on steel, but....... The steel has to be completely cleaned of any rust and a conversion product used, along with a proper application of a good primer. These steps are necessary on steel, regardless of the type of caulking you plan on applying.

Any caulking placed over a steel joint that will eventually rust, will fail. The caulking will protect the area it covers, but as oxidation seeps in from the outside areas, the metal under the caulking will be eventually affected. The mechanical bond will then fail. The 5200 has some of the highest bonding strength of most caulks, but it has to have a good surface to which it can adhere.

Yes, the 5200 is paintable.

BOL  Gard

Gard-thanks for additional info!  Can the Ospho be used for a steel trailer w/ white "skin" exterior.  I read the link you reccomended on Ospho and wasn't sure it would hurt the skin?

Ospho won't "hurt" the skin. By stopping any rust it will improve its longevity. On many painted steel surfaces, there will be small areas of oxidation wherever the paint's coating has been damaged or eroded. The Ospho will turn these areas black and then form a whitish primer.

To prevent this discolouration, it would be best not to allow the product to run into areas you don't wish to treat and paint. The Ospho has a watery consistency, and can be applied with a spray bottle, paint brush or even a rag. Repeatedly using small amounts or masking off unwanted areas, will prevent any needless transfer of material.

Gard