What would be a rough estimate on having the caulking all re-done on the outside of my trailer? I bought it new and haven't had it done yet. Just noticed this year that it is leaking on the inside of horse compartment. It is a 2006. I don't want to tackle this myself. I will have the trailer dealership do it or would an RV place be more economical?
Posted 2012-01-20 11:22 PM (#140163 - in reply to #140149) Subject: RE: caulking trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
The price will depend on if your trailer has a LQ or not. THe hardest part of recaulking is the removal of the old sealant. The more accessories and vents that stick through the roof, the longer the job will take to accomplish. A worse case labour time should be about 2 -3 hrs for a non LQ, and almost double that for a fully equipped LQ. Multiply those hours times the prevailing wages and you should have a rough guesstimate.
The skills of the person effecting the repair are most important. Properly cleaning the old grout, without damaging the surface, and installing new sealant is not a glamorous job. It is often hurried or given to the least skilled employee.
The quality of the replacement caulking is very important to the longevity of the maintenance. A product that costs 50% more than a cheaper version, can increase the weather resistance for almost double the life span. You will spend another $20 -$30 for the caulking, and eliminate several hundred dollars in having the labour charges again applied in only a few years.
Recaulking can easily be a DIY affair, and often your pride in ownership, and taking the necessary time, will produce a much better sealed roof than the "professionals". You don't need any specialised tools, and the better caulking can be sourced from many suppliers.
Posted 2012-01-21 6:46 PM (#140181 - in reply to #140149) Subject: RE: caulking trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
Yes, the side seems are what is leaking. There is a black rubber strip the runs the entire length of the trailer that is leaking.(leaking in two places that I can see anyways) The window frames are leaking as well. My trailer is a 2-horse slant GN. No LQ. I do have two aluminum vents in the roof for the horse stall ventilation as well as a pop-up roof vent in the GN area. My roof is a one-piece fiberglass roof.( I have a 2006 Monarch Classic aluminum trailer) Upon closer inspection, Yes the wheel wells and fenders need new caulking as well.
Posted 2012-01-22 11:48 AM (#140196 - in reply to #140149) Subject: RE: caulking trailer
Member
Posts: 18
Location: concord nc
I have a 3horse Sundowner with a 6ft short wall. Had my trailer professionally recaulked. They recaulked the roof and the sides, and did a great job. They did not removed the old caulk cause they did not need to. The cost was about 6 to 700.00 I think, it was about a yr ago when we did this. Our trailer is 10yrs. old and had never been recaulked and it sits in the sun. Over the years we had begun to get several leaks but no more as of now.
Posted 2012-01-22 4:28 PM (#140201 - in reply to #140196) Subject: RE: caulking trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
3ponies,
Thanks! I would like to attempt myself but I have no dry place to do this and keep the trailer out of the rain. So, I most likely will take it in. Since the rain just started and all too. Don't want it to go all winter leaking this way.
caulking trailer
