Subject: Re: [airstream] Water, Water, Everywhere ....
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1999 19:13:55 -0800
From: Patrick Ewing <47airstream-ewing@pioneernet.net>
Reply-To: airstream@airstream.net

Roy Lashway wrote:

He tried sealing the external lower trim where the side meets the bottom but it is still leaking. Any ideas where he should check for the leak? Windows? We do have Vista Vues. They don't appear to be leaking. Is it
I just had to seal around two of my Vista Vues on my 31ft. last month. Last time I washed the unit I remember some sealer coming off around the glass part. When it rained the water came down the wall both inside the trailer and down the interior of the wall. I saw the water on the floor and started to check things out. First of all I've used several aluminum sealers, Alcoa and Parr, with great success. But we were in a long period of rain day after day up here in NW Wash. state. I looked around and found what I feel is an excellent product called "Permanent Sealer" by Ruscoe, The W.J. Ruscoe Company, 483 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44301. (216) 253-8148

I've only used this product once on my windows and was super impressed. Over the years I've used many sealers that I didn't like at all, so this has to be good to make me like it. I purchased two squeeze tubes ( 4 fl. oz.) one clear and one aluminum, $3.39 & $3.79. The product can be applied to a wet surface, or even under water. It's paintable,etc. Package says " Permanent Sealer is a
Nitrile Rubber Sealant for seams, cracks and holes in aluminum, Wood, concrete, glass, rubber, hardboard, steel and ceramics. It seals surfaces, wet or dry, and sets up to a putty-like consistency in 10 to 30 minutes. Won't crack or fall out. Never gets brittle. Can even be applied under water......... RV's, Stops leaks around windows, roof seams and vents.Seals and waterproofs headlamps, and taillight leaks. Repairs radiator and hose leaks. Resists gasoline and salt. Remains flexible----- will not crack." Nowhere on the package does it say anything about silicone, so I am sure that it has none in it.

Where I had to seal was right on the Vista Vue glass where the glass meets the frame. It was wet, but clean and wiped with a towel. I worked a bead into the gap between the glass and aluminum frame with the clear sealer. It's since been a month of much rain and this area is now as dry as can be. I am now a happy camper again. I plan on keeping a tube of this product in each of my
trailers. You never know when it might be needed!!!

Pat