Fan-tastic install question: caulk, butyl, or other...? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 07-06-2013, 06:06 PM   #1
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Name: geoff
Trailer: bigfoot
Saskatchewan
Posts: 56
Fan-tastic install question: caulk, butyl, or other...?

Hi everyone,

I have purchased a new Fan-tastic 6600 to install in our 1981 Bigfoot. The instructions say to caulk between the roof and the fan. Should I use a silicone caulk, or should I use butyl tape? Or other suggestions to seal it?

And can I stand on the roof...? I'm only 140lbs, but I don't know how strong 30 year old fiberglass is. I may just look for a piece of plywood to lay on the roof in hopes that it will spread my weight out.

I have a roll of butyl tape as I need to re-seal the back window as well.

Thanks!!
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Old 07-06-2013, 06:24 PM   #2
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Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,413
Use the butyl tape!! When I did the fantastic Fan install on our Uhaul I was lucky that I have one of those rolling stairs things that is 5' tall. If you use a ladder remember that leaning over the trailer roof may take weight off the ladder feet and let it slide out. A helper to hold the ladder is a good idea. I didn't get on the roof, moved stairs from one side to the other a couple times.
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Old 07-06-2013, 06:27 PM   #3
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Name: Linda
Trailer: '77 Scamp
California
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Definitely don't use silicone. Use the butyl tape overlapping at each corner. I used a non silicone caulk to seal around the peremeter after the install and put a little blob of caulk over each screw. I'm just that way... extra careful. You'll love the new fan. I wouldn't stand on the roof. Can you reach the fan area by leaning over the roof from a good step ladder? That's what I did but I just have a 13'. Putting plywood is a good idea if you can't reach by leaning over. Good luck on the install.
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Old 07-07-2013, 05:51 AM   #4
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Trailer: Eggcamper 17 ft Electric
Posts: 409
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I've installed several Maxx Fans, similar to Fantastic. They recommend using butyl tape between the roof and the flange, then using Dicor 501 to put a dab of sealant over the screw heads that fasten the unit to the roof to seal around the screw head.

I don't stand on the roof. Most of these trailers are lightweight for a reason, that being that the fiberglass is not that thick. But, with a Bigfoot, you may be able to get away with it. A piece of plywood would certainly help mitigate any potential problems.
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Old 07-07-2013, 06:27 AM   #5
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Trailer: Bigfoot 17 ft (15B17G)
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DON'T stand on the roof, they aren't strong enough and will likely delaminate under the weight. I could reach the vent on our BF stretching from a ladder and leaning on a bench cushion helped.
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Old 07-18-2013, 05:01 AM   #6
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Name: Jan
Trailer: Boler 1978
Ontario
Posts: 15
When we got our Fantastic Fan, it was recommended to use butyl tape instead of the foam sheet material that came with the fan. That stuff might work if you have a perfectly flat roof. I did overlap the ends and cleaned up the butyl tape that oozed out after a few days. It nicely oozed down into the gap when seen from the inside of the Boler. It's been really hot here and I think that helped.

We've had some heavy rains several days right after fan installation and there was no sign of leakage.

I bought another 13' ft multi-use ladder (the ones that you can adjust and fold into several different configurations). That really helped during installation because I could quickly work on both sides of the Boler without having to trundle the ladder to the other side. And it allowed me to reach over the centerline of the roof easily enough and maintain my balance safely despite my short arms.

Hope this helps....
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