Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

So I have the aluminum skin formed and I am hoping to install the trim this weekend.

The question is I am planning on using the 3M 5200 under the trim and between the aluminum skin and tyvek.
Will it be sufficient for waterproofing?
Will it be flexible enough?
And is it sufficient to use as caulking as well?

My old popup suffered from extensive water damage and to say it's a concern of mine is an understatement.


Thanks for the help

3M 5200 is an "adhesive sealant". It is highly waterproof and used in marine applications. If you stick your trim on with 3m 5200, its there to stay. It can be hard to clean up if you get squeeze out.

Another choice for the trim might be butyl tape. It's a good waterproof caulk, easy cleanup, and not so "permanent".

Maybe some others can chime in...

I need to issue a disclaimer first. My teardrop is not finished and I have not camped with it.

That said, I used 3M 4200 adhesive/sealant. According to 3M, the 4200 is a "medium strength adhesive that allows diassembly". I don't plan on taking anything apart but I'm hoping the 4200 will allow me to do so if needed. (It will be a bear though. This stuff, once cured adheres like crazy to wood, epoxy coated wood, and aluminum.)

I used it around the perimeter of the teardrop shell underneath the aluminum and at the overlap of aluminum roof sheets.



This picture shows the RV roof edge trim installed.



As far as cleaning up the squeeze out, I dry fitted the trim first and placed blue tape along the exposed edge. Then the trim was removed, 4200 applied, and trim re-fastened. After it cured for a few days, I used a utility knife to score along the edge, and then peeled back the blue tape.

I've used the 5200 on both boats and tears. It works really well for flat strap trim against aluminum sheet. If there is any void under what you are wanting to bond...I'd do the butyl tape. That's what I did on my Standy. As a side note...5200 is available in 24 hour cure and the original cure time. I installed it, then wiped the squish down with a finger and cleaned it up with some lacquer thinner on a rag. Cleans easiest when it's uncured in my experience. It's also good for submersible applications. Doug

where would I get this butyl tape from close by?

Any RV parts or repair shop would have it...comes in 20-25' papered rolls. Once installed, it will squish out, and will continue to do that over a bit of time, I use an old credit card as a knife to clean up the squish. Doug