If you inspect, repair, and reapply any sealants from time to time, it can greatly extend the functionality of your Airstream. Here are guidelines for when and how to inspect sealants, and how to reapply sealant when it starts to show deterioration.
During the manufacturing process, every Airstream travel trailer is tested to ensure it’s watertight. Before any interior work is undertaken – before insulation, flooring, appliances, or cabinetry are installed – each Airstream spends about 30 minutes in one of our water check bays. The Airstream is sprayed with hundreds of gallons of water while one of our associates carefully inspects the interior to check for leaks. Only once it passes the water check can the Airstream travel trailer move down the line toward its final build out.
That water tightness is determined by several conditions, including the condition of sealants around roof features like vents, solar panels, and skylights.
To keep your travel trailer dry for years to come, it’s important to proactively check all those sealants for damage caused by harsh outdoor elements.
How to Inspect Exterior Sealants Your Airstream Travel Trailer’s Sealants
Twice a year in the Spring and Fall, we recommend checking your Airstream's external sealants. It’s an easy task to add to your winterization and de-winterization checklist and will help prevent leaks.
Do a visual inspection of all sealant by checking every area that has sealant on your travel trailer: along the roof around vents and the awning rail, above and below the windows and doors, and side sheet seams.
If the sealant is showing discoloration, cracking, gaping, looks dry, or shows other signs of deterioration it’s time to reseal.
If you already have an exterior leak, read this support article for how to identify and rectify the issue.
How to Reapply Sealant on Airstream Travel Trailers
If this material has dried out and become cracked, or if a portion has fallen out, it should be replaced with fresh sealant to prevent possible rain leaks. Your nearest Airstream dealership can assist with professional resealing of your travel trailer, or you can scrape the old sealant off yourself with a putty knife or other tools readily available at most hardware stores..
What Sealants are Recommended for Airstream Travel Trailers?
This Airstream Sealant Kit (available at Airstream Supply Company) has everything you need to get the job done. Each kit comes with a selection of sealants to cover just about any resealing project.
- One (1) can of Acryl-R Seam Sealer (with accompanying applicator) allows for fine beads of sealant for aluminum panels and more
- One (1) AdSeal Premium (Gray)
- One (1) AdSeal Premium (White)
- One (1) Sikaflex 221 (Black)
Or purchase Airstream sealants a la carte at Airstream Supply Company
Acryl-R Seam Sealer:
For use on segment seams, around windows, beltline, rub rail, tail lights, clearance lights, exterior connections, and more
- Acryl-R Seam Sealer, 16oz Can with Applicator Bundle (click)
- Acryl-R Seam Sealer, 16oz Refill Can (click)
AdSeal:
Available in three colors. Use GRAY on trim pieces, windows, doors, and more. Use WHITE on rooftop components. Use BLACK on wheel wells and underbelly.
Sikaflex:
Available in black for sealing wheel wells, underbelly, and more
General Maintenance, Cleaning, and Polishing:
Use on exterior aluminum of trailer, recommended two applications a year