Cleaning Pod exterior
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5333
Printed Date: 03 May 2024 at 12:01am
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Topic: Cleaning Pod exterior
Posted By: 2dogseniors
Subject: Cleaning Pod exterior
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 1:18pm
We have a new 178 Pod, which we keep at a storage site (subdivision bans RVs). Made the mistake of parking next to a fence with trees over-hanging the lot. One of the trees dropped a lot of sap on the back on the Pod. I washed off the residue and today started polishing the exterior. In the process, I discovered that the Forest River caulkers were very sloppy and I have a lot of clear droplets on the surface. Question: Does anyone know what kind of clear caulk Forest River uses on seals and seams and what is the preferred cleaner of remove the caulk residue.? I have read that acetone will damage the gel coat so I worry about using the right chemical.  ------------- 2dogSeniors 2004 Ford Expedition 2015 R-Pod 178 with risers |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 1:32pm
| Well, I don't know exactly what they use, but it's most likely silicone based. If so, my experience has been that it can't be removed in it's entirely without damaging the surface. The only exception to that is where the caulk is on a flat hard surface like glass and can be scraped off with a razor. Once silicone sets the bonding strength is pretty incredible. If you figure out a way to remove it without damage please let us know. Anything chemical based will damage the finish on the POD. In this case I would probably resign myself to live with it. Good luck! |
Posted By: 2dogseniors
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 2:10pm
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Podster--Thanks for the quick reply. I was afraid that the caulk was silicone even thought I have always been warned to never use silicone on a RV. Why? Because, they warn, no other caulk can be applied over silicone, even other silicone caulks. What are we all going to do when our Pods need to be re-caulked? ------------- 2dogSeniors 2004 Ford Expedition 2015 R-Pod 178 with risers |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 2:17pm
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Are you sure the clear droplets aren't also sap, especially pine sap? I've learned the hard way at work - there is a row of pine trees that overhangs one set of parking spaces. Great spot to keep the car cool on a 90 degree day, awful later on when you discover how much sap dropped on it in one day. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: 2dogseniors
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 8:28pm
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Techntrek--Don't think it is tree sap. The sap that did not get washed off comes off when I use a cleanser-poliishing compound. The caulking residue resists such efforts--and you can see where some of it bleeds out of the caulked seam. Wish is was sap. ------------- 2dogSeniors 2004 Ford Expedition 2015 R-Pod 178 with risers |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 9:22pm
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It's usually a brand called TremPro if that helps any. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 10:16pm
| Polyurethane based? |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 9:07am
no clue honestly, but if you google the name you can pull up all their spec sheets on the different ones. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: NormanHill
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 11:23pm
| My 2014 178 doesn't have clear caulk on top. Just a lot of tan colored caulking that looks like they applied it with a broom. :) |
Posted By: NormanHill
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 11:25pm
| I've been looking for a cover - have a tarp over the pod now - to keep sap and bird droppings off it while parked. Does anyone have experience with the covers on Camping World's web site? |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 11:56pm
Check EBay and Amazon using "R Pod cover" to search. I believe they are the same covers for less $$$. |
Posted By: 2McPods
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2014 at 9:51am
We got ours on Amazon for our 171 they were the cheapest and it fits perfect. Classic Accessories 80-199-151001-00 Overdrive PolyPro III Deluxe Teardrop R-Pod Travel Trailer Cover, Fits Up To 18' 8" Trailers------------- Everything Happens 4 A Reason Pat & Viki McCartney 2015 171 {2McPods} 2014 F150 Pittsburgh, Pa |