TCdude
Minneapolis, Mn
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Joined: 02/18/2015
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Just got a older Bigfoot 10.6 with custom utility service body and couldn't be happier, although both need a lot of work. The previous owner used huge amount of 100 year silicone to attach the bigfoot to the service body (not sure why) as it is also attached to camper mounts. Regardless, I have a bunch of silcone I need to remove from the side/bottom area of the camper. I've heard coleman camper fuel works well but don't know if it will damage the fiberglass. Anyone have any suggestions for removing and cleaning off all this silicone from a gel coated fiberglass RV?
Thanks for your time
Luke
02 GMC 3500 Auto DRW RWD 4.10
2003 Lance 1130 - ROTTEN and Gone
1997 Bigfoot 10.6
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Yosemite Sam1
Under the pines.
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Joined: 03/28/2018
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Whoa, I almost volunteered to check this one out if it's 18 to 32.![[emoticon]](https://forums.trailerlife.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/awink.gif "awink")
Ok, never mind. Not my skills set in this particular silicone.
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Chris Bryant
Arden, North Carolina
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Joined: 03/26/2003
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Carefully get as much off with a razor blade, then 3M adhesive remover and a roll of paper towels. Made for auto body work.
![[image]](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.autobodytoolmart.com/images/prods/large/3m-general-purpose-adhesive-cleaner-group.jpg)
-- Chris Bryant
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ItsyRV
Desert SW
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Joined: 10/02/2018
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There is a product called DSR-5 that is used to remove cured silicone on vehicles. Not sure about it's availability where you are. It penetrates the cured silicone and acts to break apart the adhesive molecules but won't harm anything else. Note, although people say ti can work on other adhesives, it was designed specifically for silicone.
1994 Itasca SunDancer 21RB - Chevy G-30 chassis.
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Second Chance
Wherever...
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Joined: 07/23/2013
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Available on Amazon... but it ain't cheap:
Link
Rob
U.S. Army retired
2020 Solitude 310GK-R
MORryde IS, disc brakes, solar, DP windows
(Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
2012 F350 CC DRW Lariat 6.7
Full-time since 8/2015
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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Yosemite Sam1 wrote:Whoa, I almost volunteered to check this one out if it's 18 to 32.
Ok, never mind. Not my skills set in this particular silicone.
![[emoticon]](https://forums.trailerlife.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
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HMS Beagle
Napa, California
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Joined: 08/22/2003
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I don't think 3M adhesive remover will touch silicone. Nor does acetone, MEK, toluene, or lacquer thinner. You can scrape most of it off with a razor blade or other scraper. There are a few commercial products that claim to remove silicone, I've not found one that works well or quickly (including DSR-5). Permatex now has one out that I haven't tried. All of them work best if most of the silicone is scraped off first, and what is left is lightly abraided with a (soft) wire brush. This provides plenty of edges for the remover to work on and under.
If you can arrange to soak it in gasoline, it causes the silicone to swell and eventually come loose. I've not tried coleman fuel but maybe that would be quicker.
The gel coat used on a Bigfoot is similar to that used on boats. It is very solvent resistant and none of the above mentioned chemicals will cause it any harm. Some of them will cause harm to the decals and any plastic trim that they touch, so you want to be careful there.
There are very few uses for silicone on an RV. Many other sealants perform better and cause fewer problems.
If you try the Permatex and it works, please report back.
Bigfoot 10.4E, 2015 F350 6.7L DRW 2WD, Autoflex Ultra Air Ride rear suspension, Hellwig Bigwig sway bars front and rear
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Depends the amount of surface area.
But as said, remove as much as possible with a single edge razor blade first.
One method to get the rest off is an eraser wheel. Could be tedious if there’s large surface areas. But I’ve only removed decals and other adhesives. Maybe silicone comes off easily.
Be aware to not burn the gel coat though if using a eraser wheel. Keep it moving at all times.
"Yes Sir, Oct 10 1888, Those poor school children froze to death in their tracks. They did not even find them until Spring. Especially hard hit were the ones who had to trek uphill to school both ways, with no shoes." -Bert A.
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Fisherman
Angus, Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 09/28/2002
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Hers one of the silicone caulk releasers. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Motsenbockers-16-oz-Spray-Foam-and-Silicone-Caulk-Remover-411-16/202103458 I've used it, works well, the longer you leave it one, the better it works.
3M also makes a similar product.
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