Another caulk question

I have started to work on replacing the caulk in the shower area.  Originally, I was only going to replace caulk on the outside of the shower door.  I realized, inside the shower area, there were gaps where the caulk had missed.  When I started to work on removing the caulk, I realized that the caulk, which originally looked like it was adhered, was not.  At least not well.  Upon rubbing the caulk with my finger, I found that a good portion would just roll right off.  It was similar to removing rubber cement from paper.  I have now decided to remove and replace most of the caulked areas.  I will use silicone caulk.  I don't understand why the original caulk did not hold.  Is it possible that the shower area had not been cleaned properly and something was left on that did not allow the caulk to adhere?  I don't want to apply new caulk and have it also peel off.  Has anyone else had this problem?  My 2350 is brand new and the shower has been used a total of 3 times.
Thanks- Roni 

That could have possibly been the problem. Make sure you get all residue off. Clean with rubbing alcohol before re-caulking. I also found a liquid silicone caulk remover at Lowes to make sure all residue was off. Sounds like you may not have any left if yours peeled off that easy. If not, alcohol should do the trick for you. Good luck!

Trudy,
Thanks for the suggestions.  I am using silicone-b-gone- it is a gel. A credit card has helped to scrape the remaining caulk off.  It would have been much too easy if it all peeled off cleanly!  I will use your suggestion of the rubbing alcohol.  Once I started working on it, I realized all of it needs to be replaced!  It looks like the strips running along the top edges and the edges joining the back and side walls together are painted wood.  Or, could it be something else?  Hopefully, once I replace the caulk, it will adhere well to the shower walls and the wood strips.   
Roni

Silicone b gone, any good. One of the things I do NOT like about any rv is the way the ding dongs smear the silicone on EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING.

THe silicone-b-gone, a gel, does help remove the caulk- but you still have to scrape alot!  The gel helps soften the caulk.  I have found the best scraper to be a credit card, especially for tight areas.

I would still appreciate some feedback as to whether the strips edging the top of the shower enclosure and between the back and side walls are wood.  If they are, isn't there a problem with the wood rotting over time?  Has anyone done any mods to this?  I would like to feel more confident about the "wood" strips before recaulking!

Thanks- Roni

 

THe silicone-b-gone, a gel, does help remove the caulk- but you still have to scrape alot!  The gel helps soften the caulk.  I have found the best scraper to be a credit card, especially for tight areas.

I would still appreciate some feedback as to whether the strips edging the top of the shower enclosure and between the back and side walls are wood.  If they are, isn't there a problem with the wood rotting over time?  Has anyone done any mods to this?  I would like to feel more confident about the "wood" strips before recaulking!

Thanks- Roni

 

Most of the trim "wood" in my PC is vinyl (PVC) wrapped with wood-grain coloration and embossing.  My experience with vinyl products indicates use of silicone lubricants in processing, and possibly plasticizers on the surface - two different types of silicone formulations that do not adhere to each other well.  The vinyl forms a very good vapor barrier against water; except for exposed ends I would not think dry rot should be a problem, and those end seams/joints could be sealed with clear caulk, silicone or other clear product.

L. G.

L. G.,
Just spoke with Kermit about our motorhome's "lean" issue and also asked about the trim in the shower.  It is vinyl wrapped wood.  Once I have cleaned off all the old caulk, I will go ahead and recaulk with the silicone caulk.
Thanks-
Roni