Glues, Tapes, and Hooks That Stay On
Finding Fasteners That Really Work on RV Walls and Surfaces
I receive a lot of questions from RV owners, and one of the most common has to do with finding different tapes and glues to attach skirting, shelving, even towel bars to their RV. RV shells are super thin, and their walls are filled with Styrofoam.
RV manufacturers install backing into the walls precisely where they need to add something like a towel bar or TV. But what do you do when you want to add something else like coat hooks or pictures, or a heavy coat rack?
You need glues, tapes, and hooks that stay on. Sometimes you also need glues, tapes, and hooks that come off with zero residue.
3M Command Strips
Every RV blog I’ve read says 3M Command Hooks are the product to use. They worked great for attaching my Christmas tree to the painted wall, and came off perfectly without residue or ruining the wall several months later. However, there are often complaints from RV owners that they don’t stick to RV walls.
Following the instructions to the letter
Yes, seems like a no-brainer, but reading the instructions will give you a better outcome. The first thing is to wipe the wall with alcohol. The second direction is to press the Command Strip against the wall for about 60 seconds to make the bond. On the Velcro strips they say to push the object you are mounting against the wall and then remove it and wait an hour before putting weight on the product.
AROIC Heavy Duty Adhesive, 20 lbs, Removable, Waterproof, Reusable, Stainless Steel Hooks
You are going to love these. The AROIC hooks are strong. They will hold your skirting fast, even on a very windy day. They can be removed with a heat gun and used over again. If you try to remove them without heat you’ll likely rip the paint off, so be careful.
These adhesive hooks are suitable for all kinds of smooth walls and ceilings, glass, metal, wood, ceramics, stainless steel surfaces and plastics. They are waterproof so you can use them in the shower area. Just make sure the soap film is completely removed beforehand.
You can use these super strong hooks to hang heavy bath towels, kitchen tools, mops, and brooms.
Once you put these in place, you must wait 12 hours before using. Click on image to order from Amazon.
3M has a vast assortment of hooks and fasteners
Let me know in the comments below what products did (or did not) work for you, so our readers have the best information.
Zero-Residue Duct Tape
When I cover my camper for the winter I first lay down plastic sheeting, then a rip-stop nylon tarp. If there’s even a slight wind, the sheeting won’t stay in place long enough to get the tarp over it unless I tape it down. Regular duct tape leaves an adhesive residue when I take it off in the spring. This 3M No Residue Duct tape does not.
Backed by trusted 3M Science, this heavy duty tape defies challenging weather conditions with its waterproof design. Ideal for both long term and temporary holds like securing cords or keeping mats in place, the innovative adhesive allows you to remove the tape residue free for up to six months.
Nashua 330X Extreme Weather Foil Tape
Nashua 330X Extreme Weather Foil Tape is an all-weather aluminum foil tape with acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive, specifically intended for use over a wide temperature range.
Nashua 330X has a special adhesive system which has aggressive adhesion even at -25F. Its aluminum foil backing is extremely conformable, and its adhesive is quick-stick. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) content and non-solvent for less odor.
Perfect for wrapping outdoor water pipes and skirting.
Rubbing alcohol will take off the residue in the spring.
Science Has Brought us Some Marvelous Glues Hooks, and Tape That Stay On
Nano Gel Tape
Nano Gel tape is waterproof, so it can be used outdoors. It can actually be washed in water and used again and again.
This mounting tape is perfect to attach shrink-fit storm window kits for RVs. It allows you to put the plastic window film on the outside instead of the inside. In the spring, it pulls off with no trace left behind.
Bondic LED UV Liquid Plastic Welder
Bondic is a liquid plastic welder that bonds in seconds when exposed to a UV light. Your dentist has been using this for years to hold crowns in place. One major reason it that it cures completely and instantly without releasing solvents or harmful chemicals because it’s not a glue.
Once cured, it is 100% clean and waterproof. It can be sanded and painted. It only cures when exposed to UV light, so it never hardens in the container while stored.
Bondic sticks to plastic, wood, metal, PVC, steel, rubber, wiring, ceramic, figurines, vinyl, Kevlar, polypropylene, leather and so much more.
Military Grade Double Sided Mounting Tape
This sticks to anything, forever. Be really careful when positioning things like shelving because once placed it permanent. This is perfect for hanging things on thin RV walls or connecting skirting outside.
I used it to reattach the weather stripping on my car door and it’s still stuck even in those harsh winter conditions.
3M Primer 94
RV skirting pros also recommend using the 3M Primer 94 Pen (shown here) for the best adhesion of the mounting tape that they use to attach their skirting track.
3M Primer 94 is used to promote the adhesive of 3M tapes to surfaces like polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS, PET/PBT blends, concrete, wood, glass, metal and painted metal surfaces.
Extreme Outdoor Velcro
This industrial-strength Velcro sticks and sticks well. Holds up to 15 lbs. Waterproof and impervious to temperature changes. Bonds to rough surfaces, and it’s great for use indoors as well.
Holds on uneven porous surfaces like siding. See the photo at the top of the page holding a heavy planter box to siding.
All-weather, UV-resistant adhesive for reliable use on rough surfaces, including concrete and certain types of brick. Can be used indoors or outdoors in temperatures between 0 degree Fahrenheit to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recommended by Ashley Mann for holding Vinyl skirting in place.
I love Gorilla Glue products. They work IF you read and follow the instructions. When using the glue, you need to clamp the pieces together for it to fully bond.
Gorilla Glue built a name for itself with its incredible, industrial holding power and versatility. The water-activated polyurethane formula expands into materials to form an incredibly strong bond to virtually anything. Gorilla Glue is a 100% waterproof glue, safe for indoor and outdoor use, and strong enough to stand up to the elements. Gorilla Glue’s your solution for almost any project or repair. Sand it, paint it, and stain it. Simply stated, it’s the “Toughest Glue on Planet Earth”.
Sometimes it’s hard to figure out a way to clamp things in an RV
An outside panel on my RV separated along a seam, and it took some time to figure out how to press the pieces together while the glue dried. I finally backed my Class-C up to the house and used 2×4’s between the house and the RV to press the siding into place while the glue dried. Gorilla Glue did the job and is still holding today.
Permanent Duct Tape
Gorilla All Weather Waterproof Tape is an ideal solution for outdoor repairs. Made with incredibly strong, permanent, butyl adhesive and a weather resistant shell, this tape withstands even extreme weather conditions.
Gorilla All Weather Tape resists drying, cracking, and peeling caused by sunlight, heat, cold, and moisture and works in both hot & cold temperatures.
Use like any other tape. Tear Gorilla Tape by hand or cut to size with a knife or scissors. Apply the tape carefully, smoothing out any pockets or rolls. That’s it. Enjoy the strength and durability of Gorilla Tape. Trick: Rub the tape hard into the surface, and the warmth created from the friction will help it bond. It takes a little while to achieve full bonding strength.
For best results, apply to a clean surface free of dust, dirt, and debris. Great for tarps, plastic sheeting, roofs, vents, RVs, and all general purpose heavy duty repairs.
Gorilla All Weather Tape contains a highly concentrated rubber based adhesive and sticks to most plastics, including polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Gorilla All Weather Tape does not work on materials with high oil or plasticizer content, such as EPDM rubber or PVC. An acrylic tape, such as Crystal Clear Gorilla Tape, may be better suited for these materials. Gorilla All Weather Tape should not be used as an electrical tape. Store tape flat on a non-delicate surface. Click on the Gorilla link at the top of this page to visit the Gorilla brand store.
Vinyl Floor Adhesive
Your floor takes a pounding, not only from foot traffic, but wild temperature swings, dirt, moisture, and vibration.
RecPro RP-128 RV and Marine Flooring Adhesive will stay stuck in that adverse environment.
You need to apply it when the temperature is between 65° – 75°F, but once it dries it’s forever. It’s waterproof and easy to spread. One gallon covers about 100 sq./ft. Order direct from RecPro for cheaper price than Amazon, free shipping, and 5% off when you use this coupon code: TINYLIFE.
See more about vinyl flooring for your RV or tiny home on this page: Flooring Choices For Your Tiny Home, RV, or Travel Trailer.
Self-Stick Tile Not Sticking?
A major complaint we see is self-stick tile not sticking. People are asking for better glue, but that’s not the answer. Adding another layer of different chemical adhesive will usually only deteriorate the adhesion even more.
The goal is to get the glue on the tile to stick better. Most often the reason it’s not sticking well is the surface it’s trying to adhere to just isn’t optimal to grip the glue.
Henry Self-Stick Tile Primer bond enhancer can help. This specialized liquid latex primer is designed for a wide range of uses in floor covering installations. Used especially to enhance the bond of residential self-stick tile and flooring adhesives to the subfloor or wall.
You still need to make sure your walls are free of cooking grease and soap film if you want anything to stick well.
Henry 336 1Gal. Bond Enhancer helps improve the adhesion on dry, dusty, and porous substrates. The primer can be used on gypsum cement underlayments, and to prime soft wood floors, including plywood.
Stick-on Tile, Backsplash, Flooring
See more about self-stick tiles and other lightweight finishes for your backsplash, kitchen counter, and flooring on this page: Saving Weight On Tiny House Tile.
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