Front End Tree Damage

Skins44 · 09-03-2023, 09:20 AM

Hello all. bonehead move parking the camper. done it 100 times, and decided to hit a tree next to my driveway today....smh. Looks cosmetic and something I can deal with but not sure exactly what parts I need.

What do you call the piece of molding that holds the weather stripping?

Any other thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.

**chuckster57** · 09-03-2023, 09:24 AM

Ouch!! oops, you need corner molding and vinyl insert molding.

measure the width of the corner molding and use 1/2" insert molding.

Skins44 · 09-03-2023, 09:27 AM

Thanks Chuckster. This stuff below? is it fairly easy to bend?

https://pantherrvproducts.com/ap-pro...RoCJBYQAvD_BwE

**chuckster57** · 09-03-2023, 11:16 AM

That is the stuff. Yes it will bend, not easily.

firestation12 · 09-03-2023, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

That is the stuff. Yes it will bend, not easily.

Chuck, would it be an option for the OP to do a butt joint just above the damage area to avoid bending the molding? As you’ve stated, it is not easy to bend the molding due to the L shape of the molding. Been there and tried that.

**chuckster57** · 09-03-2023, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firestation12

Chuck, would it be an option for the OP to do a butt joint just above the damage area to avoid bending the molding? As you’ve stated, it is not easy to bend the molding due to the L shape of the molding. Been there and tried that.

Only problem is your introducing a seam and a potential leak.

firestation12 · 09-03-2023, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Only problem is you’re introducing a seam and a potential leak.

Movie humor
Quote from dumb and dumber, “So you’re saying there is a chance”

Skins44 · 09-04-2023, 06:28 AM

looks like I'll need a 10' piece. My existing corner molding is a about 9' 7". Found a 10-footer though, so going to give it a go.

Thanks again for the feedback!

**chuckster57** · 09-04-2023, 06:32 AM

Put the top 3 or 4 screws in first, then gently bend it and put a screw in about 5 or 6 holes down, then go back and take them out and start putting screws in every hole. It will bend to the shape you need. Dont forget to use butyl tape on the inside of the molding, especially on the screwhole side.

firestation12 · 09-04-2023, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Put the top 3 or 4 screws in first, then gently bend it and put a screw in about 5 or 6 holes down, then go back and take them out and start putting screws in every hole. It will bend to the shape you need. Dont forget to use butyl tape on the inside of the molding, especially on the screwhole side.

I also found that a few GENTLE taps of a dead blow hammer was helpful should the sides of the molding display any puckering during the arching portion.

**chuckster57** · 09-04-2023, 01:46 PM

Rubber mallet is your friend for sure!!

Skins44 · 09-05-2023, 11:18 AM

looks like I will need to go the "butt joint" route. Nobody will ship the part that long unless I want to pay $350 for freight due to the size of the trim.

Max23 · 09-05-2023, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skins44

looks like I will need to go the "butt joint" route. Nobody will ship the part that long unless I want to pay $350 for freight due to the size of the trim.

Seriously??? Wow, seems a bit excessive. Can you have a local repair place order it? You may have to wait until they receive another shipment but is that even an option? Maybe a dealer?

**chuckster57** · 09-05-2023, 03:37 PM

Go to the nearest RV parts store. That is a very common item.

**JRTJH** · 09-05-2023, 03:42 PM

As Chuck said, go to almost any RV Parts Store. They will probably have it in stock or can have it delivered from their supply house on the next "regular delivery run"...

Skins44 · 09-07-2023, 09:48 AM

thanks guys for the feedback. I will check a couple RV shops locally. I am also concerned with bending this piece. Will it require heat to bend?

**chuckster57** · 09-07-2023, 10:41 AM

Don’t use heat, it will crinkle the paint. Your bend isn’t that sharp so it should be fairly easy to persuade it with a rubber mallet.

Skins44 · 09-07-2023, 11:27 AM

My Dealer has it. Not sure why I didn't think about calling them initially. Thanks Chuckster, JR and Max! Glad I reached out again for some sanity before I ordered the 7' piece and tried to Macgyver it!

Max23 · 09-07-2023, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skins44

My Dealer has it. Not sure why I didn't think about calling them initially. Thanks Chuckster, JR and Max! Glad I reached out again for some sanity before I ordered the 7' piece and tried to Macgyver it!

But everything works out fantastic for MacGyver, maybe the way to go! Lol!

Skins44 · 09-15-2023, 12:21 PM

i was planning to start my corner mold replacement this evening (Friday), applying the lap sealant and trim sealant tomorrow afternoon (Saturday). However, there is now rain in the forecast for Sunday afternoon.

Would it be best to hold off until i know there is at least 3-4 days with no rain in the forecast?

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