Potential Problems

[Poppy]

I have a 2019 Cougar 25res with roof molding(?) problems.
I think they are molding, anyway.
On the right side there is rubber popping up.
On the left side, a piece between the drip rail ends is tore off and hanging.
On the rear, a metal piece is come loose on one end, and the center has something that looks like rubber popped out.
Is there a way to fix this? Does it all need to be replaced, or can I use something like dicor on it?
Am I going to have to go to the shop with it and pay to fix it?
TIA, POPPY

[chuckster57]

It’s all failed insert molding. Get 1” wide vinyl on Amazon and replace it all. It’s a DIY repair if you have a ladder and skills.

[Poppy]

Thank you for your information. I think my biggest concern is if it’s going to cause interior damage from leaks. If it’s just molding, is it just for looks, or is it for weatherproofing?

[chuckster57]

It’s supposed to keep the screws dry, stopping water intrusion. I would replace it as soon as practicable.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by Poppy

Thank you for your information. I think my biggest concern is if it’s going to cause interior damage from leaks. If it’s just molding, is it just for looks, or is it for weatherproofing?

The "molding" is WEATHER strip molding. It protects those transition strips that are screwed on. The screws are underneath the weather stripping and unless sealed when installed, which they generally aren't, provide a direct conduit for water into the material below through the screw/screw hole.. Remove all the deteriorated molding (I'd do all of it on every strip from the looks), pull each screw, put sealant in the hole the put the screw back in - don't overtighten or strip. Then put the new molding over those screws and attach it at each end. It is certainly not for "looks".

[Poppy]

Thank you all for your help. I will be ordering the molding for it.
Poppy

[LHaven]

The added bonus is that the replacement molding available is generally of much higher quality than factory. ChuckS here recommended this stuff to me back in 2020, and I haven't had a problem with it since. I also see it's on a real cheap sale right now. If it's the right size for you, I recommend it.

https://www.amazon.com/JR-Products-1...dp/B002UC2PNQ/

[Poppy]

I now have 100’ of the new weatherstrip that was suggested I get. Do I need to get so Dicor or something like that, or wil silicone sealer be sufficient.
What do I need to get. I didn’t think about this until I got the weatherstripping.
TIA, Poppy

[LHaven]

Caulk is needed only if you intend to remove and replace all the screws, or if you have deterioration on top of the C-rail (which I had in my case [LINK]). It isn't needed per se just to replace the vinyl stripping.

On roof areas, I personally shy away from silicone in favor of Dicor, but if one of the pros on here recommended silicone for the screwholes I wouldn't hesitate to use it.

[wiredgeorge]

On my old 2002 Cougar, silicon had been applied over each screw under the moulding. I replaced some moulding and found it to be a PIA.

[lcarver02]

Mine has done this three times. I had been using the cheap thin molding and it just pops out right after you put it in. State Trailer sells a heavy duty molding in a 25 or 50 foot roll I believe. It is twice the thickness and stays in the groove pretty tight. State Trailer stopped selling the cheap molding. I replaced the molding last year and used some parabond in spots to hold it down. It worked, however I expect to replace it before next year again. Much better. I did a lot of swearing with the cheap stuff. This is not an easy job, do it on a cooler day (70 to 80) and use some black or clear quality silicone with parabond - do not use the cheap stuff.

[lcarver02]

You need to make sure it is the HEAVY DUTY double thick molding, or take it back. It is easy to tell if it will work, try putting it in the groove, if it fits tight and does not just roll out it is likely a better quality molding.

[Poppy]

I want to thank everyone that responded to my post. There was a lot of info to process, and my wife was totally opposed to paying someone to do such an easy job. I did hold the ladder for her, and she only has one piece of stripping to put on across the top where the roof meets the front cap. Then all this left to do is the dicor.
Thanks again everyone for your help.
May all your camping days have warm weather and free from any problems.
Poppy

[Kirk's Keystone Outback.]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

It’s all failed insert molding. Get 1” wide vinyl on Amazon and replace it all. It’s a DIY repair if you have a ladder and skills.

What is that that's lifting in the third photo?
Looks like metal material.

[Poppy]

Originally Posted by Kirk's Keystone Outback.

What is that that's lifting in the third photo?
Looks like metal material.

That is part of the trim that’s sticking up. The screw on the end back out.
It’s under the weatherstripping that we replaced.