Rubber Strip In Channel at the top of trailer..

[{tpc}]

So just before our last trip, I happened to notice that the rubber piece that runs in the channel at the very top of the trailer (but on the side of it) had cracked pretty good in a couple of spots. My guess is due to exposure to the sun as it was only one side. When I hopped on the ladder to look I noticed this area seemed to cover over what appeared to be staples. Maybe it was the staples that hold the metal track the rubber sits in onto the trailer or maybe they hold the siding of the trailer on, I don't know.

As a temporary fix I grabbed some silicon that I had handy and just sealed up all the cracked area...anywhere where it looked as if water might be able to get in around where I saw the crack.

Where can I get this stuff and what is it called? Is it difficult to replace? Seems you should be able to slide one out and slide one in but I have no idea.

[JRTJH]

There are a large number of different types of molding inserts, but the two "typical ones" are called "vinyl screw cover trim" (typically used around doors and windows) https://www.amazon.com/RV-Polar-Brig...+screw+molding

and "vinyl trim insert" (typically used on long "corner" molding and on horizontal trim runs) https://www.amazon.com/Camco-25262-V...+screw+molding

The "vinyl trim insert" is more pliable, is easy to pull out of the aluminum molding strip, and will "shrink" over the years. Almost all of us with RV's older than a couple of years, will find several places where the ends of the vinyl trim insert is gapped and doesn't reach the end of the molding. Often times, RV manufacturers will use a staple or screw to "hold the end in place" so it won't shrink as much. Once you pull the old vinyl out of the molding, you'll see that the molding is secured to the side of the trailer with screws and the vinyl is acting as a screw cover (to make things pretty). It's available in 1/2", 3/4" and 1", so measure what you take out to be sure you order the correct size. Almost every RV dealership carries replacement vinyl trim insert in their parts department.

The much less pliable "vinyl screw trim cover" is much thicker, often times it will break if bent too much, and is used around windows and doors. They will often "fit in the other type molding" but aren't designed to be interchangeable.

It's an easy "owner fix", simply pull the old vinyl out of the aluminum molding, squeeze the sides of the new vinyl and "pop" it into the track.

Functionally, the vinyl only serves to keep water and dirt/bugs, etc out of the track and to make the "long run of screws" less noticeable......

The first picture is the vinyl trim insert and the picture with the ruler is the vinyl screw cover trim

[{tpc}]

Thanks John! Looks like the price of 100 feet of the more pliable stuff is the same as 25 feet of the other. So I'll probably just get the more pliable stuff...gives extra for repairs down the road.

Is it important to fix this as soon as possible? Like I said I already did a stopgap fix because we were literally driving away hours later. Our next trip isn't for another month and we are in process of moving as well...so my "play time" with the trailer is at a minimum..

[JRTJH]

No, there's not a "pressing need" to repair or replace the vinyl trim strip. It's more cosmetic and functional. The aluminum molding is sealed with butyl tape and screwed to the trailer. Essentially, unless the aluminum is damaged or pulled away from the trailer, the seam is waterproof. The vinyl is only there to keep the screws hidden and to make things look better.

You can use some "matching color" silicone and dab some on the end that's pulled away (shrunken) and go another 10 years unless it just "bugs the dickens" out of you......

The important part is to make sure the screws are secure and the butyl tape behind the aluminum is serviceable. The vinyl is just "make pretty stuff"......

[Desert185]

Mine around the doors has a tendency to loosen and disconnect from the track. I secured it with black silicone sealant.