1978 Coachmen -- exterior plastic trim advice

[Joe Hart]

Hey folks--new to the site and to RVing. I've poked around here and elsewhere without finding answers to this question.

The roof and exterior walls of my rig were originally sealed with a large, rounded plastic strip, which is now cracked and broken in places. Various owners before me have attempted to seal them up on the roof with various products, including silicone and over that one of the RV roof products, not sure exactly which.

Here is a picture of one spot where I've partially removed the trim: You can see that the strip on the left screws down over the plastic to hold it in place, while the strip on the right has a slot that receives the plastic. The actual curved plastic is about 3-4 inches.

I'm considering two different options and also looking for input.

Option one would be to clean up and remove the trim completely, and put it back on with butyl tape underneath the seams and perhaps some kind of sealant on top as well.. Then using either some kind of plastic epoxy or eternabond tape to mend the cracks. LOTS of work, including removing the awning on that side...

Option two would be to clean up the old sealants and simply place eternabond entirely over the plastic trim to completely and permanently seal it in. Less work, but would mean I'd never be able to access that trim again.

Thoughts? Other options?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Joe Hart

Soldiers Grove, WI

[Rich Thomas]

Hi Joe welcome to GORV'S, I spent a while on google looking for the trim you need and came up empty handed But I do have a couple Ideas. One you could try to contact some of the manufactures that make the normal size screw covers to see if the width you need is available. Another Idea is to take a look at the 4" vinyl / rubber baseboard material you see used in hospitals and business's. Here is a link to a web site that sells it. it comes in many collars and in 8' strips and 120' rolls. Good luck on your project Joe.

 http://www.kofflersales.com/p/cove-base-vinyl-by-roppe.asp?cid=58

[Joe Hart]

Thanks y'all. Tearing into it hardcore this week. I'll post some updates soon.

Any recommendations for what type of material to use over an aluminum roof to seal it up?

[Rich Thomas]

Just seal around vents and seams on the top Joe, unless your aluminum is damaged it does not need to be covered 100 percent. Just make sure you peal up any lose sealing materials and clean any areas you seal with a solvent like acetone; especially if silicone has been used. I know you have probably heard this before but silicone and RV's are not a good match. Any were you find it you need to make sure to clean it off completely because it leaves a residue that will cause other sealants to not adhere properly. Good luck with your Project.