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Topic ClosedRoof to side joint problem - Event Date: 02 Apr 2017
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Elenaron View Drop Down
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Joined: 14 Aug 2015
Location: Broward, FL
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Roof to side joint problem
    Posted: 02 Apr 2017 at 9:24pm
I have noticed that the plastic bead that covers the joint between the roof and the trailer's sides is cracking and breaking down, especially in the back where the roof curves down and becomes the back. 

I can see the screws holding the joint together have become exposed, and I'm concerned about water leaking in through them.

Can this plastic bead be replaced?
Is a quick fix for now to add silicone caulking on this joint, especially over and around the screw heads?

We have a 2014 RPod 178
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6418 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Apr 2017 at 10:12pm
Originally posted by Elenaron

I have noticed that the plastic bead that covers the joint between the roof and the trailer's sides is cracking and breaking down, especially in the back where the roof curves down and becomes the back. 

I can see the screws holding the joint together have become exposed, and I'm concerned about water leaking in through them.

Can this plastic bead be replaced?
Is a quick fix for now to add silicone caulking on this joint, especially over and around the screw heads?

We have a 2014 RPod 178

We had that done under warranty just before it expired. Your dealer would likely sell you the strip material or you can do it yourself. The vinyl strip is available on eTrailer as Camco RV Vinyl Trim Insert-Black. I'm not sure of the width. I saw both 1" and 3/4" listed.
StephenH
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Apr 2017 at 8:42am
It's not a "seal" it's just a piece of trim that covers the screw heads for appearance. Takes minutes, and a couple dollars to replace.
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Elenaron View Drop Down
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 12:58pm
Thanks for your replies.
I'm not sure that this plastic strip is strictly cosmetic. I'm finding some of the exposed screw heads are badly rusted. And, I'm not sure that water isn't working its way inside along them.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Posts: 6418 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 4:23pm
I think it would be nice if Forest River used Stainless Steel screws in places like the seams that are exposed to water and subject to corrosion.
StephenH
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fwunder View Drop Down
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 5:17pm
Yes, it would be nice if they used a lot more stainless and aluminum and magnesium. I'm rapidly beginning to appreciate a seamless fiberglass rv hull...

In the meantime, while I save for my Ollie, I'm replacing the track and keder screws with stainless screws dipped in epoxy. The screws are about $0.20 a piece at my local True Value. If I could find them in bulk, I'm sure they would be a lot cheaper.
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lostagain View Drop Down
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Posts: 2595 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 5:44pm
I've been using stainless steel screws on all work I've done where there is water exposure.  Also, sealing the screws with a bedding compound, such as 3M 5200, helps keep the water out.  ....something I learned from my sail boat days.
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Elenaron View Drop Down
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 9:49pm
Furpod,
Does the plastic strip slide in the slot from one end to the other (like a tent pole) or does it get tucked in side to side.
Thanks!
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Elenaron View Drop Down
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 9:57pm
Fwunder,
I need to replace some of the screws. Can they be just be scewed out and the new ones screwed back in? Do you know the right size? (It looks like in your picture your new one is longer that the original - does that matter?) Can you replace the screws without replacing the track?
Thanks!
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