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Mickeyfan0805's avatar
Mickeyfan0805
Explorer
Nov 09, 2017

Two small repairs - seeking advice.

I had two issues emerge on our recent trip.

First - it appears that my tire rubbed against the floor of the camper above it (I just noticed now, but it is not a current issue, so I'm guessing it actually happened when I had a blowout 2 years ago and I didn't notice). The structure is fine, but the rubber/vinyl membrane that keeps water out has been damaged. I need to patch that membrane (about 5x8 inches). Any ideas on what type of material to use for this? Also, any suggestions on how to attach it? It seems to be covering a foam insulation board of some sort, so I'm not sure screws or staples would work.

Second, there is a plastic molding (half-round tube) that runs around the face of my slides that covers up screws all the way around the face of the slide. A piece of this has become worn and cracked and now a couple of those screws are exposed. It seems as though it is as simple as taking off the corner mounting piece and sliding the tube into the channel in which it sits. Does anyone know what I'm talking about and know where get this molding?

Thanks everyone!

8 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Nov 10, 2017
    The rubber/Vynal you can use most anyting. I might try that highly advertised over priced Flex Seal. You can glue a fabric patch on it then flex seal it, Works well if not exposed to direct sunlight.

    The trim strip.. Just replace it, RV stores or believe it or not lumber yards carry it.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Nov 09, 2017
    If it were me with the wheel well, I'd probably just put Gorilla Tape over the worn section. Cleaning the area will help it stick more thoroughly.

    It's possible it could be abraded from dirt and stones being thrown up, though the blowout theory is reasonable as well.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Nov 09, 2017
    How much clearance above the tire? Could the springs be sagging? You would not be the first.
  • STBRetired's avatar
    STBRetired
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2017
    Martin,

    I have about 10 feet of that window weatherproofing tape left over from some window replacements. If you happen to be down this way, shoot me a PM and you are welcome to it. It's kind of like Eternabond except the glue is some kind of black tar-like substance. For that matter, I suppose you could use Eternabond in a pinch.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Nov 09, 2017
    For a small area like that, I would use window wrap tape. It's about 5" wide and tar based. You can get it at Home Depot. It's very hard to get off and seals permanently even where it's very wet. There's s similar but more narrow product used to seal outdoor metal ducting like what is found on top of office buildings. Both are aluminum backed and very thick.
    Or you could use Eternabond.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Nov 09, 2017
    You can buy the vinyl molding by the foot or by the roll online. It's cheap. Not sure about the floor repair.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Nov 09, 2017
    I had a similar problem with the wheel well and I got some 1/8 in aluminum sheet from Home depot/Lowes and epoxied it into the wheel well. It is thin enough that you can press it into the right shape. It may need a couple of sheet metal screws until the adhesive sets. JB weld would work too. Really clean the surface before doing this.

    You can buy that molding insert at your local RV store's parts dept. Bring in a short section to get the right size.

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