Vinyl Trim Strips - please help!
Friends,
I come to you in desperation. I’ve been fighting the inevitable and venerable cabover leak. 2015 Coachmen Freelander. I know this type of entry level construction is prone to leaks, but it was in our budget and we love our little bus.
I spent 2 grand at my local dealer chasing this leak and repairing the front wall. The front seam had failed despite having Eternabond tape. That’s another story.
The leak is still there. Seems like water is coming UP from the bottom, as the ceiling and walls up high are dry. No moisture. Water can travel, though so it’s frustrating.
I was able to determine a point of entry in the trim screws. Seems the vinyl trim strip was acting like a funnel collecting water at the bottom and holding it. It made its way past the screws and inside. When I removed the vinyl strip, a tremendous amount of water poured out. I found this to be the case for most of this awful plastic ****, so I removed it from around the roof and cabover.
I resealed the screws with new stainless and 3M 4200. The edges were sealed with Geocel by the dealer. I believe I’m water tight again.
My question is, does this cheap vinyl trim serve any function other than cosmetics? I’d rather not put it back on. I’m okay with the aesthetics. Can I put it in the trash and never look back?
Thanks in advance.
P.S. this is the stuff: Camco Vinyl Strip Trim Insert
I come to you in desperation. I’ve been fighting the inevitable and venerable cabover leak. 2015 Coachmen Freelander. I know this type of entry level construction is prone to leaks, but it was in our budget and we love our little bus.
I spent 2 grand at my local dealer chasing this leak and repairing the front wall. The front seam had failed despite having Eternabond tape. That’s another story.
The leak is still there. Seems like water is coming UP from the bottom, as the ceiling and walls up high are dry. No moisture. Water can travel, though so it’s frustrating.
I was able to determine a point of entry in the trim screws. Seems the vinyl trim strip was acting like a funnel collecting water at the bottom and holding it. It made its way past the screws and inside. When I removed the vinyl strip, a tremendous amount of water poured out. I found this to be the case for most of this awful plastic ****, so I removed it from around the roof and cabover.
I resealed the screws with new stainless and 3M 4200. The edges were sealed with Geocel by the dealer. I believe I’m water tight again.
My question is, does this cheap vinyl trim serve any function other than cosmetics? I’d rather not put it back on. I’m okay with the aesthetics. Can I put it in the trash and never look back?
Thanks in advance.
P.S. this is the stuff: Camco Vinyl Strip Trim Insert
