Shrinking trim

[oldtrojan66]

Wondering what you all do about exterior plastic trim that shrinks? We have a 12yr old JAYCO fifth wheel whose outer trim is exposing some gaps of up to an inch. Must I replace all that and how do I get the correct pieces? I hate to use caulk, cause it usually droops out on vertical surfaces.

[colliehauler]

If your talking about the plastic trim molding that covers the screws it is easily replaced. I bought a 100 ft roll on ebay and redid my RV.

[Sea_Six]

I had trim that was painted to match the rest of my fifth wheel so I didn't want to replace it with unpainted trim.

I took a heat gun and applied heat to the backside (unpainted) while a friend maintained tension on the trim. We stretched it out until it was long enough and then put it back in.

Cost = $0

Looks great.

[oldtrojan66]

Ok, then. Thanks for the responses. Most of the stuff you buy that is for “RV” is crazy expensive, that’s why I asked. Thanks again, n safe travels to all!

[beemerphile1]

I spent over $200 on replacement trim insert earlier this year. Some types like the flat stuff is cheap. Other stuff like around my windows is expensive.

[Lumpty]

It gets cold, it shrinks. My Class C was built in the heat of July, so the plastic channel trim was installed fully expanded. Deduct 70-80 degrees and it gets considerably shorter, and pulls out of the track at the cabover/wall joint. I could buy new stuff, season the material in the 40 degree range, and install, but for now I'll just deal with it

[Itchey_Feet]

I replaced the trim on our TC several years ago, it comes in a roll and is easy to install. If my memory is correct it comes in two widths so you need to determine the width you need and I think it comes in white and a slightly darker color. Purchased it online. Did a bit of measuring and bought enough to do all the TC. Put the entire roll in a bucket of hot water, dried it as I installed it, compressing it as I went. Hope this helps.

[Chris_Bryant]

Replace it, most is cheap. Cut a piece and take it to the dealer or shop.

When replacing, I try to compress it, so it has some room to shrink.