Corner trim

[Larryjb]

I need to reseal the corner trim on my 2720. I have never seen anyone describe removing the corner trim to reseal underneath, but I do see this process described elsewhere:
http://rvtipoftheday.com/general-tip...d-corner-trim/

Is this something that should be done? Or should this be avoided with our particular construction? Are the Trailmanors constructed with any kind of putty underneath this trim?

[Shane826]

My front corner pieces are pulling away. I'm gonna pull them off (against Bill's recommendation, he says they are a PITA), replace at least the street side piece, and seal the corners with Seal-Tite corner seal tape. I may even continue on and seal the roof corners as well...

https://youtu.be/7GMI-RSemd8

https://youtu.be/OpVkMsGwds4

[Larryjb]

Thanks Shane,

I'd already come across the 2nd video, but not the 1st one you linked. That 1st one was really interesting. I'd never heard of "tooling liquid" before (soapy water). The idea seems to make the seal underneath the corner trim, not along the edge like it is done on our TM. I noticed that our TM are only sealed on the outer edge of the corner trim. I doing what was done in each of those videos would be an excellent idea.

Now for my important question. If I remove the corner trim, what is going to come apart?

How is the wall panel actually secured to the roof? Is it held with the corner trim screws? It does seem, according to Maria's blog, that there is no danger of things falling apart by removing that corner strip. (unless you've got an older TM with rot).

[Shane826]

From what I understand (I haven't had mine apart yet) they are each screwed into the framing. I think you're right, they sealed AFTER assembling. The better way to do it is to put a bead down, assemble whatever you're putting on top, and let it squish out, then smooth squish. You're creating a barrier BETWEEN the pieces instead of just along the edges. I like the tape idea, then I'm gonna use 3M 4200 squished between the wall/roof and trim piece.

[Larryjb]

Whoever gets it done first can report back then!

[Kidkraz]

Post pictures if you can.

[Larryjb]

Will do. Even if Shane beats me to it, I'll take my own set. I always encounter all the pitfalls that no one else seems to encounter. I could write a dozen ... for Idiots books.

[Logman]

My os corner trim came loose and flew away during a really strong rainy wind gust while driving thru South Dakota. TM Nebraska sold me a replacement and I glued it on with a good bedding of 100% silicone rated for outside use. I also applied a bead of silicon to the outside edges. It's been holding fine for several years now, no sign of leakage or movement.

[Larryjb]

I just finished doing one of 4 corner trims:

1) Remove vinyl insert, discard.

2) Remove and discard rusted screws. These are being replaced with new stainless metal screws.

3) Remove corner trim, clean old sealant.

4) Clean surfaces with detergent, then alcohol.

5) Add new sealant along inboard of trim, full length, outboard side for the end that drops down the end of the wall.

6) Add dabs of sealant on each screw hole, and all over the last 2-3" at the top end (middle of trailer). This is where the vinyl insert will fold over.

7) place trim, screw using new No. 8 screws. (End screws are 1" No. 8, rest are 3/4" No. 8's). LEAVE last few screws loose at middle (top end of trim). Take new vinyl insert and fold the end over the edge to catch the first screw.

8) Finish screwing in trim. Add sealant on top of each screwhead, and in each unused hole of the trim. Add second bead of sealant over end of trim (I didn't have enough over the end).

9) Insert trim.


The worst part of the job was cleaning the old sealant. I tried, but couldn't remove all the old sealant. There were areas that seemed as if I still had a large layer of sealant that I couldn't remove. Acetone does remove the sealant, but it also removes the Krystal Kote. Nice.

Overall, this one trim piece took me about 6 hours. I work very slowly, I don't think I'll bother submitting my resume to Trailmanor because I think I'd be fired for lack of productivity!

Note to Bill: I heard you didn't recommend removing this trim for various reasons. I believe adding sealant so it is sandwiched between the trim and the trailer skin is far superior. Hopefully I'll not have to redo this sealant for the life of the trailer now.

Also, I feel much better having stainless screws in there now.


----

I did notice that underneath the corner trim are much longer screws holding the wall to the roof. I tried to remove one of these to see if I should consider replacing them. The one I removed, which was rusted on the screw head, looked fine on the inside. I decided to not monkey with those screws.

[Larryjb]

As promised, a few pictures. I didn't take as many along the way as it was getting hot, my hands were getting messy, and it was taking me longer than I expected.


Vinyl insert removed. Rusted screws will be removed. (All No. 8 3/4", and 1" at the ends.


Corner trim removed. Note that sealant was applied at each screw hole at the factory. There is no seam itself to leak. The seam is on the side of the wall, pointing down. The only leak points are the screw holes.


Sealant at the top end of the corner trim, near the centre of the trailer. See how neat and tidy my work is? (sarcasm, if you didn't get it)


Trim completed. Sealant squished out from underneath edge of trim. While RV sealant remains tacky after a few minutes, it was too hard to tool and make a nice bead. I thought about adding a second bead, but it's sealed really well from a continuous bead underneath the corner trim, and at each screw hole, including the unused holes on the trim itself.


More of my really neat and tidy work.


I had to add a second bead of sealant on the back end of the corner trim. I also removed the running lights and redid the sealant around those as well.