Trim under front cap separated

[TxLoser]

Wasn't sure how to describe this. It's a piece of trim that goes around the cap and terminates near the king pin. Bed of my truck came very close however never touched. Yet, after parking I found this piece which has some silcon or similar caulk partially separated and the metal bit you can see protuding had screws that pulled out from above(screwed in from the bottom). I'm guessing either my bed touched and I didn't see it or the extreme flexing got the better of this. Front wheel went into a hole while backing.

Anyone else had this happen. That painted trim seems to go all around to cap and is sealed. How would you go after this.

Bad picture. Does not show the screws pulled as they're behind that trim. Screws are behind the circled area.

[WinnieView]

Is it under warranty?

[TxLoser]

Yes, I'm just figuring they'll try and tell me I did it. Honestly though, I watched and it never touched. Seems like flex. That hole area is really flimsy. Maybe by design

[TxLoser]

After closer inspection, this is definitely a warranty issue. For now, I taped it up as best I could. Made an appt for February. I follow up then in case anyone else has this down the road.

[DNelson]

Is that the seam where the aluminum and fiberglass come together? If so I had the same problem this summer with our 2018 28.5 RSTS. I noticed the trim flopping in the wind as I was driving. I could see where the undercover had been rubbed slightly by the truck side rail so figured that might have done something. I removed the trim cover and found that the heads of 3 or 4 of the 7 screws had been sheared off. I purchased 14 stainless screws and installed them. I figured if the factory only put in 7 then 14 would be twice as strong. I put the trim back in place and caulked the seam.

[TxLoser]

I'm not sure if that's the case or not. In this pic I circled the trim I'm speaking of. It's one long piece that goes around the underside. The underside is where caulking has come lose and the screws have come out.

[DNelson]

It appears that is the same seam that the separated on ours. It has been fine for the last 1,500 miles but we will be leaving MN for Port Aransas, TX the end of the month so will keep an eye on that seam.

Dwayne

[TxLoser]

Thanks Dwayne. I may tackle this myself. Sounds pretty straight forward and I hate leaving my unit at the dealer. Enjoy Texas. I'm a MN native myself, but this time of year I do appreciate Texas.

Do recall what size screws you picked up for this?

[DNelson]

I used the same length because I wasn't real sure how thick the material was above the pieces. I took one of the old screws with me and bought ones that were just a little bigger in diameter so they would be sure to bite when I put them in the same holes. It is a simple job. The hardest part was getting the broken screws out. I used a sidecutter plier to start backing the the screw out then clamped a vice grip on when I could.

I was traveling in Colorado in September and knew that it was unlikely a dealer could/would get me in for warranty work. I have always done my own repairs because I figure I can take my time and do just as good, or more likely better, job than someone at the dealer. Besides, no one will back into my rig at my house!

Looking forward to enjoying some Texas winter soon!

[TxLoser]

Great. Thanks for all the advice.

[TxLoser]

Finally had time to have a look at this today. Three screws had just backed out, but we're able to be screwed back in. One screw was actually broken. I can live without one I think. It's near the middle. My question is this, the caulk along this piece. Something I need to get from an RV place, or just basic silicone stuff from a big box stores?

[Scott91370]

Dicor self leveling sealant in your choice of color.

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Dicor...CA6B049A7319DF

[TxLoser]

This is under the cap, and clear so far as I can tell. Wouldn't the self leveling just fall to the ground? I've never used it, so not sure of it's consistency.

[Scott91370]

It would, it is pretty thin. Sorry, I was thinking it was the seam on the outside.
I will let someone that knows this area answer - correctly. :-)

[TxLoser]

This is the part I refer to.

[DNelson]

First off I would never use a silicone based sealant on an RV. I have read it is not UV resistant and most importantly once applied noting else will stick to it - even more silicone. A few years ago I asked our dealer what they use and was told OSI Quad. I have used it on everything except the roof membrane since then. It is available in clear and some colors; I use the clear. On the roof membrane I do use the self-leveling Dicor.

Oh, a good idea is to use some masking tape to keep the sealant from getting where you don't want it.

Good Luck and safe travels.

[TxLoser]

Ok. Maybe that is what was on there to begin with. I'm headed to the store tomorrow for some Dicor, so I'll grab some of that as well. Thanks