Slide-out rubber seal

[weihuazhang8888]

I have a Jayco 2020 JayFlight 267BHS travel trailer, recently found that the slide-out rubber seal has fallen off. I don't know what glue to buy and what to pay attention to when gluing it back.

Many thanks

Weihua

 

[gunafulltime]

We've had the same ongoing problem with our 2021. Prior to the 2016 Thor take-over of Jayco, Jayco used really nice double-bulb seals on the slideouts. I really appreciated that about Jayco. Our 2016 Jay Feather had them, and they were solid. 2016 was the last of the Jayco models built prior to the company becoming a Thor subsidiary. Since then, there are a number of areas where materials in the units are of a diminished quality. When we bought our 2021, we immediately noticed the diminished quality of the seals and other parts throughout the coach.

As for your problem, I am on my third set of the cruddy, extra thin rubber single seals around the slideout. They are tricky to screw in. It depends on where Jayco put the original holes for the mounting screws. Ours are way off; you have to poke a hole in the rubber to penetrate and contact the hole. On my last replacement, I considered drilling new holes; I may yet do that.

Instead, I went for an RTV sealant application with no screws:

• I inserted the seals in the track.
• I sealed the cheap plastic track on both sides from top to bottom with black RTV.
• I also ran a thick bead at the top and bottom ends of the seal (being careful not to clog/block the open ends).

I did not use glue because I know the seal's material grade is such that it will fail again. Glue would be a huge ordeal to clean up. As sealants go, RTV is not the worst for removal and cleanup. So far, I am pleased. After a year of use, they are staying in place.

After the seal's first failure, I ordered extra seal, and I keep the part number in my Jayco file. I am sure I will need them again. They are going to fail. Jayco cut back on the grade of the rubber, and they are single bulb. They tear with the slightest stress or misalignment. If Jayco is interested, I have a list of things they used to do well that they should reinstate in their builds. The seals throughout the product are one of several important build areas where they should go back to their "old" ways.

 

[weihuazhang8888]

Thank you Gunafulltime so much for this detailed answer, I will follow your instruction to fix the problem.

 

[gunafulltime]

Thank you Gunafulltime so much for this detailed answer, I will follow your instruction to fix the problem.

Another excellent sealant for this would be GeoCel. I almost used it, but I went with the RTV because it cures a little more pliable. RTV has a little flex to it which might handle the movement of the seal a little better. But I may try GeoCel the next time I have to replace these seals. Also, GeoCel is an excellent seal for your non-roof exterior seals on your rig. So maybe get some of both.

No, I am not a sealant salesman.

 

[gunafulltime]

Thank you Gunafulltime so much for this detailed answer, I will follow your instruction to fix the problem.

If you want, you can upload some pictures of the seals and your open slideout when you get ready to do the work. I and others on the JOF will be glad to look at it with you.

 

[weihuazhang8888]

Thanks, I know you are not a salesperson (ha ha ha), appreciate your help, I'm not at home, and will take a picture and upload it next week

 

[gunafulltime]

I assumed you were referring to the exterior seals. Are the seals on the interior or exterior? The newer exterior slideout single-bulb seals are known to come loose and/or tear. If it's an exterior single-bulb, they are typically screwed in at the factory.

 

[weihuazhang8888]

I'm not sure, I'll upload a picture next week. I don't think it's exterior, but if the slide-out is extended, we can say it's exterior. When the slide-out is closed, it's interior.

 

[gunafulltime]

Ok.
If it's the interior, that's a different setup. I'll keep an eye out for your photos.

 

[weihuazhang8888]

camper's slideout

Hi Gunafulltime

Phots are attached, the strip temporarily taped

Thanks

Weihua

 

[gunafulltime]

Those are the exterior single-bulb seals. They are usually on the wall edge, not on the outer aluminum fascia/extrusion. Did your trailer come with them like that, on the aluminum outer extrusion?

Normally, the seals are attached to the wall edge with two screws, one at the top and one at the bottom. They slide into a track that is riveted to the wall. It looks like someone did a modification and put them on the outer extrusion. If you did not do it, it may have been the previous owner(?).

 

[weihuazhang8888]

I bought it brand new and was the first owner

 

[gunafulltime]

I bought it brand new and was the first owner

I did some digging. I do see where Jayco did put the single-bulb seals on the outer extrusion on some Jay Flights. Can you determine how it was originally installed (tape, adhesive . . .)?

If they used tape or an adhesive, I would spray the exposed adhesive with a sticker remover, WD-40, or Goof Off. As the adhesive loosens, I would use a plastic putty knife to carefully pull the seal off. Be sure to remove all of the old adhesive. Before installing the new seal (which should use the same tape/adhesive as the original), clean the surface with denatured alcohol or even rubbing alcohol.

I cannot exactly tell, but it looks like this seal mates with another single-bulb seal on the wall edge. If that's the case, be sure you line it up correctly with that other seal. I would assume that they are meant to work in tandem to form the water barrier. My Jay Flight only has the single-bulb seal mounted to the wall edge.

You can get the exact part number from your dealer or Jayco. I would use the instructions, methods, and materials that they recommend for the installation.

 

[weihuazhang8888]

Thanks a lot Gunafulltime, with your suggestion I know what went wrong and have fixed it

 

[gunafulltime]

Awesome!
How did you do it?