Trim peeling

[Leilanisteve]

I’ve noticed this and haven’t thought about it much but it was bugging me today while I was replacing lug nuts so I thought I’d ask you kind folks’ opinions.
The trim seems to be peeling and bubbling around most of the trailer. Near the front I noticed it flaking away. Will this lead to any damage in the future?
We bought this used late last year. It’s a 2015 International 19’
Thanks,
Steve

[dznf0g]

Very common, very old problem. Use the search bar for alternatives.

[SteveSueMac]

I only got 5 years out of mine. Had it all replaced while having damage fixed at the factory last October. Surprised yours only lasted 3!

[Leilanisteve]

Thanks. Is it just aesthetic or something more structurally significant needing repairs? Search bar is not that helpful for other options.

[SteveSueMac]

Aesthetic as far as I know. Good luck!

[Moflash]

Ordered a 100 ft roll for $112 spent about 5 hours removing old trim and glue residue now it is better than new.Went with a medium gray this time and looks great!

[SteveSueMac]

I asked the factory if they had black instead of silver - unfortunately not for a 2012....I imagine that would look stunning!

[SeeMore]

The ProtektoTrim product is actually made by Cowles and is available through various auto body trim outlets/retailers/wholesalers for almost half the cost that Airstream asks. The matching 1" wide Chrome product number is 37-715 for a 100' roll and 37-314 for 30 feet. There are many colors offered by Cowles including black, blue, red, yellow and 'carbon fiber'.

http://cowlesproducts.com/oldcontent...color-molding/

An eBay listing: https://www.ebay.com/i/232740992579

[Roguegaston]

How about the lower wide trim? Thanks!

[skylane]

CarID.com seems to have the lowest price on Cowles 37715 @ $141.91

[ROBERT CROSS]

After replacing the cheep plastic chrome hit & miss I went down a different road.

Starts here...thru 5596👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[eagletoo]

Fellow campers,
Upon close inspection of the belt line trim, there are several seams where the pieces meet/starts/ends. Looks like a good place for water to enter and start corrosion. Has anyone closed this gap with some type of sealant? If so, what did you use?
Thanks.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by eagletoo

Fellow campers,
Upon close inspection of the belt line trim, there are several seams where the pieces meet/starts/ends. Looks like a good place for water to enter and start corrosion. Has anyone closed this gap with some type of sealant? If so, what did you use?
Thanks.

It doesn't 'corrode'...it's a cheep plastic chrome film poorly attached to the flexible molding extrusion.
It is a good idea to seal the screws under the insert that attach the aluminum base the AS.

Bob
🇺🇸

[eagletoo]

Can I use a clear silicone to seal the screws? Is silicone ok to use with aluminum? Anyone?
Thank you.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by eagletoo

Can I use a clear silicone to seal the screws? Is silicone ok to use with aluminum? Anyone?
Thank you.

I don't use sillycone...for the belt molding screws I used
3M 5200 Marine., it's best for permanent applications. One at a time, coat the threads tighten.
I have used 3M Marine Sealant on the AS & boat for years with excellent results. There are many options, Fast & slow cure, permanent and removable, UV(just used on my AC cover), and various colors.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[eagletoo]

Great info. Thank you, Bob.

[Steamy1]

I have replaced the trim on both our 23FB and 19' International. rather expensive for two trailers every couple of years.

I am going to try a different method and see how it works out. Please refer to the two pictures;

One picture is using 1" wide aluminum stripping available at the local ACE hardware store. comes in 6' length. Attaching using 1" wide double sided 3M tape.

The next picture is using the same aluminum strip, but painting with a blue reflective paint, letting it dry, then spraying with clear coat. Would like to see how this holds up.

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

The next picture is using the same aluminum strip, but painting with a blue reflective paint, letting it dry, then spraying with clear coat. Would like to see how this holds up.

I used blue reflective tape. We'll see.

[Robere]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

I have replaced the trim on both our 23FB and 19' International. rather expensive for two trailers every couple of years.

I am going to try a different method and see how it works out. Please refer to the two pictures;

One picture is using 1" wide aluminum stripping available at the local ACE hardware store. comes in 6' length. Attaching using 1" wide double sided 3M tape.

The next picture is using the same aluminum strip, but painting with a blue reflective paint, letting it dry, then spraying with clear coat. Would like to see how this holds up.

Has anyone used this method in years past and how has it held up? Looks promising and possibly long lasting. Cost?