'99 Excella 1000 Lower Belt Trim Fix?

[Silver Otter]

The lower strip on the front of the Otter started coming loose on this last trip. Is there a 'fix' for this and, if so, may I ask for some step-by-step instruction? Thanks.

[perryg114]

When you pull the plastic strip out of the moulding there should be some pop rivets holding the moulding on. You can put in more rivets and fill the existing holes with rivets as well. If you don't want to put in more holes use bigger rivets. I would fix it ASAP before the floor gets wet.

Perry

[Silver Otter]

Thanks, Perry. I'll try to gently pull the central plastic out and see what I see.

[perryg114]

Usually that plastic strip is anchored on both ends because otherwise it with shorten alot when the temperature changes and make gaps. Sometimes there is a cap or piece of metal at each end with a pop rivet in it. The rivet goes through the cap and into the plastic strip and then through the trim and then the trailer skin. You need like 1/2" long pop rivets to put it back together.

Perry

[Silver Otter]

Got my new Stanley rivet tool and box of selected rivets. There doesn't seem to be an "end" to the plastic insert strip anywhere close to the area needing repair. I feel like I'd do lot of unnecessary damage to get to the center point behind the propane tanks. I'll try a "pull-away-and-rivet" trick unless someone else has a suggestion?

[Florida 55]

Originally Posted by Silver Otter

Got my new Stanley rivet tool and box of selected rivets. There doesn't seem to be an "end" to the plastic insert strip anywhere close to the area needing repair. I feel like I'd do lot of unnecessary damage to get to the center point behind the propane tanks. I'll try a "pull-away-and-rivet" trick unless someone else has a suggestion?

Greg,

If you need to replace the plastic strip, Out of Doors Mart in Greensboro, NC sells it by the foot. I had to replace some recently.

[perryg114]

That plastic strip is continous and it should be riveted at each end and that is why you can't find a joint. If the ends are not restrained it will gap as the temperature changes and the plastic expands and contracts.

Perry

[Silver Otter]

OK, guys. Thanks. @ Chuck: Yep I use the folks at OODM as my repair and parts HQ. They're great. @Perry: I'll come up with some kind of solution.