I recently had a leak issue with our year and a half old truck camper.

Insert trim is a common joint system on many RV's.

The beauty cap on this trim isn't always sealed to the metal trim. At least it wasn't on our camper. Because of that water can get behind it and down on to the screws that attach the trim to the structure of the camper. It's important to make sure these screws are well sealed. They can be inspected by popping the insert trim out. This insert trim is a serviceable part and can be replaced easily. Here is a video in which Ray is inspecting (and covering) his.

Start at 6:45

In our case with a truck camper this trim runs from the face of the cap to the underside of the camper where the insert trim becomes inverted and holds any water that comes from the trim above. So our leak went undetected as water that was wicking up from the underside of the cabover collected into the cap and not noticeable.



Despite being out of warranty the manufacturer stepped up and offered to make the repair. Being out of state and not able to travel right now I decided to fix it myself. The leak was contained to the fiberglass cap which wasn't damaged so the leak didn't concern me that much. Here was the fix.

I removed the insert trim which is very easy to do. Just use a small flat bar or wide screwdriver. Once one side pops out the trim easily pulls out of the track. Then liberal amounts of dicor on the screw heads.



I also added weep holes on the underside where we had water collecting.



Finally I caulked the insert trim to the channel using Proflex Sealant to keep water out from the start.

This insert trim cap is readily available, cheap and easy to replace. Not a bad idea to pull it out and inspect your screws to make sure they are sealed well, or cover this seam as ray did in the above video with eternabond tape. Just thought I would throw that out there for any of you that do your own camper caulking and sealing. Don't forget your insert trim!

Greg

Any Harvest Hosts members here?

We signed up for the first time this year. Harvest Host is a network of businesses that allow free overnight RV access to members. Most are family type businesses such as wineries, ranches, farms, museums etc. The number of locations is fairly impressive for such a low yearly cost.




We paid $45/year after finding a discount code online. Normally $50. After becoming a member they will give you little kickbacks to bring new members on. We haven't done that ourselves but for someone with a youtube audiance it could be a way to make a few bucks if you like the service enough to recommend them.

Unfortunately our trip was cut short this year but we did stay at 4 locations. A date farm just outside Death Valley, 2 wineries and one cauliflower farm seen here near Yuma. Much better than the overcrowded BLM stop just a mile down the road.




These are one night stays unless business allows longer We stayed 2 nights at the cauliflower farm. No hook-ups or other services. You are not required to buy anything but it certainly is encouraged to at least find the owner and thank them while you have a look around. At each location we made some small purchases. Good stuff like wine that we would normally purchase anyway.

We have been very happy. The stops are unique and fun. Never had a date shake before. :)

Just thought I would pass it along. Here is a link to learn more if it sounds like something interesting to you.

Greg
Harvest Hosts