Rear Roof Joint early deterioration on 2011 BF. What to do?

[stevek]

I can tell UV early deterioration on vinyl joint.
Yellowing, plus rough texture instead of smooth.
Some "stiffening" of vinyl instead of plyable.
What should I do to prolong the deterioration of the Vinyl Joint?



Rig is stored outside and only 3 years old.
Wonder what joint will look like in 10 years?
Paint over it? Like "Fusion" spay paint?
Put a layer of EternaBond over it?
Any and all ideas appreciated..

[shilohdad]

Steve,

Our 2006 24RB has also been stored outdoors. So far, we have not had any problems due to that. We DID have to replace the vinyl joint last year due to brittleness, but that was due to a tree falling on the left rear corner during Hurricane Sandy! The vinyl joint broke in several spots, as well as some other damage. Camping World replaced the entire vinyl strip. I asked them about the brittleness, and they implied that the brittleness is OK as long as the vinyl remains intact. The brittleness is caused by exposure to sun and the elements. Since our vinyl joint had been damaged, they had to replace the entire strip.

[stevek]

Thanks Joe.
New to all this, so got lots to learn.
Thats an option... just wait until it gets brittle and then have the whole thing replaced.

Wonder if I could just do it myself?
Doesn't look that complicated?
Wonder where I buy it at?
Do you think Camping World would sell it by the foot?

The strip looks like its for cosmetic purposes only.
So don't think it would have anything to do with leaking?
Am I right or wrong?

[shilohdad]

Steve,

According to Kim at Born Free, the vinyl strip is not just decorative. It is part of the seal.

You might be able to replace it by yourself, as Camping World keeps looooong strips of it. Don't know if they'll sell it to you or not. I think they said it only took about an hour to do it, so the extra labor cost would not be too bad.

[stevek]

Thanks Joe and Sam.
I am mostly concerned about maintaining the vinyl strip the most that I can,
to extend its life before it becomes brittle and I have to replace.

And before a leak occurs. Maybe some dressing to keep the vinyl plyable?
Any suggestions on a product?

Regarding the yellowing and rough texture, I guess it is just something I will have to live with.

[mockturtle]

I've used Krylon Fusion on other plastic materials that have yellowed and it works and holds up great. These items were not pliable, however. Not sure how it would affect the plasticity of the material.

[stevek]

Thanks... Thats what I will probably do.
Worth a shot anyway. The Krylon Fusion Paint. Walmart has it.
I notice the 30 amp exterior electrical plugin is also turning yellow.

Plus the paint would surely add some UV Protection? Wouldn't it?

And... I have another question for everyone?
In my picture, what kind of sealant is used on the BF roofs.
Is it what they call... "DICOR"?

Thanks again for all the Help..