Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **Toytaco2** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 3:42 pm

For those of you who have used the RV Insert Edge Molding:

I've found two types at my local RV parts house. One has a wider downward lip (a little less than an inch) while the other is much narrower. I think I would like to use the wider version, especially on the hatch instead of some sort of aluminum angle.

1. Has anyone here used this wider molding and how difficult is it to bend and shape this material by hand? (I've heard this is quite easy with the standard?/narrow insert molding).

2. Is this molding a good choice for the hatch edges?

I would need to work it around a 24 inch radius on the front and 48 inch radius on the rear.

http://s26.photobucket.com/user/len1907 · by **len19070** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:00 pm

I use a corner molding that originates from All-Rite #M20

Its got a 7/16" bend and I have found it to work the best. By best I mean you don't need a jig to bend it...you can do it by hand.

They do make one with a 9/16" bend (M24) but it always kinks unless your very patient or use a jig.

http://www.all-rite.com/index.php?cPath ... 347d294674

A jig isn't hard to make though.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/ ... 0_3346.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/ ... 0_3344.jpg

I have used the wider molding, and it works well on the hatch. But have since switched to a different way of doing my hatches.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/ ... 0_4092.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/ ... 0_4093.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/ ... 0_4095.jpg

It will cost you a fortune to get long lengths shipped. I use 16' lengths and buy 20 at a time to keep the cost down.

Shipping is the same for 2 as it is for 20.

Your best bet is to try a local RV dealer. They usually buy in bulk also.

It should run you $30-40 a 16' length.

A little salty but it looks and works real nice.

Happy Trails

Len

by **aggie79** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:03 pm

I can't help but am interested in the responses. :thinking:

For my situation, I am considering using Grant's wide lip (5/8") RV edge molding on the hatch and standard molding (3/8") everywhere else. However, because I would like it all to be consistent width, I might try to use the 5/8" molding throughout, but I have tighter radiuses (radii?) than you.

by **Toytaco2** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 8:42 pm

Wow Len, that is some great information to have. :applause:

I recognize the molding profiles in your links and it looks like it matches one of the wide lip patterns at my RV parts store. I expected to pay about the price you mention. However, for once I was pleasantly surprized. They quoted me $19 and change for 16 foot sections of the wide lip and $16 and change for the narrow lip moldings. These were both in "Polar White" color. The "mill finish" moldings were several dollars less. I plan on giving them a quick sanding and then spraying them with an enamel to complement the trailer's color. My hope is that starting with the Polar White versions of the molding will negate the need to prime them first.

BTW, I love the look of your hatch seals. Too bad its a little late for me to change my design at this point.

by **steve wolverton** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:05 am

Toytaco2 wrote:They quoted me $19 and change for 16 foot sections of the wide lip and $16 and change for the narrow lip moldings. These were both in "Polar White" color.

Please keep us posted on this Toytaco2. I'm also going to use this stuff for my build. I've seen white and aluminum.

http://s26.photobucket.com/user/len1907 · by **len19070** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:38 am

Toytaco2 wrote: They quoted me $19 and change for 16 foot sections of the wide lip and $16 and change for the narrow lip moldings.

That's a great Price. Go for it.

I've painted the Polar white before. Like you said, scuff them up a bit and they'll take paint well.

Happy Trails

Len

by **Toytaco2** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:30 am

Well I just learned that the RV parts place is going to be closed tomorrow through New Year's Day. No way I'm going to be able to get the trim before then.

With the economy such as it is and all that's going on with RV businesses, I guess I'll just hope they are able to reopen then. I'll report back after I pick up the moldings and other stuff I need from them.

Mike

by **bobhenry** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:40 am

Well at least RV salvage will be plentiful after all the RV plants close down ! :shock:

by **Toytaco2** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:45 am

len19070 wrote:
They do make one with a 9/16" bend (M24) but it always kinks unless your very patient or use a jig. ....................

A jig isn't hard to make though..................

Len

Len, it sounds like you work with quite a bit of the edge molding. I will only need to work around one 24" radius and one 48" radius on each side of the TD. The 48" radius is the hatch and is a single piece about 5 1/2 feet long. The other radius is on the front of the TD and will be in the middle of "straight runs". Would you think the wide edge molding could be "very patiently" worked around these curves by hand without making the jig as I would probably never use it again and would need more ply at this point since I'm just about out of scrap. Any tips on how to do it?

Mike

by **Toytaco2** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 1:33 pm

Well, I was able to pick up the insert molding last night - $19 and change per 16 foot length. I got the wide lip molding in polar white planning to paint if before installing on the TD. I'll be using a "bending jig" as suggested by Len to make it around the radius.

The guy at the parts shop said butyl tape was the best material to seal under the molding, so I got that too. Any other tips on actually sealing up the molding when I install it? :thinking:

http://s26.photobucket.com/user/len1907 · by **len19070** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 1:59 pm

Soak the insert molding

in a bucket of hot water. (an hour or so)

It makes it go on a lot easier, but leave plenty of overhang on the ends and let it sit for a while before trimming it.

Happy Trails

Len

by **steve wolverton** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 2:05 pm

Toytaco2 wrote:Well, I was able to pick up the insert molding last night - $19 and change per 16 foot length.

You got a great deal on that stuff!

by **Toytaco2** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:02 pm

Len - Thanks, great help as usual. I did notice that the insert was a pretty stiff/tight fit in the runners and your tip should be a big help.

Steve - Yeah, I expected to pay close to twice as much for the insert molding. Everything I picked up at this place last night was less than I expected it to be. I thought butyl tape at 3.95/30 feet and 36" drip cap at $6.28 were pretty good deals also.

Mike

by **steve wolverton** » Thu Jan 08, 2009 3:21 pm

Toytaco2 wrote:36" drip cap at $6.28 were pretty good deals also.

I just paid $14 to have a 30" drip cap mailed to me.

You should be reselling this stuff!

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