An RV owner in one of my Facebook groups wrote, “I noticed this separating. Can this be repaired or should I just apply caulking to it?”
Routine inspection and maintenance are so very important when it comes to inspecting the exterior of the units. In this example, we had actually released a YouTube video advising owners about this same issue. The video looks at what a Z-Lock is on the side wall of the RV and how to check to see if it’s been secured properly.
This area is so important to make sure that it’s sealed correctly. The Z-Lock is typically installed with staples and the water gets past the top side of the Z-Lock. It can not only cause damage to the wall and floor, but it also causes rust on the staples and screws, which causes them to come loose, which will cause damage to the J metal or skirting.
Most manufacturers have learned over time due to flexing and high winds that the skirting and aluminum will come loose in travel. Some manufacturers have started adding screws in the side walls of the Z-Lock to secure the molding and sheeting in place.
Check out the video below for more information and details. Thanks so much for watching! We hope this helps you to protect your unit and keeps everyone safe traveling behind you.
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Thank you,
Dustin
##RVDT2168
Dustin, Is this a condition that affects motor homes? Thanks for the info.
I recently noticed intermittent cracks in the calking along the top of the Z-lock on my 2013 Jayco Eagle Premier similar to those shown at 1:48 in the video (in several places, but not as severe). This past week I cleaned and recalked all of them. The video makes me wonder if I need to add screws. I’m going to “watch and wait” before doing so due to the following issues:
What is behind the molding for the screws to grip? If it’s just Styrofoam they will be useless. If there is something more solid, how long do they need to be? Looking at the examples with and without screws they appear to be pretty ugly.
Thanks Dustin! Great timing too. I’m going to check mine out tomorrow when it gets pulled out from under it’s cover
Info I did not know, thanks a million.
Dustin, Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m sure you have helped save many people a lot of money.