Dear Dave,
I noticed around my RV’s bedroom slide out (on the outside, when the slide out is out) that on the trailer there’s some flashing and underneath a rubber seal and then the RV wall. The rubber seal sticks out a bit and it looks like it’s deteriorating. Can I just cover the seams with a sealant or am I at some point going to have to switch out every seal on my RV? Thank you for your time. —Sincerely, Tiffany, 2011 Jayco Pinnacle
Dear Tiffany,
The white aluminum frame that is shown in the picture is the “H” column of the Schwintek slide room mechanism.
The “H” column fastens to the sidewall opening and holds the upper and lower gear rack that is attached to the slide room wall. Most manufacturers use a butyl seal, which is a putty-like ribbon between the flange and the sidewall, to seal it.
I can’t tell from the photo if it is butyl seal or a rubber flap, but what I do notice is there is a fastener missing on the bottom right. This is a common issue with the “H” column and the twisting that can occur while the room is extending and retracting.
That is why it is critical to have the unit level and secured before moving the room. When the “H” column starts moving and the fasteners snap, the entire column starts to move and becomes misaligned. It also looks like the screw above it is loose, and that is why the seal piece has worked its way out.
My recommendation
One of our writers here at RVtravel.com, Nanci Dixon, had the same issue that required a complete removal and replacement of the “H” column, as the rivets used to fasten it had popped and the room was binding.
I recommend inspecting all the fasteners on both sides and add another fastener above or below the one that is missing. I would not use the same hole as the fastener might be broken off inside, or the hole may be elongated and would not have the structure to hold anything.
Depending on what the material is sticking out, you can tuck it back in before tightening the fasteners. Or you can cut it off and seal the edge with a non-self-leveling sealant such as the Dicor brand. It has the consistency of toothpaste and will not run down the side.
If the “H” column is very loose, I would recommend having it looked at by a qualified service center.
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Dave Solberg is a leading expert in the RV industry and the author of the “RV Handbook.”
RVDT2724
Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dave! Is great to see that you have the knowledge and experience to look well beyond the stated problem and find the bigger and original problem. So glad that your column is here. Your answers educate us in knowing how we may have created a problem, allows us to communicate with techs better, and gives us a better perspective from which to evaluate work that is done for us. Have a great day and safe travels!