Replacing rubber seals on camper

Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 03, 2024 at 23:31
ThreadID: 148435 Views:1270 Replies:4 FollowUps:0
Hi All, looking for advice and tips around replacing self adhering, rubber D seal that fits around floor and top of trailer in a rear fold camper (2014 Pioneer Onyx).
E.g. how much do old seals shrink? Removing the adhesive; install tips; good supplier etc.
A part number for my camper model would earn major brownie points!

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Reply By: Member - peter g28 - Wednesday, Sep 04, 2024 at 17:20

Wednesday, Sep 04, 2024 at 17:20
First take some photos of the seal..noting if there is any "corner cuts or angle cuts"..if there is..take some measurements and do a drawing of their locations.
The "D" seals do not really shrink all that much, what does happen to them is that they loose some rigidity over time and become more compressed and do not reform back to their proper sealing shape..hence dust can get in.
Measure the seal.. width and height..noting that the height would be compressed slightly so allow for that.
Removing is straightforward:
Have a good quality plastic paint scraper..scrape off as much of the seal as possible, there will be some adhesive still bonded to the body.
You could use metal paint scraper..but be careful of the painted metal under the seal you are scrapping off.
Then get some good quality automotive "Thinners"..so with a slightly wet rag..wipe over the seal residue left on the camper.
Initially do this is a small area noting if their is any staining to the metal, discolouring etc., If OK..proceed to eventually strip off the remnants of the D seal along the whole length.
You may need a bit of elbow grease for this..but take your time.
Allow time for the area to dry..run your finger along the area and "feel" with your finger if it is dry, then smell your finger for any residue of the "thinners" .
If there is still that "Thinners" smell..then with a dry rag..wipe the area throughly..and run through the process again.
It needs too be completely removed and the area dry for the ne D seal will not Stick properly.
Attach your replacement self adhesive "D" seal.
It is pretty straight forward, but can be time consuming.
The suppliers...1/. Dunn & Watson. 2/, Ovesco 3/., Industrial Rubber Suppliers 4/ Trailer Parts Direct 5/, Rubber Seals Australia.
They each have their own websites with good info.
Then if you feel not up to this for DIY..head off to any competent Caravan repair place near you and get a quote.



AnswerID: 646480

Reply By: BjByrnos - Wednesday, Sep 04, 2024 at 20:03

Wednesday, Sep 04, 2024 at 20:03
Cheers @peter g28! That detail is super helpful and much appreciated.
AnswerID: 646481

Reply By: AlbyNSW - Wednesday, Sep 04, 2024 at 20:16

Wednesday, Sep 04, 2024 at 20:16
Another good supplier to look up is Industrial Rubber Supplies, picked up a few different rubber extrusions from them today
Here
AnswerID: 646482

Reply By: Ketria P - Thursday, Sep 05, 2024 at 17:08

Thursday, Sep 05, 2024 at 17:08
Rubber seals tend to shrink over time, particularly when exposed to UV rays and weather elements. Depending on the age and condition, they may shrink by 5-10%. It’s a good idea to measure the geometry dash length of the old seal as-is, then add a few extra centimeters when ordering the replacement to account for this shrinkage.
AnswerID: 646485

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