Do I need to replace the seal around the roof?

[gatorgirl]

Hello Everyone!!
Just bought my first popup. Had a regular trailer first but switched to a popup...I was too chicken to pull the big trailer!! LOL!

Getting it ready for our first trip and have a question about the gasket/seal thing that sits around the edge of the roof and seals out water. At the back end of the trailer, there is a gap and it's collecting water I think. Can I fix this or do I need to put a whole new one on??

[rccs]

If that is all that is wrong with the gasket and it was mine, I would buy a small tube (like toothpaste type tube) of black silicone caulk and fill the gap with that. What I would do is to put some wax paper behind the gasket up under the roof and let it hang down the lower part of the camper to avoid getting silicone caulk on the camper itself and than just fill the gap and let it cure overnight before removing the wax paper.

[gatorgirl]

I forgot to mention that it's at least an inch gap!!! I don't think it's possible to do that unless I can somehow pull the two pieces back together and then caulk like you say...Is that possible?

[ladymap]

What make of popup is it?  Coachman, Coleman, jayco, Star Craft?

[gatorgirl]

What make of popup is it?  Coachman, Coleman, jayco, Star Craft?

2001 Starcraft Gemini

[coach]

I don't think you need to replace it.

I would get something to fill in the gap, maybe a starcraft dealer can sell you a inch or so!

[4Campers]

My guess is it's rubber based and has shrunk due to exposure to the elements. If this gap is already one inch, the remaining piece will probably continue to deteriorate further. Putty or silicon would be a temporary fix. Replacement would be a long term fix. Questions are: what's the cost and how much time and labor involved? Good Luck-

[coach]

Starcraft Weatherstripping Roof Seal Kit (40' Black)

I'd still try and 'patch' the gap!

[WolfPack]

I would go head and replace it it shouldn't cost to much.

[tlhdoc]

First I want to congratulate you on the purchase of your PU.  Second welcome to PUT!!!

If you want to fix it and get it done for the long term,  Replacing the roof gasket is in order.  I would order the roof seal and replace the seal.  If you don't want to do the complete replacement at this time, then you could try stretching the existing roof gasket and glueing it back together.  I would contact Starcraft and ask them what they would use to glue it with.  You could also put a piece of Gorilla Tape (like duct tape but stronger and last longer outside and it is black) over the gap.  Good luck with the fix/replacement.

[austinado16]

Hi and Welcome!
I agree, if the replacement is available, and you have the money and the skill to install it, just replace it.   Starcraft has an outstanding parts department, and their technical advice/assistance people are equally great.  Give them a call at:  (260)593-2550

Also, check out how your seal is mounted. If it's glued on, you'll need a tube of 3M Weatherstrip Adheasive to glue it back.......but you could carefully peel it off for about 3', and then reglue it, stretching it just enough to butt up against the other end.

If the seal sits in a channel, then you can just start stretching it in situ, from a few feet back, and then glue it to the other piece using liquid rubber, or black silicone (tape it at the seam until the glue dries).