ripples in ensolite

[Tot Breher]

I had ripples in the T-molding of the seams in my Trillium. I boiled them in water and removed the ripples. Reinserting them back into the seams has been difficult, but is possible. However, on one seam the ensolite is rippled. Has anyone else had this problem? How can I remove the ripples from the ensolite? (I tried a hairdryer, but it doesn't work.)

Thanks for any suggestions,
Tot

[Donna D.]

Hi Tot, welcome to FiberglassRV. We're glad you're here

I'll leave the ensolite issue to those in the know, I've got a Rat Fur Scamp. But, I'm betting someone will be along shortly with some ideas.

Just wanted to say HI

[Tot Breher]

Hi, Donna,

Thanks for the welcome. It's my first post. I hope someone has a solution; if not, I'll move on to my next clean-up job. I'm getting the camper ready to sell -- regrettably. No on in my family wants to use it anymore!

Tot

[Francesca Knowles]

I'm not clear on what you mean by rippled Ensolite on the seam- has it come unglued?

Pictures would be most helpful if you've got them.

Francesca

[Tot Breher]

Hi Francesca, Here ia set of 3 Photos:
on my flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9838860...th/8667319380/

[Francesca Knowles]

Good pics- I see what you mean and have to say:
So THAT'S what my Ensolite looks like under the molding!

Kidding aside, I really think that's probably normal and will disappear under the molding once you put it back in. I wouldn't worry about it...

Camp on!

Francesca

[Tot Breher]

Thanks so much. I'll continue inserting the molding and see what happens. At any rate, it's a small problem so I'm not going to worry about it.

Tot

[Francesca Knowles]

Sounds good, Tot- and by the way, welcome to the club!

I hope you'll be posting pics of your Trillium- what year/model is it?

Francesca

[David Tilston]

Tot, I would say the ripples are from rippling in the T molding, before you took it off. On a hot day, they will probably disappear. Then when it cools off, your molding will start to ripple again. So it goes.

[Tot Breher]

So it sounds like there is no way I'm going to avoid on-going ripples?! We do our best, but sometimes there's not a solution.
Thank you for your interest and in-put.

Tot

[Francesca Knowles]

Hmmm...I'm rethinking my original answer...

I've never seen rippling of the T-molding so can't theorize about what might have caused yours. But if there's a concern that the rippling of the Ensolite will "transfer" to the T-molding and put you back where you started, then maybe it should be dealt with.

I think if I were doing this I'd cut the rippled part down rather than try shrink the "ripples" in place. Taking care not to cut out to the boundaries of the molding of course...

Francesca

[Tot Breher]

Your thinking of the problem coincides with David's: that the T-molding ripple caused the ensolite ripple, and that it probably will come back. I think I'll try your suggestion of cutting the ensolite back for part of the way. If that section doesn't cause more rippling in the T-molding, then I'll know I have the problem licked.

I appreciate your in-put
Tot

[David Tilston]

The rippling in the T-molding is caused by repeated cycles of hot and cold, over years. Residual rippling in the Ensolite will not make this worse.

[Tot Breher]

This makes it sound like there is nothing more I can do to take the rippling out. (I've already removed it from the T-molding, using the boiling method). I'll just re-insert it into the track and resign myself to repeated treatments (or live with it). Francesca suggested that I cut back the ensolite, removing the ripples in it. What do you think?

Thanks,
Tot

[David Tilston]

I would not cut the Ensolite. The white of the Ensolite is vinyl, like the T-molding. It becomes quite plastic when heated. If it bothers you, I would get a blow dryer and get it hot, when there is no T-molding. It should bounce back, more or less.
BTW, I am just guessing. I have never done this.

[Francesca Knowles]

I'm skeptical that heat will "shrink" the Ensolite, or cause it to react in any way. Ensolite is in fact so heat-and-flame resistant that it's used in some protective clothing applications ( link).

That's also one of the reasons it's a preferred material for insulating boats ( link), and perhaps part of the reason it was chosen for this application by those trailer mfr's who use/used it.

It may be that the glue beneath the ripples has given way, though...if so, I think a heat gun may only make that worse. Regluing, though tedious, may be an option.

Francesca

[David Tilston]

Ah well, nothing like an experiment.

[RRJR]

I would lossen the ensolite (if not already loose) and reglue it, this should enable you to smooth out any rinkles. I used contact cement and it worked for me.

Ron

[Tot Breher]

I tried heat from a hairdryer and it did nothing. I'll try Francesca's and RRJR's suggestion of re-gluing.
Tot