Rivets on the Boler

[Gale Michel]

I'm considering buying a 1975 Boler. It needs a lot of cosmetic repairs, the furnace doesn't work, and the current owner has never used the water tank so is unsure of it.

She said that there was a leak at one time and she took it to an RV repair shop and they said that the leak was from one of the rivets. They then proceeded to apply caulking of some type to all of the rivets on the body, creating a very ugly exterior. The owner was not pleased, but did say that there has not been any more leaking. Does this seem to be a normal way to do repairs for a leak?

[GMike A]

The answer is a definite no and if you just do a search on rivets or leaks you will find tons of responses and how to for just this issue. I think Donna keeps an on going record of every issue thread and will probably jump in soon with links for your problem. There are lots of Boler owners and solutions on this forum.

[Keaner]

Ugh..def not the way to do it. I have a 73 Boler and had a couple leaks. I replaced just those rivets with leak proof rivets. They were designed and built without the silicone so no need for that.

[Gale Michel]

Thanks for the feedback. I did a search for rivet leaks, but didn't get one of those threads you mention. Maybe my key words were key enough! I'll try again. I need to figure out if the damage done by the caulking can be repaired before I make an offer on the Boler.

[Gale Michel]

Thanks, Joe. I'll price out the leak proof rivets for replacing. That will help me determine my offer.

[Keaner]

There are two types. One comes with a built in cap, another leaves the shaft inside and plugs the hole. You could buy all you need of either type for about $50. The silicone won't harm the trailer, it is just a pain of removing it..lots of elbow grease.

[Gale Michel]

thanks, good to know that it's not a significant expense.

[james kent]

An 84 Boler here. No rivets through the shell. Seats, cupboards and kitchen unit attached with wide fibreglass tape. That means a stronger trailer and no leaks.
Jim


Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV

[Gus L]

Can you use the fiberglass tape instead of the rivets? Mine is full of them and I would like to eliminate them all.