boler Belly band

[Borden]

Was thinking of putting some clear strippable caulking in top space between band and wall for extra water seal, no known band leaks. Water freezes in that area can not be good.

Also considering lexcel as it is as clear as glass when set and will keep clear look. Plus lexcel sticks to lexcel.

Could remove clean and re-rivet band but again no known leaks.

Any ideas?

[John in Michigan]

Borden, I am also considering doing this. This would eliminate the problem of dirt and debris constantly getting trapped behind the band and then staining the trailer body.

A friend has a 2018 Scamp 16 that was delivered from the factory with what appears to be white silicon caulk filling the gap between the top of the belly band and the body of the trailer.

[John in Michigan]

... I first need to remove rusting steel rivets inserted into the band by a previous owner. Very difficult to do because a power drill can't get that close to the trailer body without damaging the trailer body. Tried using a dremel but no luck so far extracting any rivets.

[Borden]

Had to replace some rivets as well used small double trim taper file to flatten top then drilled away top. New rivets are Stanly aluminum closed end marine rivets with aluminum mandrels. Easier to fix later, two spots used 3/8" long #8 Robertson stainless screws as inside hole size problem.

Would not use silicone as silicone will not stick to old silicone. It is also hard to completely remove old product.

Will try to find a yellow match strippable or use clear lexcel after our camping season is over as lexcel really smells for a week. Will need to be extra clean lexcel can be hard to work with

Will consider other out door types as well

[Markz]

Use Dicor Lap Sealant if you wish to seal that area rather than silicone. I didn't on mine because the white sealant would show against our painted body. Instead, I sealed the belly band channel to the belly band rib.

[steve67]

I am presently trying to find the source of leaks that show up where both of the interior 'T' molds meet the front base supports. I'm wondering if the belly band might be that source. Any thoughts?

[Borden]

Steve67:
We had same problem but was windows.
Prior to us they had re-bedded the windows at that time they used longer screws to connect inside band to outer window frame. The originals were 3/8" #8 Robertson screws they went into a track. The longer screws went in and through back into wall area space between widow parts. This caused leak back into trailer. We filled end of holes that went to far, squished in the track, new bedding tape, new 3/8" #8 screws and no leaks.

Days of rain has tested the 4 done so far. Worst window was front one. Added new seals to all windows only one seal not found.

So far do not think we have belly area leak but would not be supprised.

Correction on band screws they were #6 not #8 as written prior

[steve67]

I removed the the top silicon chalking from the leak ares of my belly band. The leaks were more extreme thereafter. Just to confirm, I've taped those area to see if the leak decreases. Then I'll have to do a removal and try to seal the band before putting the band back on. Would have been great if they put the rivets in from the bottom, I think.

[Phil Underwood]

Mine is a73 lovebug.. I didn't have any water leaks, but we are getting it painted and did a bellyband delete while its at the bodyshop.

[steve67]

My taping did decrease the leaking, confirming a leak on the belly band.
Removing the belly band completely interests me. The fiber glass repair would need to be done the outside only. Have any others done this? What was your process?

[steve67]

Very revealing once the aluminum band was removed...
Thinking at this point that I'll run the mini grinder down the center of the seam at about 1/2" or so deep and then stuff it with a mixture of fiberglass chop and epoxy.
I like having the band for extra strength when I need to push the RV around.
Any thoughts?

[Phil Underwood]

i removed mine mainly for cosmetic reasons. We wanted smooth sides. As for moving around.. i push on the spare tire mount" mounted to bumper" or the tongue jack.

[Phil Underwood]

we have painted ours before.. this was almost 10 years ago..

[Phil Underwood]

Also filling in the spot where someone cut the belly band out before we owned it.. I’ll post pics after I’m done painting it

[Phil Underwood]

Today’s progress.. next is sand and paint

[John in Michigan]

Originally Posted by steve67

Very revealing once the aluminum band was removed...
Thinking at this point that I'll run the mini grinder down the center of the seam at about 1/2" or so deep and then stuff it with a mixture of fiberglass chop and epoxy.
I like having the band for extra strength when I need to push the RV around.
Any thoughts?

As long as you seal it up thoroughly (no holes or gaps), that should work.

[steve67]

Looking really nice, Phil.

[Phil Underwood]

Originally Posted by steve67

Looking really nice, Phil.

Thanks.. I’ll post more after we sand and paint it

[steve67]

I have filled the gap in the belly band and it looks like the leaking has stopped. Presently refinishing the area.
I wonder if water got into a gap where they FG'd the joint from the inside. Could be that water and winter freezing cracked that joint letting water in.

Still undecided about what to do with the band.

[THene1713]

Originally Posted by John in Michigan

... I first need to remove rusting steel rivets inserted into the band by a previous owner. Very difficult to do because a power drill can't get that close to the trailer body without damaging the trailer body. Tried using a dremel but no luck so far extracting any rivets.

Comsider an angle-drill attachment head? https://www.lowes.com/pd/Milescraft-...ent/1000034773