My First Belly Band Thread - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 06-03-2013, 11:07 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
My First Belly Band Thread

Since I have four Trillium Trailers, this is not the last time I will do this procedure. This, and the door, and the windows. I have years worth of fun ahead.

I used a 4.5" Canadian Tire grinder with a sandpaper flap disk. It cut like a knife through butter. It goes really fast, maybe a bit too fast. I did slip in a few places.

I have consulted my fibreglass expert, my neighbor. The first grind was a bit wussy. I left some pretty sharp corners. My next try was quite a bit more aggressive. I went through in several places, but as the before pictures show the inner bandage had come out flush with the surface of the gel coat. To get any kind of grind, those spots were going to have to go.
I have divided the pictures up into the quadrants of:
Front Street Side
Front Curb Side
Rear Street Side
Rear Curb Side
This will make it easier to compare the different situations.

BTW: The black lines are electrical tape.
Attached Thumbnails
Cantaloupe - Before - Front - Curb Side 01.jpg   Cantaloupe - Before - Front - Street Side 01.jpg  

Cantaloupe - Before - Rear - Curb Side 01.jpg   Cantaloupe - Before - Rear - Street Side 01.jpg  

David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2013, 11:09 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
The Final Grind

This is how the grinding looked after the second go.

Most of the metal plates have been removed. Some I cut with tin snips, others I cut with a dremmel. Then I pulled the two halfs out like rotten teeth.

Next is prep, and glassing.
Attached Thumbnails
Cantaloupe - Grinding - Front - Curb Side 01.jpg   Cantaloupe - Grinding - Front - Curb Side 02.jpg  

Cantaloupe - Grinding - Front - Curb Side 03.jpg   Cantaloupe - Grinding - Front - Street Side 01.jpg  

Cantaloupe - Grinding - Front - Street Side 02.jpg   Cantaloupe - Grinding - Rear - Curb Side 02.jpg  

Cantaloupe - Grinding - Rear - Street Side 01.jpg   Cantaloupe - Grinding - Rear - Street Side 02.jpg  

David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2013, 04:09 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Steve Hammel's Avatar
 
Trailer: Trillium 4500
Posts: 2,050
Registry
David, Sorry I'm lost. What are you attempting to do? Are you replacing it? Stopping a leak? Customizing?
Steve Hammel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2013, 09:40 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
Steve, Perhaps Trillium trailers in Las Vegas don't suffer the problems associated with the belly band, like Canadian Trilliums do. When Trillium joined the top half to the bottom half they riveted through the belly band into metal plates that were on the inside of the two shell halfs. This lines up the top and bottom of the trailer. Then they run a bandage of fibreglass over the metal plates from the inside. The trailer is now water proof. But, this creates pockets that the metal plates are in. On the bottom, water gets in. When it freezes, it opens that pocket a bit. The metal plate also starts to rust, which doesn't help. Over the years, (40 in the case of this trailer) that pocket eventually ruptures into the trailer. Now there is a leak. Also, once the metal plates rust enough, the rivet comes out, and the belly band falls off.
The attached drawing is close, but where it says "gelcoat" is actually the top half of the trailer. Also, where it says resin is actually the bandage, but it is only as wide as the raised part of the fibreglass that the belly band is on.
The solution is to close up the seam completely.
The steps, as I understand them, are to remove the belly band by drilling out the rivits.
Then grind down the fibreglass on either side of the seam, so that there is a bevel, about an inch wide, on each side of the seam. This provides a large surface area for new fibreglass to adhere to. (this is were I am now)
Then lay down fibreglass strips to fill the seam, and joint the top and bottom shell in one continuous surface.
Next sanding and Bondo to smooth it out.
Then paint.
Some put a self adhesive replacement belly band. I like the clean look with just fibreglass.

Some other threads on the subject.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...and-44340.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...and-39929.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ium-48922.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...and-46424.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...val-41308.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ion-49308.html
Attached Thumbnails
Anatomy of the Belly Band.jpg  
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2013, 11:47 AM   #5
Moderator
 
Jim Bennett's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2009 19 ft Escape / 2009 Honda Pilot
Posts: 6,221
Registry
Dave, are you going to expose the inside of the joint, to seal that up where leaks may have now started? Or are you just going to ensure the good seal from the outside?

Either way, it looks like a fair bit of work ahead of you.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Jim Bennett is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2013, 01:00 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
Jim, I am just going to seal it up from the outside. The metal plates are gone, I am thinking an acid to wash out the rust. I think it leaked from several places, and getting under the Ensolite would be too much work. I think the combination of the remaining bandage on the inside, and what I add to the outside, should be stronger then before. I doubt there will be any leaks when I am done.
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2013, 02:32 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
Name: Mike
Trailer: 1996 16' Casita SD
Louisiana
Posts: 555
Registry
Good write up, David. I've thought about doing the same to my '77 13' Trill. I also thought about changing the "hump" on the door to line up with the belly band. The door closes ok but as with all these old Trills, the door line is WAY off!
A little grinding, a little fibreglassing, a little paint and viola'!
itlives is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2013, 09:00 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Donna D.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: 1988 16 ft Scamp Deluxe
Posts: 25,697
There's no real documentation, but I like what Reid did, he ground off the Trillium belly band and painted the entire area. Maybe this thread will give you an idea, no one says you have to put a belly band back on! http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post274055
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward - 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Double Yolk - 1988 16' Scamp Deluxe
Donna D. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2013, 09:48 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
Oh, I agree Donna! I have no intention of putting a belly band back on any of my Trilliums. I really like the clean look.
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2013, 11:00 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
Name: Mike
Trailer: 1996 16' Casita SD
Louisiana
Posts: 555
Registry
If I do it (and I like the idea of cleaning up the body!) I think I still want the door lines though.
Keep the pics coming David!
itlives is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2013, 11:31 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
??? Door lines?
The raised fibreglass ridge will still remain, just the aluminum belly band will be gone, including on the door. It still won't line up though.
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2013, 01:08 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Name: Mike
Trailer: 1996 16' Casita SD
Louisiana
Posts: 555
Registry
I talking about moving the door raised fiberglass ridge to line up. As long as you're itchy from fibreglass you might as well make it line up. :-)
Yes, that would involve grinding the old one down and building another one.
Too much work? Maybe, but that's my thoughts anyway.
itlives is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2013, 01:20 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
Umm... I am pretty sure that even if the door is installed perfectly, it still won't line up. There was a flaw in the mold.
But, re-installing the door is next.
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2013, 02:07 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Name: Mike
Trailer: 1996 16' Casita SD
Louisiana
Posts: 555
Registry
I know it is flawed. I'm talking about "un-flawing" it.

I guess now that I've said it, I'll have to do it. Maybe at the end of the year. Still working my solar system right now.
itlives is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2013, 02:56 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
Mike, With the belly band surgery I am doing, I have the edges of the ridge that the belly band sat on for land marks. I plan to sand / fill till I am flush with the two edges. How do you plan to move the ridge on the door?
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2013, 06:24 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Name: Mike
Trailer: 1996 16' Casita SD
Louisiana
Posts: 555
Registry
David, I plan on cutting it off with a 4" angle grinder. Or, starting like that to see how much structural integrity I'll have to worry about.
If I can't move it without destroying the door, I'll first build up the fiberglass to where the top line needs to be, then take off the bottom of the hump.
I say all this without ever seeing the inside of the door. If needed, one could build up the fiberglass from the inside to keep from losing the integrity off the door.
itlives is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-06-2013, 08:48 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Name: Fred
Trailer: 1978 Trillium 4500
Washington
Posts: 232
Registry
Looking good David! Make sure to mention the safety precautions -- you are using a breathing mask aren't you?

Cheers
__________________
Cheers

--Fred and Natalie
1978 Trillium 4500 "Bernerwagon"
freddo411 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2013, 09:00 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by itlives View Post
David, I plan on cutting it off with a 4" angle grinder. Or, starting like that to see how much structural integrity I'll have to worry about.
If I can't move it without destroying the door, I'll first build up the fiberglass to where the top line needs to be, then take off the bottom of the hump.
I say all this without ever seeing the inside of the door. If needed, one could build up the fiberglass from the inside to keep from losing the integrity off the door.
That surgery is one I'd like to see. Please post pictures when you do it.
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2013, 09:02 AM   #19
Senior Member
 
David Tilston's Avatar
 
Name: Dave W
Trailer: Trillium 4500 - 1976, 1978, 1979, 1300 - 1977, and a 1973
Alberta
Posts: 6,926
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by freddo411 View Post
Looking good David! Make sure to mention the safety precautions -- you are using a breathing mask aren't you?

Cheers
Breathing mask, goggles and a bunny suit. My next door neighbor's kid was playing outside, and I held back from grinding till she went inside. Safety first.
David Tilston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2013, 09:40 AM   #20
Raz
Senior Member
 
Raz's Avatar
 
Trailer: Trillium 2010
Posts: 5,185
Quote:
Originally Posted by David Tilston View Post
Breathing mask, goggles and a bunny suit
does it have ears and a tail? Sorry
Raz is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Polishing That Belly Band steve J Care and Feeding of Molded Fiberglass Trailers 22 10-13-2014 07:03 AM
Trillium Belly Band Randy Bishop Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 9 05-16-2013 05:00 PM
Help: Trillium Belly Band msinger919 Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 11 11-13-2012 09:35 PM
Belly Band Ruth C. Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 2 06-19-2011 07:17 PM
Belly Band Trillium Johny Bg Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 3 05-11-2010 11:45 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:48 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.