Interior trim panel above rear window detaching. How to re-attach?

[andrewssteve]

I've got a trim panel that's detaching. Need advice for re-attaching.

This shot is looking out of the rear window in my 2018 Solitude 310GK. Trim panel is perpendicular to window plane, above windows. Two puck lights and a switch in the panel:



Here's the left side of the panel showing the puck light. This side is not detached.



The center of the panel, with the light switches, is barely detached:



In the next post, I'll show you the detached right side of the panel.

[andrewssteve]

Detached panel:





Here I'm pushing the panel back up with my hand:

[andrewssteve]

At first I thought it was the weight of the cabinets above causing the detachment. But no. There's a false bottom that the panel attaches to. The cabinet bottom is not in contact with the panel.

It feels like the false bottom is continuous across the length and width of the panel. And there are no screws or staples securing the panel. I'm wondering if it was secured with adhesive that is failing. Seems like an unlikely way to secure a panel at the bouncy-est location in an RV.

Anyone have any ideas on securing this drooping panel?

Thanks.

-Steve

[powerscol]

You could try re-stapling, but that could look ugly. Is there support along the back? If so you could get some black or brown colored interior trim screws (pan head) and do a simple layout across the back (start at center and equally space) Just a thought.

BTW - Pre-drill the panel to minimize screw pull out.

[Houndbb]

I would look at the right edge (as you are facing the window). It almost looks like the panel is buckling due to expansion (heat, cold, humidity will cause expansion and contraction). If the panel wasn’t obviously cut a bit too long, you might tack it back with staples or short brads. You’re probably right, that it was initially installed with only adhesive. Maybe the guy on the assembly line operating the staple gun didn’t come back from lunch.

[Bradnailer]

If you can, pull it out slightly, put a dab of wood glue on it, set it back in place and secure it with masking tape until the glue dries. We had one come loose but I popped it back in with my small "bradnailer".....

[WhittleBurner]

If you can, pull it out slightly, put a dab of wood glue on it, set it back in place and secure it with masking tape until the glue dries. We had one come loose but I popped it back in with my small "bradnailer".....

I'd be careful taping anything to the faux wood surfaces. Tape could remove the wood looking film, then you'd have a real mess.
I replaced a piece falling trim with a tiny brad, you can cover it with either matching caulk or find a matching permanent marker at an art supply store to color the brads.

[andrewssteve]

Update: at first I didn't find any staples, but a closer inspection revealed a row of staples *very* close to the back of the panel. There has to be a backing block for those staples.

I'll have to remove the wooden valence over the window to get a nail gun up to the line, but I think it's doable.

Due to the flimsy-ness of the panel, I think I should use a pin nailer (the one I was thinking about buying, right? ) Any thoughts?

-Steve

[Country Campers]

I would use a staple instead of pin nails. This "wood" is very thin and as you already have found the staples can pull right thru. The staples were probably set to deep into the wood and this may be why they pulled thru. A little look around the whole panel you may be better to remove it entirely and make sure there is something to fasten to.

Brian

[powerscol]

You cold stain and add a trim piece to nail through like some 1/4 round or even flat stock. Just thinking here.