Rubber insert trim - mine flew off on highway. Does it serve a purpose?

[TXsurfer]

Both sides of my cap have an aluminum trim peace that screws in and is covered by a thin rubber insert. On my latest trip both sides had the rubber insert come out and start flapping in the wind. I removed them for the ride home. Other than covering the screw heads for looks does it perform any sort of water leakage prevention?

[livinthelife]

Both sides of my cap have an aluminum trim peace that screws in and is covered by a thin rubber insert. On my latest trip both sides had the rubber insert come out and start flapping in the wind. I removed them for the ride home. Other than covering the screw heads for looks does it perform any sort of water leakage prevention?

Same thing happened on our Reflection (at different times). My husband just reinstalled them and use silicone in the track to seal it.

[FT4NOW]

My driver side would do that on every trip, I needed up using some black gorilla tape to hold it in place, good for now.

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[powerscol]

They do serve a purpose to keep water away from the screws. Water will leak in eventually.

[geotex1]

Industry-wide, it is not unusual for the insert trip to escape! A little silicone adhesive, 3M VHB tape, or similar at the ends and any bends that distort the insert's shape so much it doesn't seat right.

[TXsurfer]

Ok thanks all...