Replacement of exterior slide trim

[cbgrandrv]

We recently purchased a 2021 GD Imagine XLS 22MLE and as I went to park it at a storage facility, I bumped into the overhang of a Class C, putting a minor dent in the side but also bent the slide trim (photos attached). The slide still works and it doesn't appear to have impacted the ability of the slide to seal, but I would like to fix the bent trim. I have tried to remove the bend with the trim attached using a vice but that did not work. I may be able to bend it by removing it and using heat, but maybe someone knows better and even that won't work. I believe I have found the part on Amazon so that's a possibility, and I would guess that a call to GD would help in getting the part if that's not it. Regardless, if I remove the trim, I obviously have to reinstall it and I'm wondering if anyone can give advice on the difficulty or the sealant to use if I remove/replace the trim. It doesn't appear to be difficult to remove other than fighting against the sealant that was used to put it in place, but I could be underestimating the difficulty. My biggest concern is getting it reinstalled properly with the proper sealant or adhesive. Any advice would be appreciated.


View attachment 51869

 

[geotex1]

It's no big deal at all for the side trims. The trim is a standard industry item. You can buy from GD directly too avoiding guesswork. It's just silicone caulk, screws, and maybe butyl tape underneath.

 

[IBEW Sparky]

We recently purchased a 2021 GD Imagine XLS 22MLE and as I went to park it at a storage facility, I bumped into the overhang of a Class C, putting a minor dent in the side but also bent the slide trim (photos attached). The slide still works and it doesn't appear to have impacted the ability of the slide to seal, but I would like to fix the bent trim. I have tried to remove the bend with the trim attached using a vice but that did not work. I may be able to bend it by removing it and using heat, but maybe someone knows better and even that won't work. I believe I have found the part on Amazon so that's a possibility, and I would guess that a call to GD would help in getting the part if that's not it. Regardless, if I remove the trim, I obviously have to reinstall it and I'm wondering if anyone can give advice on the difficulty or the sealant to use if I remove/replace the trim. It doesn't appear to be difficult to remove other than fighting against the sealant that was used to put it in place, but I could be underestimating the difficulty. My biggest concern is getting it reinstalled properly with the proper sealant or adhesive. Any advice would be appreciated.


View attachment 51869

It's no big deal at all for the side trims. The trim is a standard industry item. You can buy from GD directly too avoiding guesswork. It's just silicone caulk, screws, and maybe butyl tape underneath.

@cbgrandrv
I wouldn't remove the trim. Try clamping a long piece of hardwood that's cut to fit on the backside of the trim and another on the outside of the trim. Get them clamped as tight as possible and then use a large pipe wrench on both boards for leverage and twist it back into shape. You should be able to get 99% of it straightened out.

 

[cbgrandrv]

Thanks for the idea — that is almost exactly what I tried but I could not get it to bend at all. The bend is kind of a curved bend about 6 inches long. To get it straightened, I need to bend it but avoid bending anything outside that 6-inch area. It’s like a dent really and that aluminum is solid stuff! I almost think the only way to bend it would be to remove it, lay it on a solid wood surface and hammer out the dent. And since I’d have to remove it anyway, a new piece would probably look better than this one would after I get done hitting with a hammer.

 

[geotex1]

Thanks for the idea — that is almost exactly what I tried but I could not get it to bend at all. The bend is kind of a curved bend about 6 inches long. To get it straightened, I need to bend it but avoid bending anything outside that 6-inch area. It’s like a dent really and that aluminum is solid stuff! I almost think the only way to bend it would be to remove it, lay it on a solid wood surface and hammer out the dent. And since I’d have to remove it anyway, a new piece would probably look better than this one would after I get done hitting with a hammer.

A replacement trim is under $100 to your door. The trim is extruded aluminum with the filet on the outer edge and "T" on the back. Practically impossible to make it look like anything without a a heavy roller and dies.

 

[cbgrandrv]

A replacement trim is under $100 to your door. The trim is extruded aluminum with the filet on the outer edge and "T" on the back. Practically impossible to make it look like anything without a a heavy roller and dies.

A replacement trim is under $100 to your door. The trim is extruded aluminum with the filet on the outer edge and "T" on the back. Practically impossible to make it look like anything without a a heavy roller and dies.

Thanks again @geotex1 . That is what I plan to get. Tried to order it from GD but they couldn’t ship it unless they cut the 15 foot piece into 6-foot pieces —- which is about a foot too short. I then called a dealer but had to leave a message and didn’t get a call back. And it’s complicated by the trailer being in storage where I can’t work on it along with HOA regulations! So I just haven’t been able to act on your advice. Gonna just drive to one when I get some time and then ignore the HOA for a few days.

 

[geotex1]

Try, GD again. Tell them the length you need. Retail Parts folks aren't that great. You may need to elevate to Chris. Otherwise, get them to provide the details of who exactly is the supplier used for your build. Probably will cross-reference right to RecPro part.