Jim S.
USA
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Joined: 03/25/2004
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I have a 2001 Coachman truck camper and for some goofy reason the siding buldged out and came loose on both sides of the camper. It was fastened at the factory with cheap staples and i ended up screwing it to the studs in 3 places on both sides. I wasn't thrilled punching holes in the siding and i wonder if anyone has any experience taking the siding off and replacing part of it????
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BobsYourUncle
Surrey, BC Canada
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Joined: 12/12/2003
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I replaced all the siding on my old TT. Same concept.
It is a nuisance in that you have to remove a lot of stuff to be able to remove the siding. Corners, windows, vents or anything else in the way has to come out.
Siding is put on from the top down and is finished with a molding of sorts at the bottom, usually stapled under the bottom.
To get the bottom row off you have to remove the attachment under the bottom edge and then take the first row off. Then the staples for the next row and so on. The siding has what they call an "S" lock at the bottom. The next row is inserted up into the lock and then stapled onto the studs.
The single biggest reason for siding coming loose is the shop monkeys building the things not paying attention and missing the studs with the legs of the staples, usually one leg. The staples have close to a one inch crown and the stud is usually barely 1 1/2" or sometimes 1 3/8". So accuracy counts here.
Driving down the roads with the wind buffeting the side of the camper can eventually work the staples loose, causing the problem you have.
Running screws in there was not the best idea, but it is done now.
It would take me about a full days work to strip the siding off a TC and repair it. Maybe a bit more if the cleanup is ugly from multiple layers of sealant.
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Reddog1
El Dorado, CA
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Joined: 03/09/2004
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I had a 1987 Komfort Aire fifth wheel with aluminum siding, which was attached (from factory) with screws. I did not find them unattractive, but replaced some of them because they rusted. You can get the screws in colors.
Most aluminum is stapled on, as previously stated.
Wayne
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covered wagon
USA
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Joined: 05/01/2004
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Screws that don't rust will seal real well. I would use all stainless steel screws predrilled and sealant squirt into each of the screw holes prior to screwing in. This makes a good seal and helps keep tight screws. Another way I'd go, is using small neoprene washers under each screw head. Screwing off a siding panel on a camper can only make it stronger (better brace panel effect).
Heck, I'd rather have all of the siding screwed to each stud. Probably every second or third or fourth rib, just not too many is all, keeping the screws straight. Just my humble opinion.
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JoeChiOhki
Keizer, Oregon
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Joined: 11/20/2003
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The staples pulled out on a couple spots on mine over the years and I've had to do the same thing.
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54suds
adk mts.
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Joined: 10/21/2002
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Quote:
"for some goofy reason the siding buldged out and came loose on both sides of the camper"
If it was my camper I'd be looking for the- cause- of the two sides buldging at the same time!!
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