Posted 2012-03-28 10:48 AM (#142573) Subject: Rubber Door Strip Separating
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Central WI
We have 60/40 rear doors with a collapsible tack so there is no center post. Along each door edge is a soft rubber strip that flexes and overlaps with the other door to form a weather barrier. The rubber strip is coming apart where users have a tendency to grab the door edge to pull it open once the door is unlatched. I can't tell if the strip is one or two parts. On both doors there is a short 8-10" section that needs to be reattached to itself. What would be the best adhesive and method to use? Keep in mind I am bonding rubber to rubber, not rubber to aluminum.
Posted 2012-03-28 1:06 PM (#142575 - in reply to #142573) Subject: RE: Rubber Door Strip Separating
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Clean the areas to be glued and roughen the edges with an abrasive sandpaper. Purchase a tire tube repair kit, and use the enclosed adhesive to bond the rubber pieces. Most auto stores and Sears carry the kits. If the pieces can be adhered face to face, the bond will be stronger than an edge to edge repair.
Other sources of rubber glues are Elmers and Loctite. Whatever brand you source has to result in a flexible bond. A common epoxy or glue line will fail whenever the material stretches and moves. The repair has to be as flexible as the material itself.
Posted 2012-03-28 7:04 PM (#142586 - in reply to #142573) Subject: RE: Rubber Door Strip Separating
Regular
Posts: 80 Location: Central WI
I took a closer look at the trailer this afternoon. There is a 'U' shaped vinal type channel that covers the aluminum door edge. Attached to this along the bottom of the 'U' is the soft rubber seal. Your point about the need for continued flexing is noted. Thank you for the input.
Posted 2012-03-28 11:57 PM (#142605 - in reply to #142573) Subject: RE: Rubber Door Strip Separating
Elite Veteran
Posts: 610 Location: Northern CA
I have the same thing happening to my trailer that is now 6 years old. Except it is my door that goes into the gooseneck area of my trailer. So now I am not only having to re-caulk everything but also repair the door trim thingy. This year is already turning into the "everything needs to be re-paired" year for me! Ughhh.
Rubber Door Strip Separating
