Small gaps / holes in seals, fix?
 

Not a huge issue, but has anyone else found a way to fill in any gaps or holes in the weather-stripping between the top and bottom? I see there are some slight holes by the pulley cabling which I understand may need to stay, but I did notice some other wear gaps in random spots. Has anyone used that spray foam to fill these in or is that a bad idea?

The gaps you are talking about are probably places where the bulb seal is degrading. I would not recommend using spray foam, because that stuff is rigid when it cures, and the bulb seal is flexible. I think it's possible the rigid part could get sort of "caught" on something and would rip off, taking more of the bulb seal with it.

I honestly cannot think of any kind of flexible foam you could "plug" into those holes.

You could POSSIBLY attach strips of door insulation (the flexible foam kind that you can find at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, etc.), to either the bulb seal, or, I'd try to attach it to the lower half of the trailer just below the "lip" that the bulb seal contacts when it's up. This insulation has an adhesive backing, and since it would not be subject to much stress on the bottom half, it might stay in place. As the bulb seal rose to contact it, it might possibly cover the holes you described.

If you did this, you'd probably need to do it from the inside, and first take off the trim strip that's on top of the lower half to gain enough room to do it. The trim strip is just held on with screws and you need to remove it from time to time to inspect and lubricate the cables and the pulleys under it. I think then, if you lowered the top about 6", you'd be able to reach the area under the lip.

Let us know if you try this and if it works.

- Jack

We have used pool/insulation noodles and just put them down once we are in the up position and ready to make camp. They stay in place pretty well and basically all we have to do is check position. They aren't perfect, but quick and easy.

Another quick fix is to use 1/2 pipe foam insulation. Get it at Lowe’s or Home Depot. Just stuff it in from the outside. Have to remove it prior to lowering.

Bob

Good one to add to the lowering checklist!