Molding and rain gutters are the unsung heroes of your RV's exterior. They look like decorative trim, but they're actually critical water management components. When they fail, water goes exactly where it shouldn't, into your walls, floors, and framing.
What Happens When RV Molding Fails
RV molding isn't just cosmetic. It covers and protects body panel seams where two pieces of sidewall material meet. Behind every piece of exterior trim is a seam, a joint, or a transition, all potential water entry points. When molding pulls away:
- Sealant behind the trim is exposed to UV and weather, degrading rapidly
- Water channels directly into the seam the molding was protecting
- Road debris and dirt pack into the gap, worsening the problem
- Adjacent molding pieces begin failing as stress transfers along the line
OEM vs. Aftermarket Molding
OEM Molding
- ✓ Exact fit for your specific model
- ✓ Matches original color and profile
- – Higher parts cost than aftermarket
- – May have longer lead times
Aftermarket Molding
- ✓ More readily available
- ✓ Lower parts cost than OEM
- ✓ Can be color-matched or painted
- ✓ Opportunity to upgrade the look
How Molding Replacement Works
Replacement starts with an assessment of the existing molding and gutters to see what's damaged versus what's still sound. Damaged or deteriorating pieces are carefully removed, and the mounting surface is cleaned and prepped before anything new goes on, since new molding over old, failed sealant just fails again faster. New molding is installed with proper sealant backing rather than trim alone, rain gutters and end caps are replaced as needed, and every edge is sealed to prevent water from getting behind the new trim. We source OEM molding for most major brands, including Tiffin, Newmar, Entegra, and Monaco; when OEM isn't available, we use aftermarket alternatives that match the original profile and finish, with color-matching or a chrome/black upgrade available if you want a different look.
Rain Gutters: Your RV's First Line of Defense
Rain gutters are the most overlooked water management system on an RV. They run along the roof edge and direct water to designated drip points, away from windows, doors, and body seams. Without them, every rainstorm sends water cascading directly over every joint and seal on your sidewalls.
Common gutter problems include:
- Cracked or broken end caps, Water bypasses the gutter entirely
- Separated sections, Creates a waterfall directly over a body seam
- Clogged channels, Debris buildup causes overflow in the wrong places
- Missing sections, Often lost to low-clearance impacts or UV degradation
Need Molding or Gutter Replacement?
We stock OEM and aftermarket molding for all major brands. Color-matching available.
Related Service
Replace Molding & Gutters Service
