Escape 19 belt line trim

[cpaharley2008]

Reace sent me my first pictures today of my unit, thanks, great Father's Day present. The 5 pictures do not show much other than the bath holding tank and the kitchen window, cabinets are going in tomorrow. These guys work on the week ends!!! My question is concerning the trim that encircles the trailer. what purpose does it serve and there appears to be a lot of screws holding it on, but nothing shows on the inside interior. Do the screws penetrate or is it decorative? I was thinking about potential leaks but if they do not go all the way through there is no worry. Is this strictly decorative? Thanks for commenting

[gbaglo]

On the Escape site:

"All Escape trailers have a 100% molded fiberglass body. The body is constructed from a top and bottom shell, which are fiberglassed together at the center prior to demolding to create a seamless body construction. This eliminates any chance of water penetration while maintaining a strong, long-lasting, lightweight RV."

It probably wouldn't look that good without the trim.

Keep in mind that your brake lights, awning supports, etc. etc. all need screws, but if they are stainless steel and quality caulked, it's not an issue.

baglo

[escape artist]

Hi: cpaharley2008... If you look up the thread "Screws in body molding" in Escape News section you will see that the metal trim is held on with rivets+ some screws. On our 5.0 the kitchen cabinette is held thru the side wall by 4 screws from the outside into the cabinette. These required being replaced per Reaces instructions. I used S/S to replace mine.
The belt line...belly band trim is just that trim, to cover the joint between the upper and lower halves. This joint is glassed over to prevent leaks and essentially making the body one piece. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, I looked at that and Tammy sent me an email, late last night, explaining they are sealed against the elements. This is what really impresses me the most about this family run business, their dedication to customer service and I haven't even taken possession yet. They work long hours, weekends included and there has not been anything that they have not given a quick response to. When you are dealing with a large purchase, from thousands of miles away, their responses and work help eliminate a lot of trepidation one may have. Thank you Reace and Tammy, I hope to one day shake your hands in person. That is on my "Bucket List".

[gocamp]

Can't see on the photo here 112x112 too small. It sure is nice chatting with escape to not have to be tranferred to a salesman/woman. Big thumbs up for sure.

[Donna D.]

Jim {cpaharley2008}... Reace and Tammy are EXACTLY as you have posted. A kind, caring and supportive couple who are really into customer service and building the best product for the price possible. Congratulations on putting a personal handshake on your bucket list. I know it's one you will look forward to checking off!

[hippo]

The belt line is for looks only. The top and bottom of the trailer when joined become one piece no seams showing. A worker in the glass shop showed me the process of joining.
You are buying the very best glass trailer made.
Chuck

[Sandra L]

Is that a white "belly band"? If so she must be a relative of the "Suite Escape".

[Garand]

Sandra, we ordered the white belly band as well and I've since painted several of the black exterior fixtures to match. Its a much cleaner look IMHO.

Dave

[Sandra L]

I agree, that is why I asked if I could have white window frames as well, and that is how she is, inside and out. I like a light, bright and airy look. I was thinking that I might be someplace where I would not want to be outdoors all day (like in stormy weather). Needless to say, I was happy that request was granted.

[rfs]

Even though this thread is older it pertains to a problem on our 19. I hit a bird with the Highlander going about 65 mph. It went over the top of the TV and hit the trim band about dead center and the metal trim popped away from the body of the camper about an inch. When I pinched the black vinyl trim and lifted it from the channel the head of the last pop rivet fell out. It had snapped off on impact it seems. I think it would be best to drill a new hole in the molding rather than trying to drill the pop rivet shaft out. I can determine the hole diameter needed and the head size on the rivet. However I would appreciate input on the grip range on the rivet. Has anyone had experience replacing these rivets and what grip range was used ?
Thank you
Dave Smith