2021 320S Trim rail lifting out at rear bend.

MarkAl

Hi, I tried searching for this issue as I thought I've seen this before. I noticed this last fall but it seems to be getting worse. NuCamp had no ideas for me to fix this myself and as I think it's outside of warranty, I'd like to take a stab at fixing it myself. The plastic rail is not cracked but it looks like the clips holding it to the structure have let go. Since this design is new to this vintage, I'm hoping it wasn't a design issue that has been fixed on newer years. The end of the rail is coming up where it wraps tightly around at the rear curve.

djc

Hello. From what I have read this is a very common problem. Your trim appears to be cracked and broken likely under the rail.  We had 2 pieces of trim fly off on the highway so this is definitely a safety issue.  

I’ve ordered new trim but am concerned that it will likely reoccur.  It’s something that needs to be monitored and the costs of replacing the trim can add up.  

Search “cracked trim”

MarkAl

Thank you @djc I searched for the term, but I think all the issues were for pre 2021 rails or other plastic trim. Specifically, my issue is the rail trim only found on the newer 2021 models (at least on the 320). There are no visible cracks, I believe the clip inside has broken so the plastic is not held down. I don't want to pry more in an attempt to "pop" the rail off without somebody else doing it first ( sigh ). I will call my dealer on Monday to see if they've seen this and fixed it but this forum, I figured would have an answer!  Since the design change is new, I'd expect only the first units to have been around long enough to show this. I remember hearing this new design was to fix some of the earlier problems.

WayneW

We also have a 2021 320S Boondock and have experienced the same problem on both sides.  Last year I contacted NuCamp and they sent me some new clips and some adhesive.  I pulled the trim off and spent some time with a file, trying to make the plastic trim profile better fit the profile of the trailer.  I reinstalled the trim with new clips and the adhesive.  The driver's side stayed down but the passenger side came up again.   It looks just like your photo.

I've currently given up on completely fixing the problem.  I've traveled 6k+ miles over the past couple of years in winds of 30+ mph with the passenger side sticking up and things are still in place.  I may get motivated this summer and pull the whole trim off and fiddle with it more - or I may just leave it the way it is.  

My guess is on the early 2021s with the new trim, NuCamp and whoever they had making up the trim didn't quite get the curve right and it will forever cause problems unless I cough up the money to buy replacement trim.  But now some of the trim will have 2+ years of sun and the new ones won't, so it might not look that great.  

iluvsoks

WayneW said:

We also have a 2021 320S Boondock and have experienced the same problem on both sides.  Last year I contacted NuCamp and they sent me some new clips and some adhesive.  I pulled the trim off and spent some time with a file, trying to make the plastic trim profile better fit the profile of the trailer.  I reinstalled the trim with new clips and the adhesive.  The driver's side stayed down but the passenger side came up again.   It looks just like your photo.

I've currently given up on completely fixing the problem.  I've traveled 6k+ miles over the past couple of years in winds of 30+ mph with the passenger side sticking up and things are still in place.  I may get motivated this summer and pull the whole trim off and fiddle with it more - or I may just leave it the way it is.  

My guess is on the early 2021s with the new trim, NuCamp and whoever they had making up the trim didn't quite get the curve right and it will forever cause problems unless I cough up the money to buy replacement trim.  But now some of the trim will have 2+ years of sun and the new ones won't, so it might not look that great.  

@WayneW You said you've given up on a complete fix...so am I to understand that this trim is merely decorative?  If there is lift/separation from the roof, does it allow water enter?

WayneW

@iluvsoks  The trim is merely decorative. There will be no leaks if the trim piece lifts. Other than appearance, you would be fine with no trim piece at all. Water will not get in. 

I finally did pull the passenger side off and spent time with a spokeshave to carve off enough of the inside curve to make the trim piece match the profile of the trailer. I then used the factory clips and some adhesive to keep it in place. You don’t need to do that as long as your trim piece is staying in place. 

MarkAl

@WayneW Excellent idea, I tend to break these kind of pieces as I pull too hard or don't pry correctly. How were you successful in removing and clipping it back in? I'll try the spoke shave method. Don't suppose you have a short video? 

WayneW

@MarkAl  Sorry, no video!  It was a bit nerve-racking getting the piece off. First, don’t try it in cold weather. Wait until the trim piece is nice and warm. I got a flat screwdriver in the area where it was already lifting up, positioning the screwdriver at a right angle to the trim. I’d slide the blade as far as I could get it, gently lift up on the trim piece, and twist the screwdriver to pry the trim up, just working my way along. Keep upward pressure on the trim piece. I did it myself but it would help to have a second person, especially when you get near the end.

I cleaned out the groove with a manual grout removing tool, snap-off razor blade knife, shop vac, and mineral spirits. Then I installed the clips on the trim piece, put adhesive in the groove and firmly seated the trim piece in the groove. I used some painters tape to hold it down while the adhesive cured. Good luck!!