Exterior siding damage

[Oldseadog]

Hello everyone, I just joined this community, and looking for some advice on how to repair damaged exterior siding. The other day while backing the truck, i gently bumped the front corner of the trailer. There is no structural damage, just the corner molding is dented and the fiberglass siding is cracked. How should I go about repairing the damage? Does the molding need to come off, or just remove the screws and lift it away, exposing the siding? Is the fiberglass bonded to a plywood substrate? Would I tackle this repair similar to repairing fiberglass damage on a boat? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Bill

[kjlarson]

First you need to get that fiberglass repaired to keep water out. RV Duck Tape can be a temporary solution. I always carry some incase I damage our TT while traveling. You will probably have to remove the molding to allow the fiberglass to expand to it's original position and flatten out than seal the fiberglass; kits are available to do that. The molding will have to be straightened or fully replaced. Dutchmen will not sell to you so you will need to buy via a warranty approved dealer if the molding needs to be replaced. I damaged the plastic wheel fender and it was a hassle to get a new one; Dutchmen would not sell to a local RV repair center, only one of their approved dealers.

[KECoats]

Have repaired my accident with a fiberglass repair kit from Lowes. Includes fiberglass mesh and an epoxy/resin kit and directions on use. There are various sizes from various manufacuters for the size of the repair to be completed. Auto parts stores may also have fiberglass repair kits by Bondo, etc. Then used spray paint to match and cover the area.

[Oldseadog]

Thank you for the responses, kjlarson and KECoats. I was thinking the corner molding had to come off and be straightened/replaced. I am going to try and straighten it first. I think the hardest part of the repair, for me, is going to be matching and blending the paint.



Bill