help installing new rubber trim piece

[twindman]

I bought a roll of thin rubber trim that is supposed to fit in the metal piece on the back of the rig. The metal is just a very narrow (deep) piece shaped like a very thin C. The rubber seems to insert into this.

I don't know if they gave me the wrong rubber but it certainly doesn't just snap into the metal. I had to use a screwdriver to press it in every 1/4 inch the full length.
Do I have the right stuff and is there an easier way to do this?

Picture below:

 

[Mikendebbie]

I replaced the vinyl insert on my old Alpenlite years ago, and I remember it being tougher than expected. I used a screw driver to poke it in when my hands could no longer squeeze the vinyl.

 

[foldbak]

Insert the top or bottom and work the other side in using a small screw driver if needed. The seat it by running your finger down the center. Once you've done a few feet it gets easier.

 

[Hblick48]

Use a screen installation tool. The kind with a roller on each end. Feed the top of the insert into the channel. Use the pointed roller end to position the bottom of the insert. Feed the top and roll the bottom.

 

[twindman]

Finished it!! About 20-22 feet and took about 2 1/2 hours! Phew! Now for the side trim pieces = they sold me the wrong stuff. I couldn't get it to go on at all! Has a slight extra little lip thing that prevents me from actually getting it pressed on the the metal rail.

In to the dealer for other stuff in the morning. Oh well.

 

[foldbak]

Finished it!! About 20-22 feet and took about 2 1/2 hours! Phew! Now for the side trim pieces = they sold me the wrong stuff. I couldn't get it to go on at all! Has a slight extra little lip thing that prevents me from actually getting it pressed on the the metal rail.

In to the dealer for other stuff in the morning. Oh well.

Amazon. Just need to know the width and color. I ordered 1" for the side rails.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJHYT4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

 

[Daryles]

Ours is black. I layer it out in the sunshine to warm and soften it. I put the bottom edge in first then bowed it and pressed in the top edge.
I also bought the end caps.

Temple Products 10 Pack RV Camper Trailer Aluminum Black Flat End Cap for Trim Molding 1" & Screws https://a.co/d/gGsObkP

 

[brycesteiner]

heat gun or lay in the sun helps tremendously - also make sure you get the right size. There are at least two sizes and I got the wrong one one time.

 

[ToolMan]

No offense but it appears like you may have been putting it in wrong side out. I am on the process of replacing mine as well. I put it in with the curved center out and the edges flat in the grooves. It was much easier than what you are describing.

 

[LeftOverParts]

Like the picture shows and stated about the round side out and having it warm helped. I also found it easier to install in the bottom groove and using the wide end of a trim tool like these to squish it and get it into the upper groove. Windex on standby in case a little slip agent needed.

https://www.harborfreight.com/nylon-pry-bar-installer-kit-4-piece-63594.html

 

[Todd & Mary]

I used 7/8" it went right in the track. If you have 1 " it's probably too wide for the track. It only took me 2 hours to replace about 60'.

 

[twindman]

Maybe you can't tell but the stuff I installed was FLAT!!! No curve in or out. It seems to be ok, but time will tell. Dealer is trying to get the correct trim that hooks over the rails that run the length of the rig.

 

[foldbak]

Maybe you can't tell but the stuff I installed was FLAT!!! No curve in or out. It seems to be ok, but time will tell. Dealer is trying to get the correct trim that hooks over the rails that run the length of the rig.

It comes in a flat roll. It curves when installed as it's slightly wider then the channel.