RV Trailer Repair: How to Repair Drip Rails

If you are in need of an RV trailer repair because the jet brows on your recreational vehicle are worn out or no longer direct water properly, you'll be pleased to know that you can install new drip rails yourself and save a considerable amount of money. You will need a couple of friends to help you with this project; however, you can usually complete the job in a few hours. This step-by-step guide will show you what you need to do.

Step 1 - Prepare to Work

Gather a couple of friends and place the ladders up against your RV. You can protect the paint on your RV by placing an old T-shirt around the top edges of the ladder.

Step 2 - Cut and Remove Rubber Boots on Drip Rail Scews

First, locate the screw hole locations for the drip rail. On many RVs, the screw hole covers are covered with caulk or a rubber boot. Therefore, you need to cut away the caulking or rubber boot with a utility knife so that you can access the screws that hold the drip rail in place.

Step 3 - Remove the Old Drip Rails

Once you remove the protective covering from the screws on the drip rails, use your drill and screwdriver bit to remove the screws. Have your friends help you hold the drip rails as you remove the screws and then to help you lower the drip rail down to the ground.

Step 4 - Scrape and Sand Away Old Caulk

Use a paint scraper to carefully scrape away any caulk that remains on the side of the RV. Once you have removed most of the caulk, take a piece of sandpaper and sand the surface of the RV so that is smooth. This will make installing the new drip rail much easier.

Step 5 - Mark Pilot Hole Locations

Once again, have your friends help you. Have them help you hold the new drip rail in place. You don't need to worry about the screw holes lining up with the old ones. In fact, it's better to create new ones as this will help further reduce the chances of water entering your RV. Once you have the drip rail lined up, use the pencil to make a mark inside the screw hole. This will be the location where you need to drill pilot holes.

Step 6 - Drill Pilot Holes

Select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the sheet metal screws you will be using to attach the drip rail to your RV. Then, drill pilot holes in all the locations that you marked with the pencil.

Step 7 - Install New Drip Rail

Again, have your friends help you lift the drip and place it where it will be installed. Then, take the sheet metal screws and attach the drip rail to the top of your recreational vehicle.

Step 8 - Caulk the New Drip Rails

Take a good silicone-based caulk and your caulk gun and run a bead of caulk over the top and bottom edges of the drip rails. Also, caulk over the new screws.