The world of RVs is full of unique phrases, terms, and words that can be confusing to decipher. When inspecting RVs or exploring the world of RV campers, you may come across the word ‘trim’ and wonder what it means. The good news is that RV trim is very straightforward to understand.
RV trim refers to the moldings used on the interior and exterior of an RV. These are molded strips attached to strategic areas of the RV to protect seams, body panels, edges, and corners of the RV, inside and out. Trim also helps waterproof the RV and protect it from various forms of damage and wear.
Trim is a simple yet important component on any RV, and every RV manufacturer has its own approach to trim, how it is used, where it is used, and the material it is made from. Let’s explore RV trim to learn more about it, discover why it is so important, and learn what RV trim does.
Definition of ‘TRIM’ On An RV
If you are new to the world of RVs and are unsure what the word ‘trim’ means in relation to these vehicles, what can you expect when exploring RV trim?
RV trim is the molding used to cover seams, make connections between body panels, create rain runoffs, and hold specific components such as awnings in place. RV trim can be made from various materials, but the quality of the trim determines the overall feel of the RV quality and can determine the longevity of the RV.
Trim on RVs can be made from metal, various plastics, or composite materials. Trim is far more important than it seems, and the trim that an RV is equipped with generally determines the overall feel of the vehicle.
Trim protects the seams and edges of bodywork, body panels, and paint seams. Trim prevents rain and weather from entering the RV and keeps the RV as watertight as possible.
Trim can even improve the aesthetics of an RV when used correctly and makes the difference between an RV feeling basic and an RV feeling premium.
The material that RV trim is made from is also important and determines the overall effectiveness of the trim.
The trim on an RV looks like plastic, metallic, or composite strips strategically mounted on the external surfaces of the RV, as well as on any internal surfaces that need to be sealed. It can be found on the edges of countertops, in doorframes to act as a seal, around wheel arches, along the seams of body panels, and around windows and sunroofs.
RV trim is more important than it seems, and a good RV must be equipped with a good trim.
Is RV Trim Important?
RV trim is a somewhat innocuous component on any RV, and it does not appear very important. How important is RV trim?
RV trim is critical for all RVs. This simple component of the vehicle has a significant role in keeping the RV protected from various hazards and improves the overall look and feel of the vehicle.
RV trim is used to prevent problems such as delamination that can occur from moisture or from prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight. It protects the paint from chipping and peeling, it holds vital components in place, such as awnings and rails, and it is used to seal the RV from rain, damp, wind, and moisture.
Trim placed in specific places will keep water out of the RV bodywork, keep panels and paint firmly secured, prevent doors, windows, and sunroofs from leaking, and help maintain the structural integrity of the vehicle.
The trim used on an RV also determines the way the RV looks. Without good trim placed carefully, the RV will never look good. Trim can look messy and out of place, or make an RV look outdated, which is another reason why RV trim is so vital.
RV trim is among the most vital components of RVs for keeping them lasting as long as possible and maintaining the good condition of the vehicle. Without good trim, no RV will last long, and it is susceptible to various kinds of damage.
Is The Type Of RV Trim Important?
RVs are usually equipped with multiple types of trim, but is the type of trim used on an RV important?
RV trim can be made from various materials made in different ways for different applications. Trim can be made hardy and tough for outdoor use, it can be made soft and supple for forming seals, and it can be made simple but pretty for interior use.
The type of trim used on an RV is critical.
The material used for the trim must be well-designed for the purpose of the trim. If the trim on the outside of an RV is not hard-wearing, it is likely to crumble and tarnish quickly, which renders the trim useless.
If the trim used for sealing doors, windows, and sunroofs is not flexible enough to make a proper seal, the trim will not function well at all.
If interior trim is not hard-wearing but also aesthetically pleasing, it will significantly detract from the appearance of the RV.
All of this means that the type of trim used on an RV is essential, and it is one of the important factors to consider when purchasing an RV.
Are There Alternative Meanings For RV Trim?
RV trim commonly refers to the trim molding used in various places on an RV, but are there any alternative meanings for the term ‘RV trim’?
RV trim usually refers to physical moldings, but in some places, the word trim refers to the specification level and comfort features of the RV.
In some areas of the world, when RV trim is discussed, it refers to the level of quality that the interior of the RV is made to. An RV with a high-quality trim level is equipped with high-end features such as leather seats, climate control, cruise control, electronic driver aids, high-end appliances, and comfort features and is generally very pleasing.
An RV with a low trim level in this context is a more basic RV with fewer features, less to look at, less to use, and a generally more standard feel.
The trim level of an RV is very important to most RV users, and most owners will try to buy the best trim level they can afford for their RV, especially if they use their vehicle for long periods of time.
Conclusion
Trim on an RV usually refers to the exterior and interior moldings used to seal the panels, paint, and external hardware of the RV, improve its aesthetics, and protect it against weather, rain, and various forms of damage.
Trim can sometimes refer to the internal features and aesthetics of the vehicle, but this is a less common use for the term RV trim.
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David is an accomplished mountain endurance athlete who has completed over 25 ultra marathon races (follow on Strava). He is most proud of his finish at The Drift 100 – a high elevation, 100 mile winter foot race that zigzags along the Continental Divide in Wyoming. In the future he hopes to compete in the ITI 350 and ultimately the full 1,000 mile Iditarod Trail Invitational that follows the same path as the historic dog sled race.