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Replacing damaged RV interior trim involves carefully removing the old piece, cutting a matching replacement, and securing it without damaging the wall paneling. Use the original trim as a fitting reference when possible, and confirm the correct fasteners before installation. These steps cover a narrow vertical trim strip over an interior wall seam.
Important: An 18-gauge brad nailer and a pin nailer use different fasteners. Match the nailer to the specified nail type and gauge. The original installation described here uses 1-inch fasteners, but confirm that the length is appropriate for your trim, wall construction, and mounting location.
Before fastening, identify suitable backing and the location of concealed wiring or plumbing. If you cannot confirm where it is safe to fasten, contact your dealer.
Gently work a putty stick behind the trim near each fastening point. Release it a little at a time rather than pulling the entire strip away at once.
Protect the wall paneling from scratches, dents, and tearing. Keep the old piece intact if possible so you can use it as a template.
Carefully remove leftover fasteners. Where removal could damage the panel, assess whether the fastener can safely be set flush without driving it toward concealed components. Handle discarded trim carefully because nails may protrude from it.
If the wall is soft, stained, or damp, investigate the underlying problem before covering it with new trim.
Lay the old trim over the replacement to mark the required length. If the old piece is broken or distorted, measure the opening directly.
For the vertical installation described here, leave approximately one inch of extra length at the top for final fitting. Position the bottom at the original starting point and align the strip over the seam.
Check the fit before fastening. Trim shears are appropriate only for materials they are designed to cut.
Hold the trim straight and secure the lower section with suitable fasteners.
For this installation, fasteners are spaced approximately 8–10 inches apart, provided they engage appropriate backing. Follow any different spacing specified for your replacement trim.
Keep your hands clear of the nailer’s firing area and follow its operating instructions. Set the driving depth so fasteners hold the trim without passing through or crushing its surface.
Leave the upper section loose enough to make the final cut. Mark where it needs to fit beneath the adjoining flat trim.
Cut slightly long at first, then make small adjustments until the piece fits neatly without bowing or forcing the adjacent trim out of position.
Secure the remaining section, maintaining alignment and the appropriate fastener spacing.
Inspect for loose areas and protruding fasteners. Where appropriate, use a suitable nail set and hammer to carefully set a slightly raised nail. Do not hammer directly against a delicate trim finish.
Apply matching putty to visible holes if the trim’s finish allows it, then remove excess according to the product instructions.
Check that the finished strip sits flat, covers the seam, and has no sharp or exposed fasteners.
Inspect nearby interior trim during routine maintenance to catch loose or damaged pieces early.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.