FieldVan "Pop Top Rubber Gasket": Installation Reviews?

[jeff00seattle]

Has anyone tried installing this product and longevity reviews?

Pop Top Rubber Gasket (40ft)

Penthouse Top Rubber Gasket Kit helps seal the top on a Field Van. It provides extra protection to the roof of your van.

shop.fieldvan.com

Thank you

 

[Twoxentrix]

Subscribed - Couple years ago I purchased one of the 'older' sets (w/clips) in anticipation of replacing my current one (which remains in good condition to this day)...Still have it in a box, but now interested in the tone of any opinion(s) you receive.

 

[gordon-SMB]

I replaced our original with one of these a couple of years ago. Installation was a breeze, it just presses on. No problems with it so far.

— Gordon

 

[Fitz2]

Ditto, mine has been in place for 6 or 7 years and all is good

 

[Motorwerx]

I replaced our original with one of these a couple of years ago. Installation was a breeze, it just presses on. No problems with it so far.

— Gordon

Going to be installing mine soon, did it require any trimming or is it the exact length needed? Thanks!

 

[gordon-SMB]

Going to be installing mine soon, did it require any trimming or is it the exact length needed? Thanks!

It had to be trimmed for our RB50.

 

[1der]

This style bulb seal is what Colorado Camper Van has always used for well over 10 yrs. Works great. It is TrimLok product ( there some other brands as well)

For the SMB top, look for the proper push on size for the fiberglass edge thickness ( maybe 1/4" or 3/16"?) and bulb seal diameter (maybe 1/2" or a bit larger?) in the Top Bulb seal line. Search Top Bulb Edge Seal. Length is perimeter measurement of your top. Cutting is best with tin snips or angle grinder w thin wheel.

TrimLok sizing link:

Rubber Trim-Seal Product Builder

Our push-on rubber edge trim seals are ideal for boat hatch seals, RV compartments, door seals & more. Customize your rubber trim seal with Trim-Lok.

www.trimlok.com

 

[UnaccomplishedAngler]

I replaced mine in 2015 when I had my roof Linex’d. It’s still holding up well, and Linex is pretty rough texture.

 

[ss4010]

Replaced mine a little over a year ago with the new push on version. It fit very tight and took a few hours to install. My top is just gel-coat, so no extra finish. I was planning to refinish the top with Raptor, but am now hesitant given how challenging it was to install the seal. The original seal was from 2000, and was degrading. There was an extra foot or so of material, so the new seal does need to be trimmed to length. As for durability, still pliable and looking good.

 

[campIV]

I bought the old style clip retained seal a number of years ago but have yet to install since the old one was still holding up. That time to replace has now arrived and I’m wondering if it would be better to buy the push on style instead. I do plan on Raptor Lining the top prior to installation. Thoughts?

 

[UnaccomplishedAngler]

I bought the old style clip retained seal a number of years ago but have yet to install since the old one was still holding up. That time to replace has now arrived and I’m wondering if it would be better to buy the push on style instead. I do plan on Raptor Lining the top prior to installation. Thoughts?

Why not use the factory part that you already have? It’s easy to install and durable.

 

[jwintersteller]

I replaced my original bulb seal with the new push on type about 2 years ago and I purchased it from Field Van. It was an easy install and worked well for a year or so. But then it stated to slip off of the edge every so often. I tried crimping down on the grabby part of the bulb seal to make its grip better but it only worked for a short time. After reading this thread I'm thinking I'm having this problem because I still have a gelcoat finish on my pop-top. Seems like the newer push on type likes the rougher finish of the bed-liner, and that's what Field Van has been putting on there pop-tops for many years now.
I luckily held on to the original gasket and just reinstalled it a few weeks ago before a 2 week road trip. Would have been a hassle to have it falling off every night at camp.
So from my experience, if you have a smooth finish on the pop-top, maybe stick with the older style clip retained bulb-seal.
And one other thing that happened to me with the newer style push on seal was that it shrank quite a bit in the 2 or so years it was on my van. There was about a 1 1/2" to 2" gap at the seam and I did try the stretch it while reinstalling it a few times but I couldn't get it to budge.
Cheers

 

[micahjbun]

I replaced my old one with one of the newer press to fit versions. Easy install.