Preventing Black Streaks on Your RV + RV Gutter Lip Review

If you’ve ever walked outside after a rainstorm and found grimy black lines running down the side of your RV, you know just how frustrating they can be. Those black streaks don’t just make your rig look dirty—they’re a pain to clean, and they keep coming back if you don’t address the source.

Lisa and I battled black streaks before discovering a simple but incredibly effective solution: RV rain gutters. Specifically, we’ve used a product called RV Gutter Lips for over six years—and they’ve done a fantastic job keeping streaks to a minimum on our Class A motorhome.

But since they’re a Canadian product and not always easy to get in the U.S., I decided to put together a quick comparison of the best alternatives out there—so you can find a setup that works for your RV, your budget, and your maintenance style.

Let’s dig into what causes black streaks, how to prevent them, and which RV gutter systems are worth your time and money.

This post contains affiliate links. As a participant in Amazon Associates and various affiliate programs, we are compensated when qualifying purchases are made through our referral links at no additional cost to you. Full Disclosure

What Are Black Streaks—and Where Do They Come From?

If you’ve spotted dark, grimy streaks running down the side of your RV and you’re wondering what the heck caused them—you’re not alone. Black streaks are the result of time, moisture, and neglect. And while you can’t stop them entirely, you can slow them down with a few preventative tricks.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

You may not notice them at first, but give it a week or two—and they’ll start appearing. Wait three months? Now you’re in full “eyesore” territory.

How to Prevent Black Streaks on Your RV

You could wash your roof weekly… but let’s be real—that’s just not practical, especially if you’re parked at a campground where washing your RV is a no-go. That’s where smart prevention comes in.

Step 1: Divert the Water

The most effective first step? Install rain gutters to redirect the water flow away from your RV walls.

Unfortunately, most RVs don’t come with built-in gutters. Ours didn’t either. After digging through reviews and hearing numerous complaints about cheaper options, we settled on a high-quality Canadian solution: RV Gutter Lips.

RV Gutter Lip Review

We ordered ours through a Canadian distributor called ToilesVR, and while the product and shipping weren’t cheap, I can honestly say—it was worth every penny.

Available Types:

• 3M Self-Adhesive Version – Sticks directly to your RV.
• Sliding Version – Slides into existing channels (great if you have slide toppers or awning tracks).
• Spout Gutters – Add-on accessories for even more water diversion.

Where to Buy RV Gutter Lips Now:

U.S. availability may be limited.

It looks like RV Gutter Lips are no longer listed on Amazon.ca, so that option has dried up. But you can still purchase them directly through their official Canadian site rvgutterlip.ca

What They Offer:

• Sliding Gutter Extension (10‑ft): approx CAD 80.00
• Adhesive 3M Gutter Lip (by the foot): around CAD 12.99 per foot
• Corner pieces and other accessories like spouts and end caps are also available directly from the site.

They offer fast shipping, secure payment, and even installation services if you’re near Trois‑Rivières, Canada

Installation: Simple and DIY-Friendly

Installing the RV Gutter Lips on our 38-foot Class A motorhome took me about an hour, start to finish.

Installation Highlights:

• Comes in 10-foot sections.
• Cuts easily with utility scissors.
• Slide the gutter into the track, then secure with a screw at each end.
• Trim the excess—and done.

It really is a one-person job.

Performance After 6+ Years

We’ve had these installed on our 38-foot Class A motorhome for over six years now, and I can confidently say—they’ve held up extremely well. They’ve significantly reduced the amount of water that runs down the sides of our rig and have made a huge difference in how often we have to deal with black streaks.

Do they stop every single streak? No. But they dramatically cut them down, and that’s a win in my book.

Our Verdict After 6+ Years:

Still highly recommended. The RV Gutter Lips have stood the test of time, weather, and thousands of miles on the road. If you’re tired of fighting black streaks, this is one upgrade you won’t regret.

RV Gutter Lips vs U.S. Alternatives – Do Any Measure Up?

If you can’t get your hands on RV Gutter Lips or want something quicker to source in the U.S., here are two adhesive-style alternatives that offer solid, full-length water diversion for your RV. Both are available on Amazon and easy to install with minimal tools.

RGutter Rain Drip Rail Trim – 40 ft (Black, Adhesive Backing)

👉Buy on Amazon

• 40-foot roll of flexible PVC/rubber trim
• J-shaped to guide water away from your RV sidewalls
• Strong peel-and-stick adhesive backing
• Can be cut to fit your specific RV layout

Pros:
✔️ Long continuous coverage
✔️ Inexpensive (~$30)
✔️ Flexible and easy to install

Cons:
❌ Adhesive may weaken in extreme temps or over time
❌ Some users report peeling after a year or two

---

Trim‑Lok Drip Rail – 25 ft (Black)

👉Buy on Amazon

• Black, flexible PVC drip rail with ½” height
• Includes built-in 3M acrylic foam adhesive
• Rated for weather resistance from –20 °F to +150 °F
• Ideal for long roofline runs or slide-out edges

Pros:
✔️ Long continuous coverage in one roll
✔️ Exceptional adhesive when surface is prepped properly
✔️ Professional finish—looks factory-installed

Cons:
❌ Adhesion can struggle if surface isn’t cleaned thoroughly
❌ Some users report slight peeling after extended use

These two options provide an effective and affordable way to help prevent black streaks by redirecting roof runoff. While they may not match the multi-year durability of RV Gutter Lips, they’re a great solution for RVers looking for fast, easy protection without special channels or tools.

RV Gutter Options Comparison

Feature	RV Gutter Lips	Gutter Rain Drip Rail Trim	Trim‑Lok Drip Rail
Type	Sliding or adhesive rubber channel	Adhesive-backed PVC/rubber strip	Adhesive-backed PVC strip with 3M foam tape
Length Options	4′, 8′, 10′ sections (cut to fit)	40 ft roll	25 ft roll
Color	Black	Black	Black
Installation Method	Slides into rail or peels/sticks (adhesive)	Peel, stick, and trim	Peel, stick, and trim
Tools Required	Utility scissors, screwdriver (for slide-in)	Scissors or utility knife	Scissors or utility knife
Compatibility	Best for RVs with topper/awning tracks	Any flat RV roof edge or slideout	Any flat RV roof edge or slideout
Durability (Based on Reviews)	Excellent – 6+ years (personal experience)	Moderate – 1 to 2 years typical	Good – over 1 year if installed properly
Weather Resistance	Very high (rubber, UV-resistant)	Varies – may peel in extreme heat/cold	Rated –20°F to 150°F, UV and weather resistant
Finish Appearance	Clean, semi-permanent, factory look	Basic black strip	Sleek, professional factory-style appearance
Ease of Install	Easy (sliding or stick-on options)	Very easy	Very easy
Estimated Cost	Moderate to high (CAD + shipping)	~$30	~$45
Where to Buy	rvgutterlip.ca	Amazon	Amazon

Final Takeaway

• Best Long-Term Solution: If you want premium durability and have RV slide rails, RV Gutter Lips are still king.
• Best Budget-Friendly Option: The Gutter Rain Drip Rail Trim is affordable and effective for casual black streak defense.
• Best U.S.-Based Upgrade: The Trim‑Lok Drip Rail gives a cleaner finish and better adhesive but costs a little more.

More Tips to Combat Black Streaks

Gutters are step one, but here are a few more actions you can take:

✔️ Sweep Your Roof Monthly

Dust and debris love to settle on horizontal surfaces. A quick sweep once a month helps break the cycle before it begins.

✔️ Use a Quality Wax

Wax creates a barrier that helps water and dirt slide off instead of sticking.

We love Aero Cosmetics Wash Wax ALL for this. It’s easy to apply and leaves a slick finish that resists streaking better than appearance-only waxes.

✔️ Spot Clean With a Black Streak Remover

Sometimes streaks sneak through anyway. If waxing doesn’t handle it, it’s time for a black streak remover like Thetford Premium RV Black Streak Remover.

Pro Tip:
Always spray the product onto a towel, not directly onto the surface. That way, you apply cleaner + friction together, which works better than just spraying and rinsing.

✔️ Deal With Oxidation

If streaks persist after cleaning, they’ve probably oxidized the surface. Use a fiberglass-safe oxidation remover, follow the instructions, then reapply wax.

Final Thoughts

Black streaks are one of those inevitable parts of RV life—but they don’t have to take over your rig. After six years of using RV Gutter Lips, I can say they’ve made a huge difference in how often I have to wash and wax the sides of our motorhome.

If you want the best long-term solution and don’t mind ordering from Canada, RV Gutter Lips are still my top pick. They install easily, hold up great over time, and actually work.

But if you’re looking for something more accessible and budget-friendly here in the U.S., both the:

👉 Gutter Rain Drip Rail Trim (40 ft)
and
👉 Trim-Lok Drip Rail (25 ft)

…are solid alternatives. Just make sure you prep your surface thoroughly and understand you may need to replace them down the road.

At the end of the day, any gutter solution is better than none—and it’ll go a long way toward keeping your RV looking cleaner between washes.

Got questions about installation, product fit, or want to share your own experience? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.et us know how it’s worked out!

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