Anyone have experience with the screws that hold the metal strips that presumably hold the panels onto the unit either falling out, breaking off or just totally missing? The lower strip under the rear of the unit actually had every other screw missing, like never installed. The lower strip on the front cap has 80% of the screws in those conditions. Just seeking info as to whether or not this is the best workmanship I can hope for in my new 5th wheel. See ya'll in Hershey and you can see the issue first hand. If anyone else has this issue what was your final resolution? tx ck
Jim01 said
06:22 AM Jul 26, 2011
I'd be calling the dealer and telling them to make it right. They evidently didn't do much of a pre-delivery check on the unit.
Jim
Luvglass said
07:02 AM Jul 26, 2011
When we first got ours there were some screws that kept working loose from vibration when we traveled. The dealer sent me some and I replaced them using a drop of silicone on the threads. The problem never reappeared for us. If you are close to a dealer I would have them do it. Good luck,
Delaine and Lindy said
09:24 AM Jul 26, 2011
Loose, broken screws aren't unusual. As ruff as some of the roads we travel over its a wonder we don't have more issues. I think the important things is to replace or repair things as soon as possible, if you don't the issues will become a disaster. I haven't been back to a dealership but one time in 6 years. Really don't like spending time at a dealership and don't ever want to leave my 5th wheel. Happy Trails....
PD CFK said
12:42 PM Jul 26, 2011
Fred, the dealer where I purchased the unit gave me some screws however there's no longer any material to screw them into. I could just use some glue, epoxy etc to hold them in the hole but I think they should be screwed into something. tx ck
PD CFK said
12:45 PM Jul 26, 2011
Jim, we're signed up for a factory tour on 8/16/11 and hope to hang around long enough to have someone actually look at this issue. Any suggestions or contact numbers as to whom to speak to? tx ck
The Bear II said
05:19 PM Jul 26, 2011
I've replaced most of the loose screws with longer screws (2" to 3", 3" to 3 1/2"...etc) so the screws will hold. What you want to make sure is that the seal between the metal trim and panel is in place, most manufacturers using a chalking material and run a bead along the top and bottom once the trim has been screwed down. You may want to loosen everything up, pull the trim away and run chalking under the trim piece, screw it down and then run a bead along the top and bottom to keep moisture out and prevent rot.
At home centers there's a screw hole repair kit that uses a stainless steel mesh looking device that goes into the screw hole and gives something for the screw to bite into. I've used them for some furniture repair and they work well. Don't remember the name or manufacturer.
PD CFK said
06:03 PM Jul 27, 2011
Got a call from Carriage today and a shop visit on 8/22 is now scheduled. Don't know for sure or not if they'll let me see how they intend to repair all these missing/broken screws. Having just retired from a 48 year "Aviation Maintenance" career I have an idea on how things should be attached. 4 years Air Force, 20 years Eastern Air Lines and 24 years UPS Airline. Always in operations either line maintenance or overhaul.
Luvglass said
07:02 PM Jul 27, 2011
TX CK, Don't mean to be a smart ass, but if you have any expectations that Carriage will repair your rig to aviation standards, you have a lot of disappointment ahead of you. :)
Anyone have experience with the screws that hold the metal strips that presumably hold the panels onto the unit either falling out, breaking off or just totally missing? The lower strip under the rear of the unit actually had every other screw missing, like never installed. The lower strip on the front cap has 80% of the screws in those conditions. Just seeking info as to whether or not this is the best workmanship I can hope for in my new 5th wheel. See ya'll in Hershey and you can see the issue first hand. If anyone else has this issue what was your final resolution? tx ck
I'd be calling the dealer and telling them to make it right. They evidently didn't do much of a pre-delivery check on the unit.
Jim
Good luck,
Fred, the dealer where I purchased the unit gave me some screws however there's no longer any material to screw them into. I could just use some glue, epoxy etc to hold them in the hole but I think they should be screwed into something. tx ck
Jim, we're signed up for a factory tour on 8/16/11 and hope to hang around long enough to have someone actually look at this issue. Any suggestions or contact numbers as to whom to speak to? tx ck
At home centers there's a screw hole repair kit that uses a stainless steel mesh looking device that goes into the screw hole and gives something for the screw to bite into. I've used them for some furniture repair and they work well. Don't remember the name or manufacturer.
Got a call from Carriage today and a shop visit on 8/22 is now scheduled. Don't know for sure or not if they'll let me see how they intend to repair all these missing/broken screws. Having just retired from a 48 year "Aviation Maintenance" career I have an idea on how things should be attached. 4 years Air Force, 20 years Eastern Air Lines and 24 years UPS Airline. Always in operations either line maintenance or overhaul.
Don't mean to be a smart ass, but if you have any expectations that Carriage will repair your rig to aviation standards, you have a lot of disappointment ahead of you. :)