Strut Mounting Brackets Stripped

[MorganM]

Hi there,

Looking for any guidance ya'll might be able to offer. I recently had a gas spring seize up and pull the mounting bracket out of the stern of the camper when I was lifting the roof.

Any advice on how best to reinstall the bracket? Could go for a larger gauge self-tapping screw - but would then have to ream out the holes in the bracket itself. Also considering JB weld or some filler in the old holes. Would appreciate your thoughts!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

You could try larger screws or possible a "molly" type fastener.
Frank

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Morgan, it might be worthwhile to give FWC a call. If I remember correctly, they had some kind of a change dealing with brackets coming out. Otherwise, I’d go with a slightly larger screw, possibly dipped in something like J B Weld, not silicone as a sealant.

 

[Vic Harder]

Also, don't use self tapping screws like the ones that were in there. They make the hole bigger than necessary.

Depending on how much or little travel was left in the shock as it was mounted before, you might be able to move the mount inboard or outboard of its current position. Use #8 galvanized machine screws dipped in 3m 4200.

 

[fish more]

Vic

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Also, don't use self tapping screws like the ones that were in there. They make the hole bigger than necessary.

Depending on how much or little travel was left in the shock as it was mounted before, you might be able to move the mount inboard or outboard of its current position. Use #8 galvanized machine screws dipped in 3m 4200.

Thanks Vic that's good info for any future needs.
Frank

 

[ski3pin]

Vic

Another possibility is to bolt through the frame with rounded nylocs on the interior. I believe I've seen new FWCs that way.

 

[goinoregon]

i like ski's recommendation. my alucab awning needed a hook mounted to the rear of the camper, up near the top. I had local fwc dealer install, and we put a nut/bolt thru the camper wall up there, with a big washer on the inside. worked great. there is good structure up there and i am a fan of nuts and bolts vs threaded screws - you always have to be on the lookout for loose screws due to vibration,.

 

[buckland]

Through bolting is the way to go and I would suggest large stainless fender washers on the inside. Nylon-ring lock nuts as well.

 

[SlowernOlder]

Through bolting is the way to go and I would suggest large stainless fender washers on the inside. Nylon-ring lock nuts as well.

I don't think there is room for large fender washers. Might want to make a backing plate instead. The other challenge is that the corners have panel on the walls and access to the corner frame members will require removal of the panels.

 

[buckland]

Just to be sure I have this right. I agree a plate would work fine I actually put one on the outside as well to distribute force. My through bolts are located above the rear door and in front where mattress is. Could you take another photo of that area?

 

[craig333]

I used a larger size screw along with epoxy and its been working well so far.

 

[Vic Harder]

In the front (cab over) area, the screws go through the large C-channel that extends along the sides of our campers as well. That C-channel is 1/4" thick aluminum. The rear brackets only have thin sheet metal and the super thin tubing to anchor to, as the C-Channel stops at the rear wall.

 

[pvstoy]

would you not be ok with sealing the holes and move it either direction slightly and make new holes?