Corner latch pulled loose

[guyindfw]

Good morning, all. The bank and I are proud owners of a 2004 3124kb. Had been looking to move up from an old pop-top, saw one of these, found one that was in good condition, and haven't looked back yet! The one issue that has arisen that I'm having a little trouble with is one of the external latches, to secure the front once it has latched down, has pulled out of the side. I don't know if that section has developed some rotting, or how important it is to have these latches, so needed some input. Has anyone out there had to replace one of these latches? I love this trailer, and want to make sure it lasts. Please help.

[rvcycleguy]

Common trouble zone. Someone will come along shortly and offer solutions. Most of them involve using larger and longer screws to get a new bite on the side wall there. It can be rotting, but I think most have determined that the user was cranking down on the clamp too hard. Ease up on the clamp a bit and it still is a secure latch. The clamp swivels to shorten or lengthen the clamp reach. To use it to actually hold and bring down the roof is too much clamp pressure.

[guyindfw]

Thanks. That helps. I may try to inject a little epoxy, as I did get a bit of wood coming out. I really like the square-head screws.

[Barb&Tim]

Welcome to the board and I hope you will enjoy your Trailmanor!

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http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...splay.php?f=15

Tim

Hi guyindfw,

I've had this and went and purchased a sheet of 1/8" aluminum and painted white then cut a bit bigger to allow for pop rivets to attach to skin and bigger screws and PL construction adhesive, so 4 pop rivets and 4 screws plus glue and they are still holding strong years later. If you want tomorrow I can upload a few pics?

Good luck

Bob

[rvcycleguy]

Yes, pictures would be very helpful.

Here are the pic's of the mod, it only takes two screws and four rivets to attach, last night I got type happy. hahaha

Good Luck
Bob

[rvcycleguy]

thanks. Looks like a problem solved. I have two of the four corners that have pulled out. Previous owner had too much adjustment and weakend the screws. The rivets look strong, what is behind the 2 screws in the original clamp? Machine nuts or sheet metal screws?

The two screws are straight through into wood/hole filled with PL construction adhesive to ensure it will never come out.

Bob

[ShrimpBurrito]

Bob - what is the thin square layer behind the aluminum? Did you tape off the area and then apply the adhesive a little larger that the aluminum?

Dave