Loving it 😍 in spite of some hiccups

**Deb Mac** · 06-10-2022, 08:53 PM

Just drove close to 3500 km to pick up a new to me 2008 2720SL. Not home yet but that’s tomorrow.
Part way home the pump started leaking (was fine before the pounding of Manitoba highways) and discovered the toilet connection also leaks (original toilet removed and replaced with a thetford Aqua Magic but no black tank). I plan to convert to a dry toilet set up anyway so no biggie for me.

It tows great and after 3 nights at it I’m at a 15 minute set up. Took half an hour this morning to get ready for the road.

One of the towing toggle latches broke at the threads this morning. Can I get replacements from TM or should I just head for a hardware store to source something similar?
And the 60 kph headwinds in Sask and AB today blew the cover off the antenna base.

And one other question… who was the Jolly Green Giant they used to measure “butt height” when designing that queen bed in the rear? I’ve managed a temporary solution but I’ll come up with a permanent solution that thevdogs can use too 😁

But in spite of the hiccups, I quite like it. Lots of room, tows great and gas mileage blows my poor old Bigfoot away. Well worth the drive from BC to Winnipeg 👍
And the pups gave their seal of approval too.

**Kidkraz** · 06-10-2022, 10:51 PM

I use a two stepper to get in bed. I don’t understand what towing toggle ltaches are. Can ya post a pic? I bought my step stool at Amzn. I keep it stored in the bathroom, it fits perfectly between the sink cab and toilet.
Glad yer enjoying the rig.

https://smile.amazon.com/your-orders...ntId=DJBys99SN

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-11-2022, 10:07 AM

I think you’re talking about these latches, which are pretty common:

https://a.co/d/fBxWezL

Dave

**Deb Mac** · 06-12-2022, 09:59 AM

Thanks for the link. I actually found the latches on amazon. I'm going to pick up a couple - one to replace the one that is broken, and another as a spare.

I've got a short stepper that i can put in her temporarily. I really didn't realize how high that bad was until I went to go to bed the first night.... then realized that the bed was taller than my bum

Larryjb · 06-12-2022, 08:20 PM

I think, but I cannot be absolutely be certain, there is wood behind where those latches attach to the shell. If the screws pull out, you should be able to drill out the hole, add some Gorilla glue and tap in a wood dowel of the appropriate size. Then redrill for a new screw.

**Deb Mac** · 06-12-2022, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

I think, but I cannot be absolutely be certain, there is wood behind where those latches attach to the shell. If the screws pull out, you should be able to drill out the hole, add some Gorilla glue and tap in a wood dowel of the appropriate size. Then redrill for a new screw.

Thanks. I was wondering what they were anchored to. So far the parts attached to the body seem nice and secure. It’s the adjustable threaded parts that have broken. They do look a little fatigued so I’ll probably replace all of them. I’ll check to see if any of them are loose at all and think about replacing the entire latch.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 06-14-2022, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larryjb

I think, but I cannot be absolutely be certain, there is wood behind where those latches attach to the shell. If the screws pull out, you should be able to drill out the hole, add some Gorilla glue and tap in a wood dowel of the appropriate size. Then redrill for a new screw.

If you use a dowel, you'll be screwing into the end grain, which won't hold very well. Instead, tap some epoxy-dipped bamboo skewers into the hole, which will hold far better. That repair method has never failed me, and I've used it at least 100 times over the years in various applications. For that latch, I also used a slightly larger screw and slightly coarser threads, and importantly, I also put a piece of 3M VHB tape between the catch and shell too (which may even be adequate independent of the screws). Mine haven't budged since doing it that way.

Dave

**Deb Mac** · 06-15-2022, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

If you use a dowel, you'll be screwing into the end grain, which won't hold very well. Instead, tap some epoxy-dipped bamboo skewers into the hole, which will hold far better. That repair method has never failed me, and I've used it at least 100 times over the years in various applications. For that latch, I also used a slightly larger screw and slightly coarser threads, and importantly, I also put a piece of 3M VHB tape between the catch and shell too (which may even be adequate independent of the screws). Mine haven't budged since doing it that way.

Dave

Thanks Dave. Excellent point about the end-grain too.

Jampcourt · 06-16-2022, 11:17 AM

In case you haven't gotten a step stool yet for the bed, I have been using one of the ones in the link below for years and find it to be very handy as it folds for storage. I use one in my home too. You may find it elsewhere at a better price.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jonathan

**Deb Mac** · 06-18-2022, 07:51 PM

I’ve got a couple of folding step stools that will do the job. And I’m designing a folding ramp for the pups ��. But again…. No great rush. First 2 jobs are finding the leak at the pump (has to be a fitting near the pump) and setting up a “Poor man’s Sealand” so that when I do end up heading out, we don’t leak and we can use the toilet properly.