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Old 02-20-2018, 08:41 PM   #1
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Caution...Roof Rail Flew Off while Driving!

Today we were driving to Houston from the Texas Hill Country in our 16 DS 4369 we purchased new in April 16.
Driving in 15mph wind, not too bad really and going east on IH 10.
We were hearing some buffeting up on the roof, but this had occurred before with Max Air covers on vents without issue (in higher winds). Thought that was the problem.

Anyway, while driving, happened to catch my outside mirror in time to see my Driver Side Roof Rail flying through the air going West Bound!

A Holy S*#t moment for sure. It went into the air over a vehicle without hitting anything and landed in the grass median. Couldn't stop right away but several miles up stopped at a rest stop to assess the situation.
Of course it was gone and only remained the 3 brackets that once held it in.
When we got to our RV park, got on the roof to check the rest of the rails and also attempt to determine where the fail was. On our model, there are 2 self tapping screws on the top and two on the sides of the bracket. It appears the fiberglass that the rail is made of that wraps to the bracket had a failure as part of the fiberglass was still attached to the top brackets. Not sure if it was over tourqued and cracked and over time got bigger or what. Called Newmar once we stopped. My warranty was no longer in active but wanted them to know that I was "in shock" that this happened at all. It seemed like the service rep was as stunned. I did ask if this was something they would consider replacing or fixing. He was going to consult with his superiors and get back to me.
We also checked the other rails for fit and security and all seemed fine. But when we were on the ladder we also noticed that almost all brackets that hold the slide toppers were loose and needed tightening.

I post this because my coach will be 2 years old in April. I have 20k miles on it.
While this may not be a typical model issue, ( I have not heard of this before) most of the newer models all have roof rails. I believe folks should consider making these items part of a regular maintenance check even if you have someone else get up there to do it.
The potential for danger to others may be avoided and it was pure luck that no one got hurt. Now I just have a coach that looks stupid with one rail missing.

I will be sending Newmar some photos of the brackets and what remains of the bolts etc. and post any new news.

Safe travel all. You never know about these things. Thought I seen a lot of crazy things with all our coaches in the last 8 years. This one probably beats most of them.
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Old 02-20-2018, 09:47 PM   #2
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Would be interesting to see some pics.
jt
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Old 02-20-2018, 09:48 PM   #3
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Thank goodness it did not go thought someone’s windshield plus the fact it could have really damaged you coach if it didn’t break off. Seems to me this is structure and should be covered by some type of warranty,there’s nothing you did to create the problem.

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Old 02-20-2018, 10:08 PM   #4
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Had the same thing happen to me also. Coincidentally in Texas too. The coach had been in service before I picked it up and later remembered seeing a scuff mark on the fiberglass. My thought was it may have hit something while in service which cracked some of the fiberglass mounts.

Bottomline to replace the false awning cost was $1700 plus $500 to paint. Took about 6 weeks to get the part from Newmar. The design had changed slightly since my coach was manufactured but the current version still worked. Glued and screwed down new one on existing mounts. My awning was 18 feet 6 in. long so make sure to ship it to someplace where they can paint it. Due to its length, need to be careful not to crack it while moving / installing.
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Old 02-22-2018, 08:45 AM   #5
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Ok. Not clear on what a roof rail is. Awning mount?
Four MH’s over 30 years must have missed that one, don’t want to see it blow off to find out. Seems pretty serious.
Thanks any info
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Old 02-22-2018, 10:33 AM   #6
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What the OP is talking about, are the false awnings/covers, on the DS of the later coaches. you can see the mountings in the picture. I will check mine when I'm up on the roof this weekend.....
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Old 02-22-2018, 10:39 AM   #7
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Yes, it is the trim piece that runs lengthwise on the coach. There are two to a side. They are about 8 inches high and are mounted to brackets on the roof. They are used to cover the ac units on the roof. If you have ever climbed up on your roof from the side, it is the trim piece you have to get over to get up on the roof.
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Old 02-22-2018, 12:06 PM   #8
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Here is a picture of the roof mounts and the area where false awning was located.
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Old 02-22-2018, 02:06 PM   #9
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Thanks folks
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