Community Forums

JavaJelly · 12-31-2007, 01:32 AM

Where the fiberglass body of my coach comes down between the entrance step and the first compartment door isn't attached to anything. It just flops around. It is about 12" wide at the bottom.

There is a single piece of metal about an inch wide that drops down behind it and this is what the fiberglass is vibrating against.

Seems to be pretty "floppy" but, I can't see where it was ever connected in the past.

I didn't have a problem w/this until I changed out the entrance step myself. Is it possible that my new step caused just enough of an air flow difference to cause this? Or am I missing something?

As an interim fix, I am thinking about putting some foam or a piece of a towel around the end of that metal just to stop the noise.

JavaJelly · 12-31-2007, 01:32 AM

Where the fiberglass body of my coach comes down between the entrance step and the first compartment door isn't attached to anything. It just flops around. It is about 12" wide at the bottom.

There is a single piece of metal about an inch wide that drops down behind it and this is what the fiberglass is vibrating against.

Seems to be pretty "floppy" but, I can't see where it was ever connected in the past.

I didn't have a problem w/this until I changed out the entrance step myself. Is it possible that my new step caused just enough of an air flow difference to cause this? Or am I missing something?

As an interim fix, I am thinking about putting some foam or a piece of a towel around the end of that metal just to stop the noise.

Route 66 · 12-31-2007, 02:54 AM

There should be a screw that secures the fiberglass to the brace.

The screw is at the very bottom of the fiberglass going vertically into the brace.

I suggest some silicone to secure the new screw.

I've had some screws in the back fender come loose.

JavaJelly · 12-31-2007, 03:12 AM

Thanks Dirk,

Upon inspection, the screw snapped off and fell out. There is a 1" gap b/w bottom of faring and metal bracket.

The pointed end of the screw is still in metal. Can I just drill this out?

rebelsbeach · 12-31-2007, 03:18 AM

I hear on the new MADP they've addressed that issue, maybe it's time?

Route 66 · 12-31-2007, 03:33 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The pointed end of the screw is still in metal. Can I just drill this out? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You might try vice grips to turn it out, as it might be easier.

walkingplow · 12-31-2007, 05:06 AM

Drilling a new hole may be as quick and perhaps easier than removal. Also I would suggest a fair amount of silicone between fiberglass and bracket then tighten the screw the silicone will dry and reenforce.
Enjoy

JavaJelly · 12-31-2007, 08:48 AM

I will put the silicone both where the screw exits the fiberglass and where it goes into the metal bracket.

As I mentioned, there is a 1" gap b/w the hole from the bottom of the fiberglass and where the screw goes though the metal bracket. i.e. the screw was/would be visible for an inch between the fiberglass and the bracket.

I believe this gap is why the screw broke in the first place. You'd think there'd be a grommet, spacer or something.

Second hole in metal bracket seems to be the easiest. I'll let you know when I give it a try.

jmgkab · 12-31-2007, 09:57 AM

I had the same problem. I drilled out the old screw and enlarged the hole. Put a bolt and nut through and filled the inside approx. one inch gap with spacers. Has worked great since.

From what I've heard this was/is a common occurance on the DSDP.

soricobob · 01-02-2008, 04:44 AM

That space is usually taken up by a thick, rubber washer. It doesn't help the screw (or nut/bolt)stay in place, however, so I use Loctite to hold them, as well as other pesky things that vibrate.

Route 66 · 01-02-2008, 06:17 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">That space is usually taken up by a thick, rubber washer. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Unfortunately, not on the Dutch Star.

Just a cheap design.

Spoonman · 01-02-2008, 06:45 AM

Had a similar issue with roadside front fender that went unnoticed until the fender cracked. So a loose screw turned into a trip to the bodyshop.

BCook57 · 01-02-2008, 09:54 AM

Ours did the same on the passenger side. Tied a rag around the frame to stop the flapping, then had Independence RV fix it when I had it in for another warranty issue shortly after.

JerryKelly · 01-05-2008, 04:48 AM

Sounds like we all had the same screw break, among others. There must be a lot of flexing in that area due to the suspension and or wheel cut. I did not bother to drill out the old screw...just drilled in 2 new stainless steel screws and it is holding just fine. Now that I carry extra screws and a drill, it will never happen again. by the way, make sure you have a small drill. The battery powered drills are too big to get the proper angle under the coach. JMO, and experience.