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Old 04-18-2008, 12:24 PM   #1
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Today was the last day of our second year as Southwest snowbirds. As we crossed into western PA on I-70 my wife, who was following behind in the car, called me on the radio and said something just came out of the side of the trailer. I looked out my passanger side mirror and saw my sliding tray with my 3 drawer tool box hanging out the side of the trailer looking like it was trying to pass on the right. Holy S---!!! I eased off to the berm and went to see what had happened. The tray was fully extended with the tool box that weights about 65 Lbs. still riding were it should. Our coach has the 2 piece compartment doors. They were open and still in the latached position and the one latch that locks was still locked. I'm pretty anal about making sure all is secure before we hit the road so I'm fairly certain that the tray was latched when we left the CG about 50 miles earler. The road wasn't particularly bumpy and I was going around 58 mph. How the tray got the door open while locked and latched is hard to figure. There is no damage to anything and even a towel that was next to the box didn't blow out. I put everything back as it should be and we continued home. I think I'll drill a hole through the tray and mounting frame for the tray and insert a bolt when we are moving.
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Old 04-18-2008, 12:24 PM   #2
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Today was the last day of our second year as Southwest snowbirds. As we crossed into western PA on I-70 my wife, who was following behind in the car, called me on the radio and said something just came out of the side of the trailer. I looked out my passanger side mirror and saw my sliding tray with my 3 drawer tool box hanging out the side of the trailer looking like it was trying to pass on the right. Holy S---!!! I eased off to the berm and went to see what had happened. The tray was fully extended with the tool box that weights about 65 Lbs. still riding were it should. Our coach has the 2 piece compartment doors. They were open and still in the latached position and the one latch that locks was still locked. I'm pretty anal about making sure all is secure before we hit the road so I'm fairly certain that the tray was latched when we left the CG about 50 miles earler. The road wasn't particularly bumpy and I was going around 58 mph. How the tray got the door open while locked and latched is hard to figure. There is no damage to anything and even a towel that was next to the box didn't blow out. I put everything back as it should be and we continued home. I think I'll drill a hole through the tray and mounting frame for the tray and insert a bolt when we are moving.
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Old 04-18-2008, 01:27 PM   #3
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There was defintely a 'guardian angel' riding with you! Good job getting the rig off the roadway and stopped with no damage. I would have had to change my shorts!
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Old 04-19-2008, 08:06 AM   #4
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ChiefJohn:
I would have had to change my shorts! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dare we ask how often you change them normally?
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Old 04-19-2008, 08:24 AM   #5
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Good one Bruce!
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Old 04-19-2008, 12:50 PM   #6
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by clspds:
I think I'll drill a hole through the tray and mounting frame for the tray and insert a bolt when we are moving. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Holy Moly, cloud....what a story. I'm gonna ask a dumb question since it wasn't mentioned. Did you have your rubber retaining strap that holds you tray in place connected? Glad Ms. Cheryl is watching out for ya back there in the Cobalt!

Glad it turned out all right. Be safe...you old fool!
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Old 04-19-2008, 03:17 PM   #7
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Tom,
I have asked myself that question a couple of times. I'm usually pretty good about checking and double checking things like that. I think the retaining strap was connected but I can't see how it could possibly come loose. So, I quess I missed it. I'm glad that PI uses the thicker compartment doors. I think if I had the thinner ones I would probably be buying new doors. I will be drilling a hole through the tray and frame and using a bolt as a safety.

Paul
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Old 04-19-2008, 03:33 PM   #8
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Cloud,

At your age, if you can't remember to connect the retaining strap....how are you gonna remember to put in the bolt!

Just having fun! We ALL do dumb things, buddy. You just need to check and double check.
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Old 04-20-2008, 07:29 AM   #9
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I just installed the safety bolt in the tray. I took a closer look at the rubber retainer and hook that it fits into. (This time I had my glasses on.) The hook is bent inward slightly so I guess that I did have it hooked. (I guess I'm not as old as you think Tom.) Does anybody know how much weight these trays are made to hold?
Tom, Once I take the bolt out I'll leave it lay in plan view. That will remind me to hook the tray and install the bolt.
Paul
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Old 04-20-2008, 11:13 AM   #10
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by clspds:
I just installed the safety bolt in the tray. I took a closer look at the rubber retainer and hook that it fits into. (This time I had my glasses on.) The hook is bent inward slightly so I guess that I did have it hooked. (I guess I'm not as old as you think Tom.) Does anybody know how much weight these trays are made to hold?
Tom, Once I take the bolt out I'll leave it lay in plan view. That will remind me to hook the tray and install the bolt.
Paul </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Paul,

I am frequently bending that metal retainer back to it's original position, cause me or someone else tries to pull the tray out when the strap is still attached. Sometimes you just get in a hurry and it bends fairly easily. One of these days the retainer will just fatigue and break off!

Don't know how much the slide tray will hold, but can tell you mine is pretty heavy. BBQ and stand, air compressor, several totes, Roto Chocks, and floor mats.

Rockin' will have to do an "inspection" on your bolt installation procedure when we see you at Hatteras in a few weeks....are you up to another one of those? I can be bribed for a "good" report, you know!
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Old 04-20-2008, 03:33 PM   #11
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I have been back and forth on the trays. When we got this rig I wanted them but other people said it uses up space and you can't pack it as well. Any thoughts?

I had the old plastic trays in my other rig and it did take up quite a bit of space. Now I just store stuff in totes and have been able to stack them in the basement.

I wanted three things on this rig until I talked with people about the likes and dislikes.
1. Sliding tray, very happy without it
2. Electric rear jacks, I had them on my other rig and did have some times that I had to dig below them to extend them and a couple of times the rod slipped and jammed the jack. If it breaks, they are $.
3. Front Bra, heard it is a pain in the cold. I just went with the Enkay Mudflaps
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Old 04-20-2008, 03:56 PM   #12
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Larry,

I personally like the sliding tray option. Many folks do not. Folks are right, they do take up alot of room. However, I like it because I can slide my BBQ and cart out to set up real easy without trying to lift it out of the bay. Also I have my 120V air compressor in the middle of the slide in a tote. When I need it just slide it out and plug the thing in right there on the outside of the rig. The hose and accessories for the compressor stay inside the tote. No lifting in and out. I use about 75ft of that curly Q air hose and it works good.

Also if for some reason you need the slide assy. out, it comes out with about 12 screws.
5 minute job (Virg may take longer YMMV! )

For me, the good outweigh the bad. Anyone else got some thoughts on this subject?

The bra....that's another story. I'm gonna burn mine! I have a real good smiley for this one....but I'm trying to be a little more respectful of the very few folks that might be offended!
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Old 04-20-2008, 04:39 PM   #13
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We had the same problem with the '04 MKO, rubber strap lock bent backward on the first trip to the mountains, I cut a piece of 2"x4" to wedge between the sliding tray and wall, use the same system in the '07 with no problems.
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Old 04-21-2008, 03:25 AM   #14
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Paul, remind me not to follow to closely behind you in the future. Not like you to not double check everything - must have gotten to much sun.

Regards, see you at Hatteras.

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