Screws on New Aire Cargo Compartment Doors & Struts

[WardSimmons]

We picked up our New Aire at the end of January. We have experienced constant failures of the screws that hold the cargo doors and struts. The screw heads pop off, leaving the screws embedded in the frame. Has anyone else had this problem?

In one case, all four screws that hold a strut broke, leaving the strut dangling under the coach. This morning we were ready to leave our campsite when the door to the Freightliner fuse compartment (under the driver’s seat) wouldn’t latch. Upon examination, four of the five screws that hold the hinge had broken.

After four hours and several trips to the hardware store, we’re finally on the road. I used stainless steel screws, and drilled new holes rather than using self-tapping screws like Newmar does. It appears the force required to drive the self-tapping screws puts too much stress on the screw head, leaving it vulnerable.

I spoke to a representative at Newmar who told me they are having many reports of this problem. Those who have a relatively new coach may want to monitor theirs closely so as not to get caught off guard, discovering that most or all have failed, and the coach can’t be driven until the repair is completed.

[ewlee]

Originally Posted by WardSimmons

We picked up our New Aire at the end of January. We have experienced constant failures of the screws that hold the cargo doors and struts. The screw heads pop off, leaving the screws embedded in the frame. Has anyone else had this problem?

In one case, all four screws that hold a strut broke, leaving the strut dangling under the coach. This morning we were ready to leave our campsite when the door to the Freightliner fuse compartment (under the driver’s seat) wouldn’t latch. Upon examination, four of the five screws that hold the hinge had broken.

After four hours and several trips to the hardware store, we’re finally on the road. I used stainless steel screws, and drilled new holes rather than using self-tapping screws like Newmar does. It appears the force required to drive the self-tapping screws puts too much stress on the screw head, leaving it vulnerable.

I spoke to a representative at Newmar who told me they are having many reports of this problem. Those who have a relatively new coach may want to monitor theirs closely so as not to get caught off guard, discovering that most or all have failed, and the coach can’t be driven until the repair is completed.

Hello Ward,
Yes, I have had several screws fail. The screws are of poor quality and after the first strut mounting failed, I am very careful in opening the bay doors. I think that mine broke from opening the door and letting it go, the door swings open, thus putting stress on the screws heads. I had Newmar repair the offending strut and have had no others fail. I am just careful when opening the doors.

[ssonthenet]

On my brand new 2018 Ventana LE, 2 of the screws heads were missing for one of the door struts. Upon removal of the other 2 screws, only about 1/4” of threads were holding the strut bracket in place. For the 2 screws that were broken off, I was able to remove the self-drilling screws from the door. I still had to move the strut base and drill new holes and install new screws due to the other screws breaking off below the surface of the door. Newmar really needs to address this.

[patrickemb]

I'm not sure if this helps any but yesterday they came and put up my carport for my MADP. They also were using self tapping screws. Alot of times a screw was not tapping and the would toss it and get another. Possibly at the factory they are not tossing a bad one but using to much pressure to make it work and that causes the screw to fail.

[BuckyII]

Originally Posted by WardSimmons

We picked up our New Aire at the end of January. We have experienced constant failures of the screws that hold the cargo doors and struts. The screw heads pop off, leaving the screws embedded in the frame. Has anyone else had this problem?

In one case, all four screws that hold a strut broke, leaving the strut dangling under the coach. This morning we were ready to leave our campsite when the door to the Freightliner fuse compartment (under the driver’s seat) wouldn’t latch. Upon examination, four of the five screws that hold the hinge had broken.

After four hours and several trips to the hardware store, we’re finally on the road. I used stainless steel screws, and drilled new holes rather than using self-tapping screws like Newmar does. It appears the force required to drive the self-tapping screws puts too much stress on the screw head, leaving it vulnerable.

I spoke to a representative at Newmar who told me they are having many reports of this problem. Those who have a relatively new coach may want to monitor theirs closely so as not to get caught off guard, discovering that most or all have failed, and the coach can’t be driven until the repair is completed.

Ward...

Thanks for the heads up. As a preventative maintenance action do you feel it is practical and effective to replace all the screws with stronger stainless screws? Wondering if by removing the current screws before they fail the current hardware placement and screw holes can be utilized thereby eliminating the need to drill new holes.

Gil

[WardSimmons]

Originally Posted by gal218

Ward...

Thanks for the heads up. As a preventative maintenance action do you feel it is practical and effective to replace all the screws with stronger stainless screws? Wondering if by removing the current screws before they fail the current hardware placement and screw holes can be utilized thereby eliminating the need to drill new holes.

Gil

Gil-

I’m not sure of the answer, but it’s a good question. I’d like to think Newmar would do this, but I have no reason to think they will. I intend to ask them.

If it’s not repaired by Newmar I will remove and replace those that will come out, and reinforce with new screw locations those that won’t. If they won’t come out, it will be because the heads shear off in trying to remove them.

Anyone who hasn't picked up yet could ask at delivery that several be removed at random. If the problem exists, I’d ask that they all be replaced before accepting delivery.

[ssonthenet]

When I drilled the pilot holes for the replacement screws, I found the door material to be rather tough (good thing) for a drill bit to go through. I suspect the self drilling screws are not nearly as tough as a drill bit and when it reaches resistance, it breaks. Sometimes at the surface (head breaks off) and other times mid-screw which is what I showed in the pictures.

[Webz]

At least they are using button head screws on your struts. I have asked twice why countersunk head screws were used in non countersunk holes. Especially when the screws are subject to moisture such as the bay door struts where they attach to the bottom of the coach. I never received a reply.
The screw heads break off if you try to remove them.

[BuckyII]

Originally Posted by WardSimmons

Gil-

I’m not sure of the answer, but it’s a good question. I’d like to think Newmar would do this, but I have no reason to think they will. I intend to ask them.

If it’s not repaired by Newmar I will remove and replace those that will come out, and reinforce with new screw locations those that won’t. If they won’t come out, it will be because the heads shear off in trying to remove them.

Anyone who hasn't picked up yet could ask at delivery that several be removed at random. If the problem exists, I’d ask that they all be replaced before accepting delivery.

Ward...

Had many failed prior to your factory visit? If so, was it addressed then? If not, any idea what is triggering the failures now?

I’ll be interested to hear how many you can get out without them breaking.

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by gal218

Ward...

Thanks for the heads up. As a preventative maintenance action do you feel it is practical and effective to replace all the screws with stronger stainless screws? Wondering if by removing the current screws before they fail the current hardware placement and screw holes can be utilized thereby eliminating the need to drill new holes.

Gil

Careful w using SS as replacement.
I think there is a common misperception that SS is stronger and in general that's not the case.

From a fastener supplier website...

"Steel is the most common fastener material because it is strong and inexpensive when compared to stainless.*"

Also heads of SS strip easy especially phillips. Square drive are generally the most durable...and will frequently allow you to twist the head off.... oh that's what we're trying to prevent??? [emoji33]

[rapid rick]

Thanks Winemaker2, saved me from typing exactly what you said!!!

[BuckyII]

Originally Posted by rapid rick

Thanks Winemaker2, saved me from typing exactly what you said!!!

Thanks Winemaker &Rapid Rick...what is the best fastener to use considering strength and rust?

[kpecks]

Maybe use Pop rivets in the place of the removed screw?

[FLJOE]

Self taping stainless won't rust, but I've never found them to be much stronger than just regular self taping.