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bevo7 · 06-23-2021, 04:40 PM

We lost the lower section of our hood louver while driving in horrific wind today. I assume one side became unscrewed and the mount on other side broke off. New to us coach, I had checked everything but that I guess before we left on a 2 week trip. Any issue with that being wide open? I assume I should call Tiffin to get one ordered. I always thought the grill front was flimsy but not that bad. Any suggestions would be appreciated .

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chuckftboy · 06-23-2021, 05:46 PM

Wouldn't be an issue to run without it but it would look a lot better with it replaced. You could use the opening to make a pattern and fabricate a replacement from expanded aluminum. If your handy it would probably be a lot cheaper.

bevo7 · 06-24-2021, 02:14 AM

Anyone familiar with possible salvage yards that might have this piece? Thanks

Peter M · 06-24-2021, 05:10 AM

I had a similar issue with a loose grill and found an aluminum bracket missing.
Be sure to inspect for loss of mounting grill brackets. If missing the bracket epoxy failed and you now have a warranty issue. Inspect hood grill for aluminum bracket example.

bevo7 · 06-24-2021, 01:29 PM

Only one aluminum bracket is left, epoxy failure I assume. Will the next ones be glued or is there a better fix?

wolfe10 · 06-24-2021, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bevo7

Anyone familiar with possible salvage yards that might have this piece? Thanks

Please tell us what coach you have!

bevo7 · 06-24-2021, 06:07 PM

2017 Tiffin Open Road 36 LA

Peter M · 06-25-2021, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bevo7

Only one aluminum bracket is left, epoxy failure I assume. Will the next ones be glued or is there a better fix?

Be sure to have Tiffin send the epoxy product they use. If the aluminum blocks adhere properly they will last forever. I would devise a temporary shield to protect the radiator. Perhaps Hardware Felt.

bevo7 · 06-25-2021, 11:27 AM

Thanks Pete, ordered the grill louvers and probably will have to fabricate the missing aluminum blocks. Ordered the epoxy from 3M

Peter M · 06-26-2021, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bevo7

Thanks Pete, ordered the grill louvers and probably will have to fabricate the missing aluminum blocks. Ordered the epoxy from 3M

You can purchase the box aluminum bracket stock from the box store . Have tiffin send you the self-taping screws they use for mounting.
good Luck !

bevo7 · 06-26-2021, 07:20 AM

What is hardware felt?

Donskiman · 06-26-2021, 02:02 PM

Wow! We had the same piece fall off and we have the same year and model you do. We were not driving in windy conditions or even on a bad bumpy road when it happened. I called Tiffin to see if it was covered under the 10 year construction warranty and was told no. However, they did send it to me free of charge. We took it to a local RV body shop to be installed. I think they probably did a much better job than was originally done. All the mounts on the 2 other sections seem solid. Maybe a new guy was doing the middle sections the day yours and mine were built!

The fortunate thing is when it fell off it dropped straight down and went out the back as we ran over it. No one was behind us as that chunk of metal is pretty hefty and would have caused damage if someone had hit it going 65.

bevo7 · 06-26-2021, 04:16 PM

I was told to drill several holes in the aluminum blocks allowing adhesive to penetrate them for better adhesion. I’ll assume that is the better way to do it.

emoran · 06-29-2021, 04:04 PM

I just went out and looked at the grill of our 2018 Open Road 36la and ours is coming apart on the upper and lower sections. I had to put a new screw in lower section to hold it. Luckily didn't loose the mounting bracket. Today, I noticed the epoxy has failed on the upper sections as well.

Thanks for the heads up. Glad I checked. On the road from SoCal to North Carolina. Looks like I have a morning project to do now! A friend with a 2017 36 la is having the same issue. This does not sound like an isolated problem.