slide topper

msp2jxr · 10-23-2011, 11:59 AM

I noticed when I was winterizing my trailer the screws on the slide bracket that holds the hexagon axle had backed out about 3/16 of inch. This is the slide that contains the couch and was installed by my dealer. I know I will take the trailer back to the dealer for some other work but I am wondering why the screws loosened in the first place. I have not had this happen before and I have had a number of slide toppers. I can see the dealer just tightening up the screws again and I will be stuck fixing it anyway. Does anyone know what the screws bite into? Is it wood? Would lock-tight help? Bigger screws or can bolts be used and cut off as to not go into the trailer when the slide is closed? I am looking for of a permanent solution since I am guessing the original holes are probably stripped. Anyone had this situation and what did you do to correct it?
Jay and Lori

Jim W · 10-24-2011, 05:28 AM

I had this happen to my first 5er that I owned. I have had several screws back out from use on the 5er. I attributed this to road vibration causing the screws to loosen.
I check all of my external fasteners on my current 5er to insure they are tight. I have found several that have come lose over time from road vibration that holds the trim on the camper.
With the slide topper hardware such as the screws are installed the fasteners are not torque to a given value. Therefore it is easy not to apply enough force (fastening load) that will prevent the screws from backing out.
The way I resolve this issue was to use "Loctite" on the screw and reinstalled them with LocTite Blue. This will allow you to remove the screws if required using normal hand tools.
Jim W.

msp2jxr · 11-23-2011, 10:53 AM

Thanks I'll give the lock- tite a try....

Jay D · 11-23-2011, 03:52 PM

Maybe try using carriage bolts and nuts.

Paddler · 11-23-2011, 05:51 PM

Last time I had that problem, I smeared a little silcone on the bolt threads and retighted them. Took care of them loosing up and provided a water barrier as well.

ktex · 11-24-2011, 05:58 PM

I did the same thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paddler

Last time I had that problem, I smeared a little silcone on the bolt threads and retighted them. Took care of them loosing up and provided a water barrier as well.

Lack of HP · 11-25-2011, 06:13 PM

I had the same issue on my cougar 327res. took it back to CW and they fixed it somehow, not sure what they did but have not had any issues 12k later.

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