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View Full Version : Awning lower mount loose


Larry1013
10-17-2018, 03:19 PM
Let me start off with the year and model of the 5th wheel travel trailer. It is a 2005 Outback. Over all the trailer is in decent condition with no obvious signs of water leaks, rot or much exterior de-lamination.

My problem is the lower awning mounts are loose (see photos). I did lower one mount about a year ago but it is loose now.

I am looking for an effect method to repair that is not just a quick fix. As with most awnings, the lower arm mount on each end is held on with 2 each #14x2" sheet metal screws. Appears the wood the screws are screwed into is possibly rotted some over the years once they became loose. I am considering doing one of the following as the repair. If anyone has ever repaired theirs, feel free to give ideas or reasons the method will not work or last.

#1 - Drill out the current holes and plug with dowel pins coated with wood glue. I have some 7/16" fluted dowel pins but will need to use one and half to fill the hole. After a few days to dry, drill a pilot hole and re-attach the lower mount with the #14x2" screws or 5/16"-18 x 3" hanger bolts. Problems, unsure how solid the wood is around the screw holes and will the 7/16" dowel pins be large enough.

#2 - Scab on a piece of pressure treated wood under the floor. Use 6 or more wood screws drilled up and into the floor and wall frame where current screws are located. Problem, how long can the scab screws be with the scab wood being approx 1.25" thick? Is 6 screws enough?

#3 - I have some 1/4" steel I can cut into a piece 2" x 10" or 12" for each end. Drill and tap two 1/4"x28 unc holes for the lower mount. Drill 2 holes on each end of the steel for 4 each #14x2" in the same plane/line as the previous lower mount holes. No real problems except the look of the steel cut with oxy-acetlyene torch. The steel will be cleaned and painted with white epoxy appliance paint.

Thoughts? Idea? Suggestions? Method you have used or would use?

Thanks

chuckster57
10-17-2018, 06:16 PM
I would glue in plugs. Don’t drill a pilot hole, just re use the current screws as they will expand and grab the wood that’s there. Once you put a screw in, take it back out. Fill the hole with silicone and put it back in.

flybouy
10-18-2018, 09:52 AM
^^^ What Chuck said.

Larry1013
10-20-2018, 08:07 AM
As it turns out, the travel trailer frame is made of aluminum and the mounting screws are screwed into the aluminum.

So, will be going with option 3 at this time. I have found some 3/16" x 1.5" x 10" bar stock steel. I will drill and tap the bar stock for two 1/4-28 x 1" allen head bolts so they can be tack welded to the bar stock. After painting with some appliance white epoxy paint, will attach to aluminum frame with 6 #12 sheet metal screws.

Using #12 sheet metal screws will allow going to #14 sheet metal screws if the mounts work loose again.

Larry1013
10-29-2018, 10:48 AM
Finished the lower mounts today. Had to go with a bar. Drilled and taped the steel bar stock for the studs. Spot welded the studs to the bar on the back side. The studs used to attach the lower mount to the bar. Should hold up good for a few years or more.