Loose dinette fix
I posted this in the fifth wheel forum too - "Looking for Avalanche owners"
The screws used by the factory never stayed tight.
1. Purchased threaded inserts and 2 1/2 inch, 1/4 by 20 bolts and threaded inserts. Parts purchased at the local Lowes
2. With the screws out I drilled holes large enough for a 1/4 inch bolt - don't drill to far.
3. Moved the dinette out of the way
4. Cut away the carpet and drilled the holes larger for the treaded inserts
5. Put masking tap over the end of the threaded inserts to prevent epoxy glue from entering the insert.
6. Threaded in the bolts into the inserts up to the tape
7. Mixed epoxy and "filled" holes.
8. Put the metal inserts into the holes and ensured they were straight. Put extra epoxy around the inserts for added strength.
9. While the expoxy was setting I ensured the inserts remained straight
10. After the epoxy set up I removed the bolts from the inserts
11. After 24 hours of epoxy set up time placed table in location, installed bolts (with washers) and painted the top of the bolts.
12. Will be camping next week and see if the table remains stable
I found this repair info on the internet
Another option should you have further problems would be to get threaded brass inserts like these (hardware stores should have much smaller quantities). These look like short, thick, brass tubes with a coarse wood thread on the outside and a machine screw thread on the inside. If the inserts are coated with a good adhesive like epoxy before installing, they will never loosen up.
E-Z Lok Threaded Insert, Zinc, Hex-Flush, 1/4"-20 Internal Threads, 0.512" Length
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RV - 2017 Avalanche 320RS
TV - 2011 Chevy Silverado 3500HD LTZ CCLB Duramax SRW 4X4
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