Can it be fixed?

muz123 · 09-16-2010, 06:38 PM

I am interested in purchasing a used TM but it has one problem that seems difficult to fix. Inside the TM on the left side of the door (looking out), the molding that holds the seal between the small opening or crack between the fixed portion of the camper and the left slide out is normally screwed into the wall of the slide out section. The last screw that holds this on (by the door) has pulled out and a stripped screw-hole is left with the molding hanging in the breeze. The RV dealer says it can be fixed but I have my doubts. Does anyone have an opinion on this?

**ShrimpBurrito** · 09-16-2010, 06:42 PM

Stripped screw holes can generally be repaired, if by no other means than by gluing a piece of new metal over the hole to hold the new screw. You may even be able to get by simply by using a larger screw. It's hard to tell exactly what piece you are referring to without a picture, but from what I can tell, I wouldn't let that defect be the reason for walking away from the sale.

Dave

**grill-n-go** · 09-16-2010, 06:43 PM

Agree on a price provided he can fix it to your satisfaction. Don't give him any $$$ till you see the finished product. If he's not willing to go along, be willing to walk away.

muz123 · 09-16-2010, 06:54 PM

Thanks-re-threading is an opion, but this is in the wall iteself--which is pretty thin. A new piece of metal is possible, but how would it be held on and will it give problems in the future? It is a 2005 3023. Otherwise it appears in good shape.

**ShrimpBurrito** · 09-16-2010, 07:09 PM

You could go grill-n-go's route, which is an excellent approach only if you are confident in their ability to fix it. A crappy repair job is harder to fix than the original problem.

If a larger screw won't work -- and I would try it first because you have nothing to lose and it works alot of the time, especially if there is little stress on the screw -- I would use an adhesive to attach a new piece of metal. Lots of different options...JB Weld being one very widely available. You could also use the product some folks here have used to adhere solar panel brackets to the roof. I cannot remember the name of it at the moment. A 2-part epoxy would also probably be fine.

Dave