DIY for Propane Tray Screw RECALL 15V-086

[Doc Foster]

I decided to do this myself as I am sure many others have as well, just thought I would document it for any that are contemplating doing it themselves. It is pretty straight forward for any with basic skills.

I traded up from a 25’ Flying Cloud to a 30’ International Serenity this past fall and am prepping for my month long trip to CO, UT and NV and wanted to make sure that this was taken care of before the cross country journey. The power inlet recall (14V-690) did not apply to my 50 amp outlet and I have not found any other punch list items as of yet that I could not handle, so I spent just under $5.00 instead of the 4+ hour round trip to my nearest Airstream dealer.

As per the recall I purchase several 5/16”-18 x 1 thread cutting screws from my local Fastenal dealer (my local Lowes & Home Depot did not have exactly that item and the Fastenal store was closer). Part #2132417, which of course comes in packs of three and you need 4. 5/16-18 x 1 Thread Cutting Screw, Slotted Indented hex Washer Head, Type F, Zinc finish.
Here is what I purchase:
Attachment 237908


Here is the side by side comparison:

Attachment 237909

The existing 1/4” screws can easily be removed with a 3/8” socket, I was surprised that they were not particularly tight. I used a 1/4” drill bit to ream out the hole in the tank tray. Then used a 1/2” socket to install each of the new thread cutting screws. Before putting the tanks back on I shot each screw head with a little Rustoleum spray paint for longevity.

Sorry, forgot to take a before picture:

Attachment 237910

Hope this helps someone.

[Doc Foster]

What am I doing wrong?

[TG Twinkie]

The screw on the left appears to be a #12 or maybe 1/4". The one on the right looks like a 5/16"x18. The 5/16" is not self tapping, it is just a thread cutting type. Meaning the hole must be sized for tapping.


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[Tincampers]

AS specified a thread cutting bolt, not a self tapping one. The OP has the right one.

[Doc Foster]

Originally Posted by mrprez

AS specified a thread cutting bolt, not a self tapping one. The OP has the right one.

Yes, the official Airstream safety recall states that the exisiting 1/4" x 14 self-tapping screws are to be replaced by 5/16" x 18 thread cutting bolts.

[ShinyPete]

Doc - Thank you for documenting this so nicely.

I can now confidently do this myself on our 2014 Flying Cloud that I got the recall for. We have a Pro-Pride hitch that required me to insert spacers between the LP tray and the frame rails and use longer self-tappers for clearance, so I may need 2" thread cutters, but I am now on my way to resolving this without a 3hr+ round trip to the dealer.

[bwpaint]

Did the install. Your information was very helpful. Thanks

[tsunami]

Is this a recall for all AS's? Last fall I did maintenance on the battery box and propane tank holder. Cleaned, sanded, and repainted everything from the coach forward. Removed the tank holder to get the frame painted. Replaced everything with no issues and did check the tank holder a couple time during an almost 9,000 trip and all was/is good. It would not be an issue to install the bigger fasteners. Thanks

[Tincampers]

It is a recall, but I don't remember which years it covers.

[Doc Foster]

Originally Posted by mrprez

It is a recall, but I don't remember which years it covers.

The recall 15V-086 relates to "certain 2014 and 2015 Model Year Airstream".

[Tincampers]

Thanks Doc, I have to admit to being too lazy to look it up!

[overlander63]

Remember, even if you take care of this yourselves, your trailer will still show an open recall. Next time you take it to a dealership, they may attempt to repair your repair.

[Tincampers]

That's to be expected but in the meantime I know my tray won't fall off while going down the road.

[jtwind]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Remember, even if you take care of this yourselves, your trailer will still show an open recall. Next time you take it to a dealership, they may attempt to repair your repair.

Not for sure, I did my own as the dealer tech is clueless and contacted airstream. they weren't too crazy about it but made a note for my trailer that it was done. Airstream will pay other "qualified " outfits to do this one, for some reason.

[Boxite]

My 2012 22' Sport had disintegrated screws also (even tho' not included in this recall) so I replaced them with proper hardware. It's a good time to check for rust and cleanup and paint down there anyway.

[CruizinDux]

I posted some comments about a year ago post #1264 on the 20-footers thread re the failed screws. The recall subject just arose as the TT was in for other service. I did not receive the original recall notice from JC as it was issued 2/2015 and we bought our 2014 FC20 new 5/2015. I won’t comment on why the dealer sold the trailer with the recall outstanding or hadn’t picked it up during one of the half dozen service appointments. That speaks for itself.

I discovered the failed screws a year ago just before a trip. So I just swapped out with new of OEM self tapping. Of the 4 OEM screws locations, 1 was intact, two had failed, I expect over-torqued and one was never tapped. I was lucky that the one screw held.

At any rate, the dealer finally picked up the recall, apparently saw the new screw heads and figured it had been done. After reading this thread and calling their attention to the bolt specifics of the recall, I have an appointment new week for the proper thread cutting bolts and I’ll be looking over their shoulders during the 20 minute process.


Bob