Do you have a screw loose?!

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

I was coming out of the airstream today and nearly fell over when one of the screws from the stairs fell out and support was non existent.

Was able to find the screw and reinstall. Also checked tightness on all others and lubed all moving parts. Figured I would throw the reminder out there in case anyone else missed this preventative maintenance.

Xoxo [emoji8]

[SteveSueMac]

Glad you’re not hurt. Which screw fell out? One of the 4 that mount from underneath the threshold area?

I crushed my stairs and had to replace them. I check those screws once a month just in case. Really would prefer something with a more solid structure...

[rowiebowie]

Glad you avoided serious injury. I'd have probably done a hard face-plant.

[duncans]

Good advice! We (as in Dave, known here as Burnside Bob) will have to check that.

We just returned from a 4000+ mi trip that included a teeth rattling trip to Chaco Culture Historical National Monument. 16 miles or washboard took nearly 2 hours to travel----one way! Once we arrived at the campsite, a trailer inventory showed broken cabinet doors (the ones under the sink) barely hanging on by a hinge. The bashed the surrounding trim to bits. The shower and bathroom walls came partially unscrewed. a thermos and several latterns unscrewed themselves from the bases. Cups sustained chips and broken handles, etc. The extent of the damage was almost comical. People with travel trailers were all surveying other campers damage. Good thing we travel with repair tools. We need to do a complete survey and repair this Winter.

Traveling on the way out, we met other Airstreamers who asked if the terrible road conditions continued the entire way (yes). While no one actually came to a complete halt, we could have exchanged pictures of our grandkids and travels in the time we took to pass each other. I was thinking that a road sign stating "Alcohol Encouraged" would have been appropriate. Incredible site, but even more incredible road conditions. Campground was great!

Susan

[waninae39]

i but bolts on the side.

that really stiffened up the steps

they feel much more solid now

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Glad you’re not hurt. Which screw fell out? One of the 4 that mount from underneath the threshold area?

One of the screws in the side that hold the top step in place. My wife heard my expletive. I don’t swear much now a days but I chirped loud and proud on this one as I could have smash my face if I wasn’t still young, agile, good looking, and humble.

Easy to tighten down, just a flat head and an Alan wrench. I’ll snap a picture if anyone needs it.

[OTRA15]

Thanks for the heads up, will check today.

Peter

[SteveSueMac]

Pic would be good. I’m not sure where you’re talking about.

And your humility is noted. [emoji3]

[az-streamer]

We use a pair of adjustable supports under the door steps to remove the ‘bounce’. Safer overall hopefully the steps will last longer.

[az-streamer]

Pic attached of step support

[uncle_bob]

Hi

I had the same screw fall out of ours. Never did find it. The expedition to replace it involved a drive to two different Airstream dealers. The first one swore they had it in stock over the phone. When I got there (after a two hour drive), they said they would never stock anything like that ..... grrrrr .... The second dealer was three hours in the other direction. They did indeed have the right part.

Bob

[drbrick]

Glad noone was hurt ... Checking the stairs will become part of my spring inspection and before trip inspection. (along with checking the bracket that secures the dump pipe)

[Mhphhoward]

That is the problem with aluminum steps, too many parts.

[Mollysdad]

I prefer this.
I wasn't worried about the step failing (Until now), I just like the solid feel of the platform.

[Silver.Sanctuary]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Glad you’re not hurt. Which screw fell out? One of the 4 that mount from underneath the threshold area?

I crushed my stairs and had to replace them. I check those screws once a month just in case. Really would prefer something with a more solid structure...

I think a little Loc Tite Thread locker would take care of the problem

[djbar]

Originally Posted by BigSxyWhtGuy

One of the screws in the side that hold the top step in place. My wife heard my expletive. I don’t swear much now a days but I chirped loud and proud on this one as I could have smash my face if I wasn’t still young, agile, good looking, and humble.

Easy to tighten down, just a flat head and an Alan wrench. I’ll snap a picture if anyone needs it.

BigSxy: please post the pic if you get time. Thx

[whg3]

That screw is like $26:00 ask how do I know!

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by Silver.Sanctuary

I think a little Loc Tite Thread locker would take care of the problem

Why the heck didn’t I think of that?! Thanks - I’ll put that on the spring checklist!

Light dawns on Marblehead [emoji3]

[Halford1]

Ahhh I had to tighten loose screws inside the kitchen cabinets and proceed to tighten ALL of interior screws... I did not think about outside!!!! that's my next project.

[Julie-Bob]

Originally Posted by duncans

Good advice! We (as in Dave, known here as Burnside Bob) will have to check that.

We just returned from a 4000+ mi trip that included a teeth rattling trip to Chaco Culture Historical National Monument. 16 miles or washboard took nearly 2 hours to travel----one way! Once we arrived at the campsite, a trailer inventory showed broken cabinet doors (the ones under the sink) barely hanging on by a hinge. The bashed the surrounding trim to bits. The shower and bathroom walls came partially unscrewed. a thermos and several latterns unscrewed themselves from the bases. Cups sustained chips and broken handles, etc. The extent of the damage was almost comical. People with travel trailers were all surveying other campers damage. Good thing we travel with repair tools. We need to do a complete survey and repair this Winter.

Traveling on the way out, we met other Airstreamers who asked if the terrible road conditions continued the entire way (yes). While no one actually came to a complete halt, we could have exchanged pictures of our grandkids and travels in the time we took to pass each other. I was thinking that a road sign stating "Alcohol Encouraged" would have been appropriate. Incredible site, but even more incredible road conditions. Campground was great!

Susan

The Ranger at Chaco Center stated that the road is never going to be improved, it keeps a lot of folks out. Do they yet have the telescopes [emoji437]? Love going there and looking at the night sky. Yes it’s a very long slow trip but worth it. Amazing area and history, viewing the building and the way of life that was there for a long time.