Missing screws? on window knobs

[screamstream]

I have a new 2012 AS and I was wondering why all my window knobs seem loose. I think there is supposed to be a small screw in the bottom of knob to help hold it onto rod. (?)

I called Airstream and they thought they were not using screws anymore, but never called me back to verify. (how are knobs supposed to hold on without these little screws?)

My dealer said they would order them, but that was over a month ago, and I am still waiting.

Anyone else with a newer AS have this problem? maybe I am the only one missing all my screws! I can pull the knobs right off and am afraid to loose one.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by screamstream

I have a new 2012 AS and I was wondering why all my window knobs seem loose. I think there is supposed to be a small screw in the bottom of knob to help hold it onto rod. (?)

I called Airstream and they thought they were not using screws anymore, but never called me back to verify. (how are knobs supposed to hold on without these little screws?)

My dealer said they would order them, but that was over a month ago, and I am still waiting.

Anyone else with a newer AS have this problem? maybe I am the only one missing all my screws! I can pull the knobs right off and am afraid to loose one.

The newer knobs are friction fit plastic, with no screws. If yours do get loose, they are pretty inexpensive to replace.

[screamstream]

Thanks for info, BUT I have do have holes in the knobs, seemingly where the screws go. The AS is only a few months old...I surely should not have to replace knobs already...darn, wonder if screws would fit to help my wiggly knobs. I love to have windows open!

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by screamstream

Thanks for info, BUT I have do have holes in the knobs, seemingly where the screws go. The AS is only a few months old...I surely should not have to replace knobs already...darn, wonder if screws would fit to help my wiggly knobs. I love to have windows open!

The new knobs have no screws. They are friction-fit only. Trust me on this.

[DoubleNickel]

It's a really poor design. You can get set screws that fit the threaded insert, but when you tighten them up it just drives the insert out of the plastic knob.

Until AS gets tired of hearing complaints about window knobs falling off new trailers and does something about it, a dab of clear silicone will secure them.

[SteveSueMac]

Screamstream - same for us. 2012 Flying Cloud. Window "knobs" have screw holes (brass taps?) in them but no screws. Maybe they SHOULD be tension fit but that's not what they used in our trailer. I'm thinking of bringing one to Home Depot and getting a bunch of screws.

[daveswenson]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Screamstream - same for us. 2012 Flying Cloud. Window "knobs" have screw holes (brass taps?) in them but no screws. Maybe they SHOULD be tension fit but that's not what they used in our trailer. I'm thinking of bringing one to Home Depot and getting a bunch of screws.

Mine are the same way. I was at the dealer yesterday and asked about them. The parts guy knew exactly what I was talking about and had a stash of the set screws. He said there's no part number for them and that sometimes airstream would send them with the knobs, sometimes not. I'll install them when I find my teeny tiny allen wrench.

[m.hony]

I have mentioned this on 2 other threads. Mine are the same way. I even mentioned it to Dave Schuman in Jackson Center.
I am of the understanding that older trailers had the set screws.
Do they really save much money on manufacturing by leaving them out?

[Zia]

Have the same problem with mine, the dealer gave me a few set screws which I used on the windows used more frequently. The press fit knobs get loose with use particularly on large windows where you have to use extra force.

[MrUKToad]

I was a bit perplexed with one. We don't have the set screws but neither do we have any problems with knobs falling off. Clearly we don't open the windows enough!

[dkrug]

We have the same problem. When I called Jackson Center I was told they don't use them any more. I told them the knobs keep coming off and I was told to glue them on.
We didn't glue them on. I just say bad things when one comes off while trying to open a window.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by dkrug

I told them the knobs keep coming off and I was told to glue them on.

Might be able to use Loctite thread locker, for a less-permanent solution. Threadlockers from Loctite Products | Threadlocking / Mechanical Gasketing | Loctite Adhesives

[AldeanFan]

I m sure glad I bought my 36 year old Safari instead of a new trailer, nothing has fallen of the Safari, and I would be beyond angry if I had spent 10 times the money on a new trailer and had parts falling off!

[AldeanFan]

Originally Posted by dkrug

We have the same problem. When I called Jackson Center I was told they don't use them any more. I told them the knobs keep coming off and I was told to glue them on.
We didn't glue them on. I just say bad things when one comes off while trying to open a window.

They really said that!

new trailers should not need to be glued back together

[JohnRFunderb]

I had a couple of the gray plastic knobs pull off while opening stuck windows. The set screws were not tight enough. I tried new set screws. You can buy the set screws at Home Depot or Lowes. Take a knob with you to size the threading properly... be sure to buy a hex wrench that fits the set screw (or 2), as they wiggle loose eventually.

I then tried a different approach - I removed the metal push rods going out to the windows (after you remove the 2 window screw attachments, the rod just twists and goes out the opening on the side of the window). Then, I used a tap & die set to cut threads the round end of the rod. I held the rod steady in a vice grip, for threading, using cutting oil. Then I sanded and painted the rods, re-installed them on the window, and then screwed on new small round pewter (handles) for the window knob. It's really sturdy, and cannot pull off, and looks pretty good. I actually used "newels (sp?) that hold lamp shades onto lamps (about $3 each) for the knobs.

If you try this, do not thread down too far on the rod, as it might interfere with closing the window all the way, if the knob is threaded too far down on the rod, it can bump against the window frame when the window is closed, due to the angle of the rod.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Pickypickypicky......get used to it, just the way JC rolls.
You'll love your transfer switch and "no stage" P-lax.
Don't forget to up-grade your running gear for 3k+.

"We don't make changes, we make improvements"......

The counter's of the bean rule!

Bob

[exallen]

Experiencing the same thing with the knobs coming off when trying to open a window on our 2012 Classic. The knobs have brass threads but are without set screws. I purchased a couple small phillips screws to test our front side window. The brass insert comes out when tightening the screw very much and there is no indentation in the rod the knob is on for the screw to set in. Bottom line is the screw was little or no help. Next step is to drill a shallow hole in the rod and try the screw again. If that works better, will drill all the rods and get regular set screws. If it doesn't work, will go with some type of glue to hold them firm. Because the windows stick to the molding when not used for a few days, the knobs are needed.

[exallen]

Decided to bite the bullet and came up with another solution. Actually removed all the window rods from our 9 windows and threaded the ends. They slip out by removing one nut from the mounting bracket.

Had to make a several file strokes to get them rounded and ready for a 1/4x20 die. Ordered 18 black coupling nuts from Enco at $1.58 each. I think they worked out quite nicely. The pictures show a rod after being threaded and the rod re-installed with the coupling nut. I sprayed on a little black paint to touch them up before re-installing.

[DoubleNickel]

Great solution. I'm going to try something similar on mine, I'm tired of the handles pulling off every time I try to open a window.

[dkottum]

Don't really need to pull on them, just push and lift. The considerable weight brings them back down to sit in the detents or close. Lube the window seals and the detent channels with silicon or 303 Protectant as needed so they don't stick.