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I'd want more than the fix in the recall
Now that Airstream has admitted there is a serious safety issue it's necessary to address whether the fix is sufficient. Does Airstream have tests or is it just following the available direction in the Air Conditioner installation guide? And does the fix include the more robust mounting kit recommended by the manufacturer or just the additional spring pads?
My fix involved stronger bolts, stiffening washers, steel spacers, and locknuts on top.
It does not appear that the recall fix includes stronger bolts. The additional "foam support blocks" mentioned in the recall are presumably the "spring pads" recommended by the air conditioner manufacturer to maintain tension on the bolts. I do not believe this is adequate to guarantee the bolts don't loosen, especially in colder climates where the pads may stiffen. The manufacturer also recommends double stick tape and mentions the possibility of adhesive caulk to help keep the a/c in position on the roof. These are all band-aids. The mounting should be strong enough so the bolts don't shear even when loosened and even when the AC is sliding on the roof.
The Airstream fix may be "engineered" by lawyers to eliminate liability rather than by actual engineers to ensure the AC stays on the roof in the Basecamp. Remember compared to most RVs the Basecamp (especially the X) is advertised for more off-road use and the AC is more prone to falling off owing not just to the accelerations from off-road use but also the slanted mounting position.
In my view the mechanical attachment should be strong enough independent of friction on the roof. Hence the stronger bolts, stiff spacers, stiffening washers and locknuts in my fix. I of course have no test info showing my fix is adequate but it's a lot better than what Airstream is going to do.
Disclaimer: I am neither an engineer nor a lawyer.
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