Stair Repair 2019 23 FC

[kmhale]

I have a 2019 AS 23FB FC that has the factory stairs. There is long slot on each side of the underbody enclosure that bolts extend through to support the stair brackets and allow the assembly to swing out. On a recent trip, the right side bolt fell out making the stairs unusable. I inspected and found no visible means of re-installing the bolt. A call to Airstream tech confirmed that the belly pan has to be removed to install the bolt. I assume that includes drilling out rivets, etc. My first thought was why would Airstream make a design so difficult or at least install locknuts/thread locking to prevent the bolt from backing out? So, I made an appointment with the nearest dealer (90 miles) and wait a month. I would like to do the repair myself. Has anyone out there had this issue or know the repair procedure. Thanks..

[ROBERT CROSS]

I did not remove the BP.

I got a grade 5 full threaded bolt. Threaded a nut all the way down ground and filed the exposed threads off to lessen ware on the slot. Filed a better profile on the slot, used 243 Loctite. Installed it from the outside.
SFSG.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[ROBERT CROSS]

Oh forgot to mention...remove the nut.🥴

Bob
🇺🇸

[kmhale]

Thanks for the response. I started to install the new bolt, but it turns out the right hand side belly pan was small and removable by drilling out rivets. It is roughly 12" x 12" with 4 rivets. I removed the pan, retrieved/installed the bolt, and riveted the pan in place. Also, I dremeled a slot in the end of the bolts to allow for screw driver tightening, then added a jam nut.