How safe is this? How to fix?

[magna1111]

While recaulking the new old airstream, I noticed the awning connection looks dangerous, what type of screws would i have to find to fix this? Is that silicone block suposto be there? Anyother tips? Is is safe to take on a trip this weekend?
Ty
Will the work ever end...

[Lumatic]

I have seen stainless steel screws used.

[magna1111]

The screws look like no other I have seen, wonder if they have a special name, they seem to have a case where the threads would be.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by magna1111

While recaulking the new old airstream, I noticed the awning connection looks dangerous, what type of screws would i have to find to fix this? Is that silicone block suposto be there? Anyother tips? Is is safe to take on a trip this weekend?
Ty
Will the work ever end...

magna,

You have one 'chocolate mess' on your hands there!

If I were you, I would:

1* remove the 2 screws that hold the awning bracket on

2* definitely remove ALL of that silicone (which has NO PLACE on an RV!)

3* clean the area as well as you can with appropriate solvents to get the metal-to-metal junctions as spotless as possible

4* find an appropriate size stainless sheet metal screw (probably a #10 or 12) that will be just slightly oversized for the existing holes

5* re-attach the bracket and butter the back with a liberal coating of SikaFlex 221 or Vulkem in grey

6* tighten the 3 screws (the missing one looks like it should perfectly intersect the rib behind the rivet line

Carefully clean the sealant squeeze-out.....and you're DONE!

Let me know if you have any other questions

[magna1111]

Nice site Lewster and thanks for the information from you both, I was hoping that silicone block had to go. Have been removing old silcone with silicone remover all day. I will attempt your fix tomorrow. Thank you again.
PS does your metal business cut aluminum patches? I have a nice 9 inch slice I would like to patch with an interesting shape.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by magna1111

Nice site Lewster and thanks for the information from you both, I was hoping that silicone block had to go. Have been removing old silcone with silicone remover all day. I will attempt your fix tomorrow. Thank you again.
PS does your metal business cut aluminum patches? I have a nice 9 inch slice I would like to patch with an interesting shape.

Actually, my alter ego is that of a custom goldsmith making fine jewelry. Have been for almost 35 years...............but no aluminum