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Garfish · 03-09-2020, 08:59 AM

Next week is shakedown and washed my 25 GT in my driveway today. First time opened the segment protectors. As I was about to close the second one I glanced at the mounting hinge. Seven screw holes and two screws. I looked down the other hinge and saw four

Maybe end of screw guy’s shift and wanted to get home?

Love my GT and expect to find some other things over time. Just the way things are and just surprised, not complaining. This does make me want to look at all screw holes though

rmkrum · 03-09-2020, 09:06 AM

If the holes were drilled, it’s possible the screws backed out. In any case, time to put new screws in and fill all the holes. A daub of sealant under the heads to help keep water out is also a very good idea.

Stranger things have happened.

Garfish · 03-09-2020, 09:17 AM

Only driven home from dealer, 45 miles. Doubt they backed out

Prettygood · 03-09-2020, 09:20 AM

Worth sending a picture to the GM of the dealer and asking “Is this representative of your service quality?” I’d be pissed to find out that a heavy stainless steel panel was held on by only two and four screws.

rmkrum · 03-09-2020, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garfish

Only driven home from dealer, 45 miles. Doubt they backed out

Either way needs to be fixed before any serious travel.

ROBERT CROSS · 03-09-2020, 10:33 AM

The way AS rationalizes it...the fewer the holes the less chance of leaks...

X2 on sealing the head & threads on all the screws.
I removed ours one at a time and sealed with 3M4200.
They won't loosen again but can be removed if needed.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

Garfish · 03-09-2020, 12:50 PM

Need to find out what screws to use as well. May just call my dealer

Halford1 · 03-09-2020, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garfish

Need to find out what screws to use as well. May just call my dealer

may need slightly bigger screw.. not the length but width. The holes are probably too loose for the current screws.

GMFL · 03-09-2020, 01:26 PM

I just installed a set last week. Hole are not drilled in the skin. They are attached with self tapping screws. They will need to be added.

Belbein · 03-09-2020, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prettygood

Worth sending a picture to the GM of the dealer and asking “Is this representative of your service quality?” I’d be pissed to find out that a heavy stainless steel panel was held on by only two and four screws.

What does that get him, Prettygood? The GM of the dealer says "It's Airstream's fault; we don't put 'em together, we just sell 'em." And AS says, "It was fine when it left here ..."

Prettygood · 03-09-2020, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belbein

What does that get him, Prettygood? The GM of the dealer says "It's Airstream's fault; we don't put 'em together, we just sell 'em." And AS says, "It was fine when it left here ..."

I would expect the dealer to say “I’m sorry, that’s not right. Bring it back and we can ensure it is well secured”

Garfish · 03-09-2020, 06:31 PM

I would put in self tapping screws myself just need to know what ones Ohio used and if I need to caulk somehow

DaveP · 03-09-2020, 07:18 PM

The thread size for those hole is normal a size 10 screw, Use stainless steel screws with a 3/4 inch length. Also use a sealant. Silicon caulk would be fine.

nvestysly · 03-09-2020, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garfish

I would put in self tapping screws myself just need to know what ones Ohio used and if I need to caulk somehow

Maybe I'm missing something... seems like you can take one of the existing screws out to determine its size (diameter and length). If not on this segment protector then the one on the other side.

Regarding sealant - there may be an official sealant for this process but I've seen Airstream techs at Jackson Center put a liberal amount of Parbond on the screw thread when they were installing a rear awning on our trailer. You can purchase Parbond in "Aluminum" color to help disguise the sealant. I've used Parbond myself and it seems to hold up although I have not done any performance testing or comparison to support that notion. Parbond is available from Vintage Trailer Supply.

https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com...-p/vts-256.htm

Garfish · 03-09-2020, 07:36 PM

Thanks for the size. I don’t want to remove existing screw and break any seal and then trust replacing it will be as tight. Besides, only two on one side and four on other

dznf0g · 03-09-2020, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garfish

Thanks for the size. I don’t want to remove existing screw and break any seal and then trust replacing it will be as tight. Besides, only two on one side and four on other

Yeah, you assume the factory "seal" is better than you would perform. My experience says the reverse. I would use polyurethane, not silicone.
Definitely use stainless screws. BTW, I have had my guards off twice in the last 10 years, for maintenance reasons. No leaks nor any other problems.

StuartsDad · 03-09-2020, 08:53 PM

I am all for DIY projects, but given this is a brand spanking new AS, I would call the dealers service dept., tell them I am bringing it in tomorrow and have a trip planned this weekend so I had to have it back before then. If they balk, drag the sales person in to it. There will be plenty of other repairs, tweaks, modifications you can have fun with as time goes on.