I had a related problem with my Coachmen 246RKS. The first owner, who had the trailer 6 months, had some sort of work done that required several cuts in that corrugated plastic. It got put back together with the proper underbelly tape but the tape job did not last because the tape does not fix structure. In one area, I bought corrugated black plastic from the craft store and used both double stick foam tape, the heavy duty 3M type, and some toggle bolts with fender washers under the head to bridge the cuts. But that was not enough, especially where the black tank was. My frame rails measure just under 71 inches from outside flange to outside flange. I bought two Simpson Strong Tie right angle connectors for 2x4s. I cut one flange on one leg so only 1/3 of it was left. This short leg was going to hook onto the flange on the I beam. I drilled a hole in the long side, just under the fold. I bought a 1/4-20 six foot threaded rod. I threaded on a lock nut with the nylon facing in and the flat side facing out. Do this on each end after you put the rod through a small diameter Pex tubing. Now add the brackets you made with the short flange facing inward. Now add two more lock nuts. The two lock nuts on each end will adjust the position of the clip and will keep the clip upright. Adjust both sides to be tight and now you have a truss rod spanning the width of the underbelly. It will fully support the corrugated plastic all the way across the rig. It is cheap, easy to make, and is even flexible a bit. Then I used the Scrim underbelly tape to seal the cuts.
I am always amazed at how the manufacture gets away with the low quality of build. New RV already falling apart. I find most RVs just fall apart going down the road. RVs are made to go down the road right?
Yes, I'm getting very frustrated with what I'm finding to be poor and rushed designs and assembly. Needs to be some major improvements in Travel Trailers and 5th wheels.
Sorry you ran into this issue with your Grand Design. Our Heartland has the self tapping screws on the edges like yours. In addition, there were additional screws going across the bracing between the edges. I went on Amazon and ordered a bag of 100 #14 Size, 1 1/2" Length (38mm) - Self Tapping Screw - Self Drilling Screw - 410 Stainless Steel Screws. I also ordered a bag of 100 1/4" x 1-1/4" OD Stainless Fender Washers to use along with the screws.
I've enjoyed seeing Saguaro National Park & hearing about the Cactus. I've mispronounced Saguaro also. Loved seeing their dainty white flowers. Thinking how you could approach the underneath of your RV. I had bunkbeds for the girls while they were growing up. I was always afraid of the top one coming down on Kara if Leanna flopped down a little rougher on top. The ledges the bottom mattress set on was a small narrow strip on the sides. The frame of the bottom bed was thin 1x2 (maybe), a piece of cloth stapled over the frame that matched the mattress. I cut a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood and set it down 1st then put the Bunkie board down then the mattress. It kept Kara from fidgeting with the loose material, & I slept better knowing they were both safe. My spare room I still have the top bunk with the plywood underneath to this day. What if you need to put something from side to side that will better protect your underneath along with securing the edges like you just did. I wouldn't have believed the RVs of today would be made with flimsy material. I thought they would be better material for the price you have to pay for them. My heart goes out to you Geoff. Sure hated that happened to you. I know I'd hate making an investment into something & not have anything to show for my money. That shouldn't have done that this soon. I think I'd be filing a consumer complaint with someone. In hopes you'll find someone smarter than me to advise. I like things that last.
Good/interesting video as all of them are. Sorry about issues coming up with the quality of your rig! You must be so frustrated! The good thing is that you can pretty much fix everything! I am just thinking about people that just want to enjoy a drive/vacation and then they come across such a problem(s) far away from any place that could fix whatever issue they might have, some might be older people, without knowledge on how to fix major problems, so what do they do? I just hope that the manufacturer will get back to you and do the proper repairs! Cheers
Thanks Patrick, Yes fortunately I can fix pretty much anything. Those that can't, are in a bit of pickle if they own an RV. Doubt the manufacture will do anything about it. They tell me to take it to a dealer which will take 3 months to get an appointment.
I agree, very poor design at best, I call it 'Adhoc Engineering' but without thought. The main reason comes down to cost and weight, without durability in mine.
I had a related problem with my Coachmen 246RKS. The first owner, who had the trailer 6 months, had some sort of work done that required several cuts in that corrugated plastic. It got put back together with the proper underbelly tape but the tape job did not last because the tape does not fix structure. In one area, I bought corrugated black plastic from the craft store and used both double stick foam tape, the heavy duty 3M type, and some toggle bolts with fender washers under the head to bridge the cuts.
But that was not enough, especially where the black tank was. My frame rails measure just under 71 inches from outside flange to outside flange. I bought two Simpson Strong Tie right angle connectors for 2x4s. I cut one flange on one leg so only 1/3 of it was left. This short leg was going to hook onto the flange on the I beam. I drilled a hole in the long side, just under the fold. I bought a 1/4-20 six foot threaded rod. I threaded on a lock nut with the nylon facing in and the flat side facing out. Do this on each end after you put the rod through a small diameter Pex tubing. Now add the brackets you made with the short flange facing inward. Now add two more lock nuts. The two lock nuts on each end will adjust the position of the clip and will keep the clip upright. Adjust both sides to be tight and now you have a truss rod spanning the width of the underbelly. It will fully support the corrugated plastic all the way across the rig. It is cheap, easy to make, and is even flexible a bit. Then I used the Scrim underbelly tape to seal the cuts.
Is that still holding up?? Watch my next episode and see what I did..
Thank you.😎
Welcome!
I wish you better luck in the future.
Thanks
I used angel aluminum for support, lighter than angel iron, also large washers with the self drilling hex head screws.
Yep, thats the plan
I am always amazed at how the manufacture gets away with the low quality of build. New RV already falling apart. I find most RVs just fall apart going down the road. RVs are made to go down the road right?
Yes, I'm getting very frustrated with what I'm finding to be poor and rushed designs and assembly. Needs to be some major improvements in Travel Trailers and 5th wheels.
Sorry you ran into this issue with your Grand Design. Our Heartland has the self tapping screws on the edges like yours. In addition, there were additional screws going across the bracing between the edges. I went on Amazon and ordered a bag of 100 #14 Size, 1 1/2" Length (38mm) - Self Tapping Screw - Self Drilling Screw - 410 Stainless Steel Screws. I also ordered a bag of 100 1/4" x 1-1/4" OD Stainless Fender Washers to use along with the screws.
I just bought the angle Aluminum and longer screws, I will video the entire repair.
I've enjoyed seeing Saguaro National Park & hearing about the Cactus. I've mispronounced Saguaro also. Loved seeing their dainty white flowers.
Thinking how you could approach the underneath of your RV. I had bunkbeds for the girls while they were growing up. I was always afraid of the top one coming down on Kara if Leanna flopped down a little rougher on top. The ledges the bottom mattress set on was a small narrow strip on the sides. The frame of the bottom bed was thin 1x2 (maybe), a piece of cloth stapled over the frame that matched the mattress. I cut a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood and set it down 1st then put the Bunkie board down then the mattress. It kept Kara from fidgeting with the loose material, & I slept better knowing they were both safe. My spare room I still have the top bunk with the plywood underneath to this day.
What if you need to put something from side to side that will better protect your underneath along with securing the edges like you just did. I wouldn't have believed the RVs of today would be made with flimsy material. I thought they would be better material for the price you have to pay for them. My heart goes out to you Geoff. Sure hated that happened to you. I know I'd hate making an investment into something & not have anything to show for my money. That shouldn't have done that this soon. I think I'd be filing a consumer complaint with someone. In hopes you'll find someone smarter than me to advise. I like things that last.
Yes, plywood will add too much weight and sag with moisture. Going to use angle iron cross members
I did learn something today. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
A couple of these, 2 in. x 96 in. Aluminum Flat Bar with 1/8 in. Thick, may do the trick instead of angle iron. Home Depot usually has them.
Yes, Watch the next episode. ruclips.net/video/IWk-NAnLfuA/видео.html
Good/interesting video as all of them are. Sorry about issues coming up with the quality of your rig! You must be so frustrated! The good thing is that you can pretty much fix everything! I am just thinking about people that just want to enjoy a drive/vacation and then they come across such a problem(s) far away from any place that could fix whatever issue they might have, some might be older people, without knowledge on how to fix major problems, so what do they do? I just hope that the manufacturer will get back to you and do the proper repairs! Cheers
Thanks Patrick, Yes fortunately I can fix pretty much anything. Those that can't, are in a bit of pickle if they own an RV. Doubt the manufacture will do anything about it. They tell me to take it to a dealer which will take 3 months to get an appointment.
Go Packers
Yea man...
Please let us know what the manufacturer says regarding repairs. They need to called out if you're not happy so you can let others know
I'm guessing they wont reply with a solution
I think cholla is pronounced something like choy-a. Lots of Spanish origin to the names.
Your probably correct. I failed Spanish in High School...
I agree, very poor design at best, I call it 'Adhoc Engineering' but without thought. The main reason comes down to cost and weight, without durability in mine.
Seems that way doesn't it...
Platypus..."prickly pear"
Like that... LOL
Most RV's are slapped together and worth less than 1/2 of what they sell them for.
Yes this was a piss poor design for this part.
when you reference cactus in plural it is Cac-ti
Thanks, yes I did learn this from many others viewers, thanks
Before you buy an rv, look at it a little bit. Notice how it’s designed and built. It’s the buyers fault for spending their hard earned money on junk.
At some point we need to be able to put a little faith I'm these companies.
There is room for improvement on quality and reliability.
@@michaelcraine9114 At some point! Do you really think it will happen? It is very sad knowing that quality is pretty much gone!