Storage Compartment Separating

[Wandering]

Found my storage compartment was separating from the outside wall. Tried to tighten screws but no bite. Took screw out and found it mostly rusty. Wondering why it would rust when screwed into an outside wall. Is the wall leaking? Don't see anything open from underside.

Ideas appreciated.

Planing to use next size screw but worried.




Forester 2451s

[Bama Rambler]

There's a leak somewhere. You should investigate where it's coming from as it will only get worse.

[Wandering]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

There's a leak somewhere. You should investigate where it's coming from as it will only get worse.

Yep! Your right, gap in caulking. Hope this is it! Gonna look at all the seals. Thanks!



Forester 2451s

[Frank & Eve]

We had the same problem with our last compartment drivers side. Found out it is a fairly common problem with the black compartments. Re caulked, held compartment to the side with large clamps then put a bunch of new screws in. Has held for 3 years now. There are post about the separation on here.

[Snowman9000]

It's a weak design. And easy to overload.

While driving in rain, water will splash up onto that attachment area from below. If water was getting in from the interior, you'd know it.

[poppytoymaker]

Maybe replace with stainless steel screws?

[bob caldwell]

Add more ss screws....

[sgtlm17]

Wandering
My 2016 2801 storage areas look like yours but they still feel solid

[Frank & Eve]

Been told it's just the black ones that have the problem. The grey ones are the improved ones.

[sgtlm17]

Mine are grey. . I have seen the black. . The grey appear to be stronger and more rigid.

[RamblerGuy]

I think a Forest River rep stated the newer gray ones are more dimensionally stable when manufactured, so they have fewer fit problems than with the black ones. I don't remember if he said anything about any difference between them in strength.

Our 2011 Sunseeker has the black ones and I am thankful that I've had no problems. I did put some 2 x 4's between the floor of the rear compartment and the frame because it sagged. I wasn't worried about it failing but I was annoyed that the floor wasn't flat.

[AbdRahim]

My 2801 separated in several placed. Had it fixed at a body shop under warranty. It almost looks like the compartment was molded too small for the coach. Even after being repaired, the compartment is very strained and bows in in between the screws, as if it is trying to pull away. This is, the grey one.

[sgtlm17]

AbdRahim my 2801 is just so you describe also but they seem solid and secure. . Keeping my eye on them

[poppytoymaker]

Just recorked mine. The screws seem to be holding just the old corking drying and separating.