GT378 Main Door Closer

[betndavrv2]

The bracket which hold the closer to the main door is pulling loose. See attached pics. Anyone have any suggestions?

[LadyWindrider]

Best I can tell from your pictures, the sheet metal crews have stripped out. Most likely drilled too large a hole to start with. Best recommendation is something I call a "Thread Cert". It is a pop rivet with machine screw threads in the middle. Takes a special tool, that screws in to the pop rivet, squeezes, then is unscrewed. Now you have a hole with a set of threads for a machine screw. I've seen the kits at Harbor freight for around $20 or so, with different size inserts. This would make the best and easiest fix. Check this thread:

http://www.harborfreight.com/45-piec...-kit-1210.html

[ronhanson]

It should be a warranty issue for you but I doubt they would do it like windrider suggests which I believe is the correct way to fix it.

[yvesm]

You can try screwdriver installed rivet nuts. you can find them at McMastercar. McMaster-Carr

just scroll down the page until you see the screwdriver installed rivet nuts

[betndavrv2]

Thanks for the ideas, however, I have an idea for a new bracket for the door, once I have it made and installed Ill post pics. Think this is one of those items Id rather do myself so I know it is done right. Thanks to for the input.

[ravenmike]

I have the same exact problem, but not as severe. My 357qs is a 2011 and only been used twice. I went ahead and popped off the absorber. I will let my dealer deal with it under warranty. But I got funny feeling this issue will be around for the life of the RV. I may re-design the bracket also, but will wait too see what Forest River does first

[kvtaylor]

Your setup is slightly different than is on our 2008 378 Georgetown. But ours did the same thing. I used the same holes but installed larger and longer lag screws in the holes above the door (thats where ours is attached). So far they have held.

[georgetown50]

I have a similar problem on my 2007 Forest River Georgetown 378. I think this is a poor design since so many people are having this problem. I can remember a few times the door blew open and probably caused this door problem. I have seen other RVs that use regular hinges. I think I am going to try install larger lag screws and if that doesn't work, call a technician.

[NWJeeper]

I haven't noticed this yet but when we get our rig back from the repair shop I will have to take a look. I have used the Nutserts that were mentioned by others but they do have a flange that will keep the bracket from laying flush against the door top. I would be inclined to just try using pop rivets.

[betndavrv2]

Well, I finally got my part for a new door bracket for the door closure. Hopefully if it stops raining this weekend here in Vancouver, WA, maybe I can actually get it installed. I will post final pics after the install, but here is the bracket. I plan to run 3 1/4" bolts all the way through the door.

[ravenmike]

Did you make that bracket?

[betndavrv2]

No, I found a metal shop here in Vancouver, gave them the old one so they would have the correct bends and distances for the top over the door and a drawing of what I wanted. Cost me a donation to their coffee fund of $5.

[betndavrv2]

Finally finished the install of the door closure bracket I have made. Seems to be working well, but time will tell. Pics attached.

[NWJeeper]

Looks like it should do the job quite well but If it were me I would have chosen something like button head bolts and put the heads on the outside for a better appearance. I think the door will rot away and fall apart though long before your fix fails.

I checked ours the other day after reading this post and so far after 2 years of use no sign of it pulling loose. Fingers crossed.

[ravenmike]

great job mine is next

[ArkyGeorgetown330TS]

Now this is the kind of posts that I really like about this forum. My wife thinks I am smart cause I know what to do to fix this kind of thing. Please don't tell her I am reading this forum.