Steps

[mstell2]

I have a 2011 Rockwood 8281 SS and the steps are becoming very soft, when I looked at them on the frame it was cracking and it was only two bolts that mount and two screws that help hold it down is that right or should there be more mounting bolts?

[TURBS]

I would think there should be 4 mounting bolts.
2 front 2 rear.

TURBS

[mstell2]

Is there a phone number for a rockwood rep that I could contact about this since it's out of warranty and this is the second time I've had issues with the steps?

[Dave_Monica]

The phone number off the brochure is 574 642 2640. The contact name I had from before for warranty is Doug Fought.

Dave

[mstell2]

Thanks

[mstell2]

Called flexco, they are sending some new rails, but don't know if this will solve the problem.

[mstell2]

Got new rails, still have a problem, on the back of the steps there are just two self tapping screws to secure to frame. One hole is messed up from all the moving. Think I'm gonna weld a bar across the back and have more screws holding to the frame. Will have to pull off plastic under steps to make sure not putting holes where they don't belong.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by mstell2

Got new rails, still have a problem, on the back of the steps there are just two self tapping screws to secure to frame. One hole is messed up from all the moving. Think I'm gonna weld a bar across the back and have more screws holding to the frame. Will have to pull off plastic under steps to make sure not putting holes where they don't belong.

Don't remove plastic or weld,use threaded pop rivets where the holes are stripped out. Then you can use bolts to secure the steps. Youroo!!

[mstell2]

I'll have to give that a try.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by youroo

Don't remove plastic or weld,use threaded pop rivets where the holes are stripped out. Then you can use bolts to secure the steps. Youroo!!

What's a threaded pop rivet?

[rcnhoward]

It might be a rivnut?

[crunchman12001]

I am pretty sure youroo was referring to one of these threaded pop rivets?

[youroo]

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

I am pretty sure youroo was referring to one of these threaded pop rivets?

Yes but 5/16 x 18 size for the steps. Thanks, Youroo!!

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by youroo

Yes but 5/16 x 18 size for the steps. Thanks, Youroo!!

5/16" gr 8 would be ok, but I'll bet the inserts are only gr 2 which is not strong enough for steps that are cantilevered out as far as they are.

My Flagstaff has (2) 3/8 bolts in front and nothing but 2 self tapping screws into the frame at the rear.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

5/16" gr 8 would be ok, but I'll bet the inserts are only gr 2 which is not strong enough for steps that are cantilevered out as far as they are.

My Flagstaff has (2) 3/8 bolts in front and nothing but 2 self tapping screws into the frame at the rear.

The 5/16 pop rivet nuts are the replace/repair for the oversize holes from the self tap sheet metal screws,he can use any good grade 5/16 fastener he likes. The oversize holes he/I were talking about are the ones in the frame at the rear. Youroo!!

[mstell2]

Oldcoot, that is the same way my steps are, I have a rockwood, one of the self tappers is wolowed out and can't get any screw to stay. Was thinking of welding a bar or angle iron across the back and putting in more screws. Just need to see what is behind the plastic trim first so I don't screw into something I'm not supposed to.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by youroo

The 5/16 pop rivet nuts are the replace/repair for the oversize holes from the self tap sheet metal screws,he can use any good grade 5/16 fastener he likes. The oversize holes he/I were talking about are the ones in the frame at the rear. Youroo!!

Will no doubt work there, but I would not attempt to use a gr 8 bolt in them as the bolts will strip the threads if they are torqued to gr 8 torque.

[youroo]

Good grade fastener and Loctite,75% better than Factory sheet metal self tappers! Youroo!!

[bakken]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Will no doubt work there, but I would not attempt to use a gr 8 bolt in them as the bolts will strip the threads if they are torqued to gr 8 torque.

I don't see where anyone suggested using a grade 8 bolt.
Obviously that would be overkill for such a mundane job.
The threaded inserts should work just fine with a regular bolt.

[mstell2]

My bother in law is getting me the tool to do the threaded rivets. i took off the plastic to see what is back there so i could see where to add some extra support. Not much back there to screw to so I welded a piece of angle iron across the back, I'm going to add a few more screws to help with support.