New Style Roo/Shamrock Canvas Fix?

[ChooChooMan74]

One of my bunk ends had the long side canvas pull out of the frame. I know I am still under warranty, but I figure it was a quicker and easier to fix myself. Here is how I fixed it, and would like feedback and maybe better ideas.

I noticed that the canvas had silicone on it, so first thing I did was silicone the channel. I then stuck the canvas into the channel. I also notice there was like 3 places where the factory used some adhesive to adhere the top of the channel to the bottom. I applied a liberal amount of black weatherstripping adhesive to the bottom, and then snapped the top over it to securely hold the seam of the canvas. I am letting it set for 24 hours before I do a couple of test pulls. Anyone else have to fix this before? I am always open to better ideas.

I also noticed the sides had screws on the ends holding this channel and the canvas. But, the long end didn't. Mistake? By Design?

[papesd]

Same issue. Used non silicone caulk and 4 sheet metal screws. Two different repairmen I know said that's how they'd fix, so that's what I did.

[Purdyquibb]

We had this exact thing happen choo, in fact first time out we met another couple with a 23ss and they had the same exact issue on theirs as well. In my option your fix will probably be fine. the only difference I did with ours is I actually took the canvas, and when i rolled it back to where it should have been i added more screws to the plastic piece and actually screwed through the plastic piece,the canvas and the wood as well. That part is rolled over and out of site so you cant see it anyway but it really made me nervous because that is a poor design. we have 3 kids, 2 boys 1 girl. the boys were rough housing in the back bunk, the 5 yr old flew over the 13 yr old and hit the canvas, when he hit the canvas he went straight through and by the grace of God got hung up about the stomach area before he fell completely out of the bunk end to the ground. Not sure what would happen if a kid actually fell through because this is so cheaply made but it wouldn't be good if I had to call Forest River because my kid got hurt or worse. If a kid falls through mine now they will take the canvas with them. The front bunk was no better so I did the same thing to it as well before an accident happened.

[ChooChooMan74]

Thanks for the ideas. I may add some screws to that, and check the other canvas areas, also. Luckily, the only thing we had was a stuffed animal made its way outside.

[ebcobra93]

I have a 2016 Roo 183 with the same issues. On our second trip last year, we woke up to find our kids' bedding on the ground outside of the camper. The canvas on the kid's bed had pulled out from the channel all the way along the long edge. Luckily, the kids did not fall out.
I fixed it by using silicone along the full length of the channel (as you did), but then I used 4-5 screws and drove them through the plastic channel, canvas, and into the wood. Did that on all three beds and haven't had any issues since.

[Wags2237]

Can you post any pics of your fixes?

[Canoe Al]

I have a 2016 183 roo as well. Now I need to double check mine for any problems in that area. Do you have any photos you can post?

[ebcobra93]

I'll try to post some pics, but it won't be until next week. I didn't take any during the process, so they'll just be of the finished product.

[syogerst]

I have a 2015 Roo ikss and the same thing happened. Repaired it myself with the silicone but only used 2 screws, the ones that came out of corners. Continue to worry about the grandkids up on those bunks. Could you let me know where else you located the screws?
Mine opened on the front ends, did you take apart the side seams too?

[ebcobra93]

For the sides, I added silicone where the canvas meets the channel, but mostly because I was on a roll after caulking the ends. The screws are just evenly spaced along each channel. I don't worry about the canvas any more. I do look at it before/after every trip and it hasn't budged since I added the screws last spring. I'm out of town this weekend (not camping), but will take some pics when I get home on Monday.

[mopwr4me2003]

I don't have a fix but find this interesting. We are in the market looking at a 2016/17 183 and had this kind of fear about the design. Like most with this model we have kids of all ages. I just don't want to find one of my kids hurt by falling out. I could deal with clothes or items falling to a point. I too would be interested in seeing pics of faulty and/or the repair. Hopefully forest river is addressing this issue.

[ebcobra93]

Here are my pics.

I pulled the canvas out and filled the channel with silicone. I then pushed the canvas fully back into the channel (squeezing out some silicone). Excess silicone was cleaned up, but most of the excess was inside the bunk where it can't be seen.

I snapped the channel back into place and then added 3-4 stainless steel screws and washers along the length of the channel. I also added two screws to the side channels (there was only one from the factory).

While I was inside putting the screws in, my wife was outside ensuring that the canvas was pushed all of the way into the channel before I put the screw through.

Overall, it was an easy fix and didn't take a lot of time. I did it on all three bunks and haven't had any issues with the canvas since (over a year and numerous camping trips).

[Canoe Al]

Thanks for the photos. It really helps to see what you have done

[ChooChooMan74]

I got 2 out of the 3 bunks has gotten the screw reinforcement. Unfortunately, the side bunk is not accessible to be opened at this time. I hope to get some screws in it by the time I leave Thursday night. I should have the unit moved by then.

[jefferson]

Same thing happened to our 23ikss. Very poor design. Used the fix described above with no water entering on a subsequent downpour.

[urocav2001]

What size screws did you use?


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[ebcobra93]

I don't recall the size. They are stainless steel and long enough to screw into the wood below the track. I also used washers under the head of the screw to help spread out the pressure on the track. I drilled small pilot holes before driving in the screws.

[jefferson]

I used #8 1/2" self- drilling screws. Drilled a pilot hole and followed the same line as the screw that was there at the corner.

Holds nice and secure. Then ran a bead of 3M marine sealer on the outside edge as well as the bead of adhesive on the inside track that the fabric slides into.

Maybe overkill, but I only want to do this once.