how we repaired the Roof strut attachments on Aframe. New 2019 T12RBTHSE

[Judy-Colorado]

Our trailer was purchased new a week ago, but we were dismayed to notice that the roof assist struts were coming loose outside where they attached to the base wall. While this could have been repaired under warranty, The only repair places available could not schedule us for three or four months. So after talking to Flagstaff customer support, we undertook the repairs ourselves.
I'm explaining how we did the repair in case it is helpful to anyone who has a similar problem. We removed the struts cylinders, then unscrewed the exterior base plates. We bought a 4x4 metal plate meant for electrical, and use the exterior strut plate as a template to drill holes in the metal plate. We put the two metal plates inside and drilled through the wall using the original outside plates. Then we bolted it all together with acorn nuts on the inside to avoid anyone scratching themselves. We considered painting the plate and may do so in the future. however since one plate is hidden by the mattress and the other is behind the dining cushions, it isn't a high priority. Now our struts are well connected to the camper and we should not have further issues with them pulling out. Flagstaff had suggested using a 4-in square of 1/4-in plywood inside as the back plate, but we thought the thinner sturdier metal plate would be more attractive and less likely to catch on things.

[OYO]

Nice! I love repurposed solutions.

Too bad we have to deal with this.

Happy camping.

[Gramps42]

I like your solution. I needed repairs in September and couldn’t get a dealer to handle until after January but I planned on being in Florida so with one week left on the warranty while in Florida my thermostat & microwave went out so I stayed in a motel while a dealer in Florida took care of it. It is sad that a dealer where you buy a camper won’t schedule you in a reasonable time frame.

[FremontBob]

Same thing happened to us. I was washing the A122ESP and noticed not just one but both were compromised. Screwed them back in, stripped 1/2 of them, and made it up to the mountains. Upon docking at the campground, it was even more damaged. I removed the rear strut so it would not beat up the trailer coming back from the mountains. Would like to just re-drill the holes, get a proper length of screw with matching acorn nuts and re-affix. Cannot emphasize the importance of walking around your trailer enough. Not a fan of our local dealer, good prices, nightmare service stories, so anything minor that can be fixed is a worthwhile project. Thanks for posting this, big help, and let the world know what size hardware you used, many thanks

[Judy-Colorado]

Sorry the struts were pulling out for you also. We would highly recommend putting a backing inside rather than just bolts thru the fiberboard. Even the Flagstaff dealers recommended either plywood or a metal plate, plus washers. The 4x4 inch metal plate we used was very inexpensive - it was meant to be an electrical box cover, we bought it at a Ace hardware store - just a few bucks. We bought 1 1/2
& 2 inch bolts plus the according nuts & washers. We used the 2 inch bolts just to get the first free bolts in, then did test in 1 1/2 inch bolts, then finally replaced the 2 inch ones with 1&1/2 also. Drilling out the metal plate wasn't hard. Just put the strut fastener on the plate and mark the holes, them drill the plate. good luck. Ours is super sturdy now.

[RollingRoost]

Just found mine doing the same thing. Very annoying since I have had the camper less than a month!

[Rockntrader]

I know this thread is old but do you happen to know the diameter of the bolts that you used? I don't have the camper with me but would like to get the parts for the repair.

Thanks

[Gramps42]

Originally Posted by Rockntrader

I know this thread is old but do you happen to know the diameter of the bolts that you used? I don't have the camper with me but would like to get the parts for the repair.

Thanks

I believe 3/32”. I cut a 3 1/2” square of 3/4” pine to use as a sandwich so the bolts would not pull through just like the screws did.
Roy

[Rockntrader]

Great, thanks.

[pgandw]

Originally Posted by Rockntrader

I know this thread is old but do you happen to know the diameter of the bolts that you used? I don't have the camper with me but would like to get the parts for the repair.
Thanks

I used #10 machine screws and nuts (same as 3/16") - biggest that would fit through the outside brackets.

Fred W
2019 Flagstaff T21TBHW A-frame