Awning attachment flange getting loose

[richy2]

I was cleaning the awning on my 2018 rev when I noticed a gap between the front flange and sidewall. Upon closer inspection I realized a bolt came out and some others were loose. Tried tightening the bolts but they appeared to be stripped. I am curious as to what the backing material consists of that supports the awning. I just completed the first year of ownership of this vehicle and am hoping repairs are covered under two year warranty.

[rsdata]

I don't believe 2 year warranties have been offered for the past 2 years or so... I hope this is not you... if you do have warranty or for that matter if you don't have warranty try a mobile (they come to you) RV repair place or an RV service only place before taking it to a dealership

yes awning bolts sometimes strip out... there are various ways of fixing that problem... google and forum search is your friend for that...

[bclemens]

Originally Posted by richy2

I was cleaning the awning on my 2018 rev when I noticed a gap between the front flange and sidewall. Upon closer inspection I realized a bolt came out and some others were loose. Tried tightening the bolts but they appeared to be stripped. I am curious as to what the backing material consists of that supports the awning. I just completed the first year of ownership of this vehicle and am hoping repairs are covered under two year warranty.

We use 1/4" aluminum plate as a backer (which is what the awning calls out for). I would suggest changing to nuts/bolts if they are stripped at this point.

I have since, added 3/4" wood back behind the plate as an extra line of precaution. While the plate is suggested...from personal experience, I always find that metal to metal connections can vibrate loose over time. I had a light fixture where all the metal rings that held the globe on, vibrated loose or fatigued loose over time. Metal can stretch.

[richy2]

Originally Posted by bclemens

We use 1/4" aluminum plate as a backer (which is what the awning calls out for). I would suggest changing to nuts/bolts if they are stripped at this point.

I have since, added 3/4" wood back behind the plate as an extra line of precaution. While the plate is suggested...from personal experience, I always find that metal to metal connections can vibrate loose over time. I had a light fixture where all the metal rings that held the globe on, vibrated loose or fatigued loose over time. Metal can stretch.

What would be the procedure to changing to nuts and bolts? It seems to me that some sort of plate would have to be used on interior wall, not very attractive.

Were all 2018 Revs built without the supplementary wood?

[bclemens]

You could cover a plate in the same wall board that is there now, that is available in a self adhesive sheet. Or use bigger lags. I do not recall any REV's built with wood, but I'm not 100% sure. I just know the 24FW was built with the 1/4" aluminum plate welded in as recommended and the same engineer designed the REV.

[richy2]

Originally Posted by bclemens

You could cover a plate in the same wall board that is there now, that is available in a self adhesive sheet. Or use bigger lags. I do not recall any REV's built with wood, but I'm not 100% sure. I just know the 24FW was built with the 1/4" aluminum plate welded in as recommended and the same engineer designed the REV.

I came across "ez lock" thread repair inserts, what is your opinion on using this product to repair this situation?

[Delco Bobby]

Originally Posted by richy2

I came across "ez lock" thread repair inserts, what is your opinion on using this product to repair this situation?

This issue was in a previous thread. I don’t remember who said it but they suggested the bolts were over torqued at the factory. Hence the broken and stripped bolts.

I had awning flange bolts that were broken or stripped.

Also had some water intrusion during one extremely heavy rain pouring off a roof next to the REV right onto the awning area. That was a one time event.

Dealer fixed it under warranty. Replaced the problem bolts and then sealed around rack bolt.

All seems good now.