propane tanks broke off

[cfsoistman]

Wow I know everything breaks down to cost but self tapping Tek Screws through a piece of plate metal that looks to be 1/8" thick. Would it cost that much more to do it properly. Carriage bolts, nuts and lock washer do cost more than a Tek Screw and they would have to drill a hole but come on. It is holding two potential bombs in place. I'm thinking FR must have a large legal team because things like this could eventually bite them in the britches.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Triguy

...But, lets not overstate the issue either and imply that these easily or commonly break...

I have had seen several campers that when the tanks were removed they had screws broken. That's how and why I just automatically replaced them as soon as I got the new campers home. Also put a rubber mat under the tanks to stop the chaffing the tanks did to themselves and the tray. Bottom line, why take the chance for about $2 or $3 and 10 minutes labor?

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

I have had seen several campers that when the tanks were removed they had screws broken.

With that experience, I can see why its part of your preventative maintenance

[Wiscampsin]

Darn lucky they didn't fall while towing. That could've been horrible.

[KyDan]

Very lucky they didn't fall onto the road at highway speed

It's probably in warranty but me-- I'm a retired mechanic anyway- would
simply drill and re-bolt mine. That's a 10 minute job with bolts and nuts
I already have in my shop.
Hitching up and driving across town to wait for some guy in a busy RV
repair shop and then home and re-park etc etc.... not worth it for me.
Like someone said-- Pick your battles. This one isn't worth the hassle IMO.

[grege]

Originally Posted by Triguy

Grege,
You had me curious on how this is setup on my 233S so I checked and took some pics. Seems solid to me, but my setup looks different than on your 21SS. These are stainless 3/8 inch.

I think its a good idea to fix yours through the warranty process.

Yep. Definitely a different setup. Your holder even looks different.

Only problem with warranty process is I am in Florida now. When we set up I just put the tanks on the ground.

[grege]

BTW, RVW called me yesterday and left a message since we were stopped for lunch and my phone was in the truck charging.

I plan on going to Lowes while here in Florida and just fixing it. I did bring my cordless drill, bits, and some channel locks so I have what I need I can't see trying to get it to an RV shop. Maybe RVW will at least pay for the parts.

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by grege

Yep. Definitely a different setup. Your holder even looks different.

Only problem with warranty process is I am in Florida now. When we set up I just put the tanks on the ground.

Got it! As Oldcoot and kyDan said, it is an easy thing to do on your own, too, and no need to waste time with the dealer if there was no damage to the tanks or propane hose and connection.

[bakken]

grege, you mentioned that the tanks actually did fall off, and you dragged them a bit. If the hose to the camper was attached, I would be taking a very close look at it, and considering replacing it as well.

As far as FR cheaping out and using small self-tapping screws for this job, look around at your camper, no matter what make, and you will find all kinds of things that could have been done much better.
I went through our new fifth with a fine-tooth comb, and fixed all kinds of things that might have caused problems down the road. I didn't trust the factory to do it right, and I feel a lot more safe after checking their workmanship. I caught one issue that could have burnt the camper to the ground.

[ddurnell]

grege, Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, I was in Florida with my family for a quick vacation and just arrived home last night at Midnight. I have instructed my staff to take care of any parts you need and also to compensate for any labor. We are also notifying the factory right away of what has happened. If you need anything else let me know right away and thank you again for your business!