Lifting Post Roof Bracket Repair/Reinforcement

[Phizy]

We have a 2014 FR Rockwood Premium (2516G) camper that we bought used a couple years ago. Everything is in great condition and the original owner did disclose that he had tightened the left front roof latch too much and had pulled the screws. He repaired it and it's been fine. However, last year when winterizing I noticed the bolts had become weak through the roof frame.


There does seem to be some slight leakage of water through the originally repaired screws, despite resealing each year. In the spring I will get a better look.


Attached are some pictures from the outside and inside.


I am looking for ideas. The first instinct is to remove the entire side panel and replace, but I'm hoping an easier fix is possible. My thoughts are to reinforce the area with a metal plate, potentially spanning a slightly longer distance.


Any thoughts on ideas/procedure/materials would be very much appreciated.


Thanks.

[Campworthy]

I had this happening on my 2018 HW27KS but I caught it before it got too bad. The problem area on mine was in fact the roof side rails and the corner caps, there were gaps in the sealant that was allowing water to get into the side panels. I would inspect the roof area rails and caps with a magnifying glass, check all the sealants around any thing on the roof, and reseal the hell out of it!! Depending on how bad your side rail is, you might have to replace the whole side rail, if that's the case I would replace it before resealing the roof area. If you have an awning, lift the bag and check the side rail under that too.
I'm really sorry you are dealing with this, unfortunately it's a common problem on these pop-ups.
I first noticed my dimpled side rail the day I bought it home from the dealer. I resealed all my rails, corner caps, and roof vents, that's when I noticed all the gaps in the factory sealant. Once a year now, I check all those areas with a magnifying glass and touch up as needed.
If you get a chance please update and document and finds, fixes and repairs here. so we can all learn from each other and good luck!

[Campworthy]

Also, as far as a repair, if you can get away with fixing with a metal plate, that would be the least complicated. You could also search popupportal, the group of pop-up owners on there is larger so you will likely find repairs of this kind.

[Phizy]

Thanks, absolutely I'll share what I did here (with pictures, etc).


At the beginning of each season I do go over and reseal everything. I think this may have been building for a little time and I may have missed it on the check 2 years ago, but caught it last year.

Originally Posted by Campworthy

If you get a chance please update and document and finds, fixes and repairs here. so we can all learn from each other and good luck!

[Phizy]

Thanks. Good point. I'll search and post there (if needed) as well.

Originally Posted by Campworthy

You could also search popupportal, the group of pop-up owners on there is larger so you will likely find repairs of this kind.

[flyerdp]

I answered you on popup portal and I posted how I did the replacement of the side panel here. (sadly no photos) If I find it I will put a link.

Don't shortcut this. Those lifter parts attach to the side panels and those attach to the roof. That is what is holding up your ceiling. You don't need compromised material holding it over your head, fix it right. If you push on the side board anywhere and it just gives, its ruined due to moisture. Check the other side while you are doing this and maybe you can save on shipping if you need both.

How about that, I found it:
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...ml#post2664940

This link gives you a peak into the start of the teardown at least

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSRrRhdyo1o

[Phizy]

Thanks! Actually, now that I see this, I had forgotten I did read through this post last fall.

Originally Posted by flyerdp

I answered you on popup portal and I posted how I did the replacement of the side panel here. (sadly no photos) If I find it I will put a link.

[flyerdp]

I added more details but not the link to contact FR Lol.

There was a post I think on here maybe on that thread I linked where a guy scabbed a couple of solid pieces of wood together and finished is somehow. The inside piece is plastic on the sidewall, you can use that as a guide.

I wrote the steps and it looks like a lot but honestly it was an afternoon. I spend more time dinking with paint regretting ever trying to repaint the metal trim parts that were dull or got scratched on the side panel.

Contact F.R. customer service for any of these or ask your own questions:
rockwoodcustomerserve@forestriverinc.com
flagstaffcustomerservice@forestriverinc.com