Originally posted by acoleman43
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I looked into the separate plastic panels another brand uses, but folks are having problems losing them when driving (screws pulling through as it flaps in the wind) and they are a custom fit. Now as far as 1/4" holes in a 2" flange every foot or so I am not sure it is a problem. But you do have a valid concern. All of my frame cracks are due to welding to the frame web - done wrong, but non the less welding. A lot of components get bolted to the frame and if done properly (reinforcement) should hold. Now if my repairs go as I hope they will, I will end up with a new 2x2 sub frame. I plan to pre-drill holes in the center of the tube, out of the stress area.
Unfortunately on the stock situation GD just drilled into the flange where the person placing the coroplast happen to hit. I assume at the factory the frame is upside down and they just lay it out and go to town with the self drilling 1/4" hardware. I doubt there is even a placement plan. On my unit that was all over the place, both on the inside flange and outside flange with a few total misses. An yes this could be problematic if there were a lot of them. My steadyfast has two larger holes on the inside flange about 1.5" apart. I plan to have thees holes filled and the brace welded to the new subframe, or a separate plate to bolt to added
Now when I put it back up I plan to install in sections just as you suggest. For GD to do that would take time and more components/weight and I am sure it was not worth it to them. If it had not been for my modifications and frame cracks I doubt I would have pulled the coroplast. Besides in most cases dealers just cut it loose and tape it back together - not a good solution but quick.
Happy Thanksgiving
Keith
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