Door strut

[TerryRadtke]

Just back from a week at the beach in Port Aransas, Texas. Experienced lots of wind (as usual) and noticed that the metal screws that hold the door strut in place were loose. I tightened them up, but could tell right away that there wasn't a lot of grip left in the screw holes. Sure enough, a day later, the door opened and pulled the three screws right out of the door. Does anyone have a good solution for how to fix this problem without just getting larger screws and starting the cycle all over again? I've had the same problem on a bumper pull that I had, and the person I had bought it from was on the 3rd set of larger screws and they were ripping out as well. I know that there has to be others out there experiencing this same problem. Is there a good fix that someone has out there?

[1retired06]

My next step would be to use liquid nails and toothpick filler to reseat.

[Carl n Susan]

It really helps if you let folks know your Montana model. The best way is to include it in your Signature (set it up in your Profile). Giving the model number helps to reduce the incorrect responses.

I remember you have a 3700RL, one of the few Montanas with an entry door strut. Our screws lasted less than one day in the desert winds of Yuma. Larger screws will give you a few more days before they too pull out.

As I have a door which will be replaced next month (another long story), when this happened to me I took the easy way out. Drill the holes all the way through the door and bolt the bracket using Nylock nuts. If you want it to look professional, paint the bolt heads white to match the inside rim of the door. But most folks will never notice the additional bolts. My service manager tells me he will install "Rivnuts" (what ever they are) in the new door.

As your rig is still under warranty, let the dealer fix it - just don't accept the larger screw solution.

[BB_TX]

I have found that Gorilla glue is a good fix for such problems. It expands, fills the hole, and hardens as it cures. Just put a little in the hole and a little on the threads and put the screws back in and let it dry well. I stress "a little" as it does expand quite a bit as it cures.

[dieselguy]

I saw the bracket failure coming ... I removed the rain cap extrusion from above the door and found a piece of @ 3/4" by 3/4" aluminum. I cut a piece a little longer than the bracket and kept sanding it down till it fit flush into the back of the rain cap extrusion. I drilled thru holes matching the strut bracket holes and screwed it all back together sealing the holes with silicon before I installed the screws. The factory design just tightens the strut bracket against the rain cap which is hollow and flexes every time you open the door ... the spacer allows you to snug the screws up against something solid which lasts alot longer. On a side note ... no matter how well I like the fresh air ... if it is really windy (about every day in Kansas) I keep the door shut.