I have a Mountaineer. 4 years ago the back wall sort of separated and pulled backward. About 1-2 inches. Dealer 'fixed' it. I think they added screws to attach the back to the side aluminum stud.
That lasted about 2 years and it slipped again, but only maybe 1/2-3/4 inches. However that is enough that the side J fenders on the back can't quite reach the back where the corner strips cover it up. So I fixed it myself a little bit. When the fender is off, you see the aluminum studs,etc. Where the dealer, factory and I put screws, there are about 5 or 6 holes in a 3 inch square. The screws just pull out of the stud and leave a hole, so there is no more space to add another screw. And as the dealer started looking at it, the 3 stud braces on the side broke loose. They are only about a foot tall and attach to another horizontal stud about 2 feet long. So dealer is going to cut out about a foot of the corner stud and weld in another piece so there is something to screw to.
As far as I can tell there is nothing holding the walls to the frame!!! The unit just sits there and some screws go thru the horizonal studs into the wooden floor.
So this will cost me. Oh, by the way, I also have frame flex in the front (the old fashioned kind where the actual frame welds are broken, not the aluminum studs on the side).
So total is supposed to be around $5000.
If this works, I will be okay with everything, since a new rig would cost me > $60 or $70K with trade. I just worry that in 2-3 years the back wall comes loose again!
By the way, I also just had a new roof sprayed on for $7000. Along the edge where the metal flange(?) runs along the sides, the roof was disintegrating and I think I could actually see metal. 18 months ago there was no problem there.
I have > 60,000 miles and 8 years of travel on it, so I (sort of) get my moneys worth our of it and enjoy traveling.
I guess my rant is done for now!!!
and you'll have less to fret over. Most chiming in that you'll just run into issues with the next one is beginning to wear a bit thin ... at least with me.
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