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Old 10-17-2021, 01:34 PM   #1
Bob and Jeannette
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One of my fenders fell of. Or did it?

We have been on several thousand miles of road this season and recently some very poorly maintained ones (some of you folks are not getting your tax dollar’s worth) and pulled in sans fender last night. Passenger side, no damage, no memory of anything close to brushing us but all that are left are screws.

Best guess? I think it rattled off seeing as the screw heads are very small.

What do you guys think?
 
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Old 10-17-2021, 03:21 PM   #2
jcurtis934
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Depending on age of unit and that sides exposure to the sun, my guess is that the plastic has become brittle with uv exposure and has now joined countless other RV and semi truck parts adorning some highway. Usually, the screws fall out. John
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Old 10-17-2021, 05:06 PM   #3
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These screws have a tendency to work out. If that was happening and you didn’t notice the plastic fender could start vibrating in the wind and tear it’s self off. Once one screw let go especially on the front the rest would go fairly quickly.
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Old 10-17-2021, 05:45 PM   #4
DadsHemi
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I’ve removed those factory metal screws and installed #8/32 machine screws with flat and lock washers. I still check them to make sure there all secure.
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Old 10-17-2021, 08:56 PM   #5
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I started that upgrade today, but Lowes didn't have enough Nylock nuts for me to finish ( need 8 per side). I bought 2 packs of 12 stainless phillips round head #8-1" long screws and a pack of #8 stainless washers. Pushed the screws into a sheet of cardboard and after Acetone cleaning them, sprayed the screws and washers with Krylon flat black paint. Learned the cardboard trick long ago, to easily coat the heads without missing a spot or an ugly process.

I Removed the sheetmetal screws, ended up drilling the holes just over tap drill size and screwed , one at a time, so the sealant isn't compromised. 2 of each side are blind and go into a brace, so left them factory. I plan on putting a dab of super rubbery sealant on the nuts just to help them stay put. I think it's DAP 230 sealant.

I have seen too many reports of them loosening and either cracking or falling off to not do this 45 minute upgrade.

Allen
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Old 10-17-2021, 09:55 PM   #6
rohrmann
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Using these on the screws that come on the rig will keep the screws from coming out. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-4-C...g-Nuts/3013171
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Old 10-17-2021, 10:07 PM   #7
hemiallen
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Interesting item

I've seen them on older vehicles, I'll have to try them on the rest of the screws.

Thanks

Allen
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Old 10-17-2021, 11:00 PM   #8
Carl n Susan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
Using these on the screws that come on the rig will keep the screws from coming out. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-4-C...g-Nuts/3013171
They are what I call Speed Nuts and have held the stock sheet metal screws in my fenders since 2011. Quick and easy to install.
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Old 10-18-2021, 02:37 PM   #9
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I made sure all my screws were run in snug and put a "glob" of silicone caulk on the back threads and never had one back out again.
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Old 10-24-2021, 05:30 PM   #10
Bob and Jeannette
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DadsHemi View Post
I’ve removed those factory metal screws and installed #8/32 machine screws with flat and lock washers. I still check them to make sure there all secure.
I had already planned on replacing all of the screws for something with a wider head because the other side became very loose. I tightened this side at that time but it was about 2 months ago. My error not to act sooner, if you read this and don’t upgrade yours it will be a problem.
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Old 10-25-2021, 06:21 AM   #11
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We had the fender on the passenger side of ours come off during a trip last summer. Same issue as others, the screws are too small. When installing the new fenders i used a grommet-ed screw that is used to install metal siding and roofing on steel buildings. The rubber grommet allows for some vibration and expansion and contraction in heat and cold. I haven't really tested them yet, but i think this will work quite well. Will update if i have any issues on our next trip in January.
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Old 10-27-2021, 11:00 AM   #12
GreG L.
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I've had several screws come out of the finders. I bought new screws and flat speed nuts (some go into a 1x1 brace and there is not much room). I put some clear caulk on the underside of the screw and cover the nut and screw once installed, haven't lost a replaced one yet.
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Old 10-27-2021, 11:55 AM   #13
team bradfield
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
Using these on the screws that come on the rig will keep the screws from coming out. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-4-C...g-Nuts/3013171
I like the hillman idea @rohrmann, I have replaced most of mine and used blue loctite on them, seems good so far, will have to test on this trip, 2400 miles to Fort Wilderness starting Friday

I also have trouble with the fender skirts flapping, here is how I solved it
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Old 10-27-2021, 12:02 PM   #14
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I just finished re-caulking my rig. I did what WeBeFullTime did. Tightened all the screws and Put a gob of sealant on the threads.
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Old 10-27-2021, 12:34 PM   #15
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I like Team Bradfield idea. I'm going to try it.
Thanks.
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