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10-17-2021, 01:34 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Orlando
Posts: 338
M.O.C. #22589
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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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2020 Montana 3813ms legacy w/Paint
2017 Ram 3500 4X4 DRW Aisin Curt Q-25
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10-17-2021, 03:21 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Pensacola (mail forward service)
Posts: 3,198
M.O.C. #13740
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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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2012 F350 6.7 L dually, 2013 3800RE with 6 pt leveling, Sumitomo 17.5" load range h tires, Samsung 18 cu ft residential fridge, 8k Morryde I.S. with disc brakes. Full timing since 2012.
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10-17-2021, 05:06 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,528
M.O.C. #2283
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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.
Lynwood
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10-17-2021, 05:45 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Florence
Posts: 945
M.O.C. #20472
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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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2018 Ram 3500 MegaCab 4x4 Aisin, 4:10 Gears
Titan 50 Gal Tank, Air Lift Wireless Bags
2017 3160 RL
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10-17-2021, 08:56 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Lodi
Posts: 221
M.O.C. #28242
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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 rig: 2005 Ram QC 1500 5.7- Rockwood 8288 4- 6v batteries
New rig: 2016 Ram 25004x4 QC LB & 3120rl legacy-solarflex 300w and 400Ah Battleborn
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10-17-2021, 09:55 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,677
M.O.C. #12947
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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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Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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10-17-2021, 10:07 PM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Lodi
Posts: 221
M.O.C. #28242
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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 rig: 2005 Ram QC 1500 5.7- Rockwood 8288 4- 6v batteries
New rig: 2016 Ram 25004x4 QC LB & 3120rl legacy-solarflex 300w and 400Ah Battleborn
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10-17-2021, 11:00 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,324
M.O.C. #4831
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann
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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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Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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10-18-2021, 02:37 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hixson
Posts: 3,436
M.O.C. #11397
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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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2018.5 Montana 3791RD
Full Timers 9/1/2010 through 1/16/2020.
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10-24-2021, 05:30 PM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Orlando
Posts: 338
M.O.C. #22589
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DadsHemi
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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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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2020 Montana 3813ms legacy w/Paint
2017 Ram 3500 4X4 DRW Aisin Curt Q-25
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10-25-2021, 06:21 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Missoula
Posts: 136
M.O.C. #26938
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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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Jack & Tanya Wenger
Missoula, MT
2006 Montana 2980RL
2004 Chev 2500 HD
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10-27-2021, 11:00 AM
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#12
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 381
M.O.C. #21993
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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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I was once intelligent beyond my years. Now, I’m years beyond my intelligence.
2020 Montana 3561 Legacy, everything except paint.
2018 Silverado 3500 DRW, 50Gal Transfer Flow, Andersen hitch.
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10-27-2021, 11:55 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 525
M.O.C. #19994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann
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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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The "Black Pearl"-2017 3731FL Legacy Package
2017 F-450 Platinum, 6.7 PSD
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10-27-2021, 12:02 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,654
M.O.C. #24086
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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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Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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10-27-2021, 12:34 PM
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#15
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Missoula
Posts: 136
M.O.C. #26938
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I like Team Bradfield idea. I'm going to try it.
Thanks.
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Jack & Tanya Wenger
Missoula, MT
2006 Montana 2980RL
2004 Chev 2500 HD
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