Problems with screws pulling out of entry door

[Mlewis]

I have just purchased a slightly used 2015 Heartland Oakmount 275 QB. It has a black piston on the top of the entry door and the screws have pulled out of the door and will not screw back in, they keep pulling out everytime you open the door. Has anyone experienced this and does anyone have a recommendations on how to fix it. Thank You

Mlewis

 

[mlpeloquin]

It all depends on what is behind the frame to screw into. Is it metal or wood? You might try the next gauge screw, same length, but wider. You might probe the hole to see if there is anything beyond the frame that the screw can bite into. Is the piston like a screen door piston to close the door automatically, or like the slam latch door pistons?

 

[Mlewis]

It all depends on what is behind the frame to screw into. Is it metal or wood? You might try the next gauge screw, same length, but wider. You might probe the hole to see if there is anything beyond the frame that the screw can bite into. Is the piston like a screen door piston to close the door automatically, or like the slam latch door pistons?

Fiberglass door with metal trim. The piston keeps the door open...

 

[JohnD]

Had that exact same problem with our 2015 Heartland Prowler P292.

The dealer just couldn't seem to fix it right so I fixed it myself (I gave them three whacks at it).

I bought some bolts with lock nuts that were long enough to reach all the way through the door and has lasted over a year with no issues.


Click to enlarge

 

[Mlewis]

JohnD,

Thanks that is a great idea, the pictures really helped.. You should patent that... It much better then what Heartland is currently using....

Mlewis

 

[CarterKraft]

Had that exact same problem with our 2015 Heartland Prowler P292.

The dealer just couldn't seem to fix it right so I took fixed it myself (I gave them three whacks at it).

I bought some bolts with lock nuts that were long enough to reach all the way through the door and has lasted over a year with no issues.

Click to enlarge

Nice job, should be that way from the factory.

 

[JohnD]

I am thinking about doing the same thing to the other end of the strut above the door although I'm not too crazy about drilling holes through the outside wall of the trailer.

Ironically, the first time I took it to the dealer to have them fix that (along with a long list of other stuff), all they did was use the same screws and replaced the strut

This is what it looked like after the dealership 'fixed' it and before I took matters into my own hands.

 

[dbbls59]

I had the same problem. I ended up removing the piston and installed a device like most units have to hold the door open. It's ok as long as I don't use the water heater on gas, which I rarely do anyway.