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  1. #1
    Big Traveler arhayes's Avatar
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    380TH Ramp Door "softness"

    I feel sure this was discussed here previously but have been unable to find a thread. As background, we have full-timed in our 380TH since August of 2014 and have probably unloaded and loaded our Goldwing 150 times. The chock is in the center so the bike is always run up and down the center of the ramp door. I've previously noticed softness running down the center of the door, but in unloading today it seemed much softer than before. Today after unloading my wife was walking up the ramp and there was noticeable flexing along the center section. It feels firm once you get past a 6"-9" from each side of center so the entire door does not appear to be affected. Once I secured the door closed, I also pushed on the exterior and the softness can again be felt from there as well.

    As full timers, I have some tools with me, but normally no space to work or manpower help to do extended repairs. I'm envisioning one day the bike falling through the door, and that's not an attractive prospect. So the question becomes 1) Has anyone experienced this and fixed it or 2) What suggestions does anyone have to easily strengthen this? Any help would be appreciated.
    Alan and Kathleen
    2015 Momentum 380TH (RVD2)
    2014 Ford F350 Dually (Stormtrooper)
    2012 Honda Goldwing Navi/ABS (Land Speeder)

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor JCR GD's Avatar
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    Alan, maybe a piece of aluminum "diamond" plate from top to bottom a couple feet wide to run the bike up and down on and hopefully spread the weight enough to avoid and further damage. Should be able to secure it with short screws.
    Jim (& Sharon)
    2015 GD Momentum 385TH - SOLD
    For Sale - 2015 Ford F-350 DRW 4x4 Lariat w/ AirLift bags, Titan 65 gal. OEM replacement fuel tank.
    The toy:
    2017 RZR XP 1000 EPS SE

  3. #3
    Big Traveler arhayes's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JCR GD View Post
    Alan, maybe a piece of aluminum "diamond" plate from top to bottom a couple feet wide to run the bike up and down on and hopefully spread the weight enough to avoid and further damage. Should be able to secure it with short screws.
    Thanks, Jim. I was thinking along those lines as well.


    Alan
    2015 380TH
    Alan and Kathleen
    2015 Momentum 380TH (RVD2)
    2014 Ford F350 Dually (Stormtrooper)
    2012 Honda Goldwing Navi/ABS (Land Speeder)

  4. #4
    Seasoned Camper Big Mike's Avatar
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    Alan,

    The door is not much of a structure...1/4 inch plywood, styrofoam, and 1/4 inch plywood, relying on the bonding of the lamination process. I am unfortunately on my third door, I had one crack and one delaminate, causing the same center softness you describe. Both of mine were covered by Lippert/GD though. Anything you go to attach to the door, just be aware that there is not much meat to bolt to.

    Big Mike
    Mike and Mary Beth, Hopatcong, NJ
    2015 Momentum 385th with MorRyde Independent Suspension and Disc Brakes
    2014 Dodge Dually
    2014 Harley Ultra Limited (Big Mike's)
    2015 Indian Chieftain (Mary Beth's)

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  5. #5
    Big Traveler arhayes's Avatar
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    Thanks, Mike. Boy, that's not a lot of meat to roll a 1,000 lb bike up!


    Alan
    2015 380TH
    Alan and Kathleen
    2015 Momentum 380TH (RVD2)
    2014 Ford F350 Dually (Stormtrooper)
    2012 Honda Goldwing Navi/ABS (Land Speeder)

  6. #6
    Site Sponsor Dave and Monica's Avatar
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    It'd not be the prettiest way but attaching the diamond plate by bolting through the laminated door would be the best method however if LCI/GD pay to replace it, that's even better.

    Dave
    Dave and Monica - Gore Bay, Ontario
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  7. #7
    Big Traveler arhayes's Avatar
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    380TH Ramp Door "softness"

    I am going to contact LCI, but as I am out of warranty I'm not expecting much. Replacing the key component that makes this a Toy Hauler was not in my plans, but on the other hand.....stuff happens! In the meantime, I've got to do something before I load the bike Monday for our next leg of travel.


    Alan
    Alan and Kathleen
    2015 Momentum 380TH (RVD2)
    2014 Ford F350 Dually (Stormtrooper)
    2012 Honda Goldwing Navi/ABS (Land Speeder)

  8. #8
    Site Sponsor JCR GD's Avatar
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    Mike, are you saying there is no other structure in the door? Not even cross members etc. or were you referring just to the general door construction?

    When I put my Fiat in the garage I have been using 2x10 boards to lessen the approach, departure and high center angles. Maybe I have inadvertently avoided the softness issue (Hopefully.) And I guess the RZR tires are big enough to spread the weight to avoid the problem.

    Good luck to you guys with big heavy bikes!
    Jim (& Sharon)
    2015 GD Momentum 385TH - SOLD
    For Sale - 2015 Ford F-350 DRW 4x4 Lariat w/ AirLift bags, Titan 65 gal. OEM replacement fuel tank.
    The toy:
    2017 RZR XP 1000 EPS SE

  9. #9
    Seasoned Camper savage99ss's Avatar
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    Make sure it is sealed up well. I had a hybrid door similar to this style door, they can take on water and make them soft. I had to replace two.
    2023 Ram 2500 Mega diesel
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    2018 Imagine 2400BH - with chaise lounge

  10. #10
    Big Traveler
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    Quote Originally Posted by Dave and Monica View Post
    It'd not be the prettiest way but attaching the diamond plate by bolting through the laminated door would be the best method however if LCI/GD pay to replace it, that's even better.

    Dave
    That is exactly what I'd do. Perhaps not super pretty but I'd rather see the bolts than replacing the door due to it cracking out delaminating because of flexing. I'd even consider further reinforcing with a bit more plywood under.

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