Cabinet Bottom Separating

**Shisa-01** · 06-10-2022, 06:42 AM

The bottom of the storage cubby on ether side of the stereo in our Reflection 29RS is separating from the dividers. This area is in the living room slide above the fireplace. Any thoughts on how to get into this area to do a repair? Thanks in advance.

John

**stroguy** · 06-10-2022, 06:57 AM

From what is see I would blue masking tape edges of the separated pieces. Then apply gorilla glue to the staples area with a small paint brush so as not to get too much in there. Then a brace or two from below to act as a clamp for several hours. Remove the blue tape shortly after the glue is applied so it will not be permanent. Gorilla glue is a tricky tool but it will reinforce that stapled edge. Plastic single edged razors help with any residual. Best of luck.

**WhittleBurner** · 06-10-2022, 07:12 AM

This is a common issue with cabinets and drawers that have been stapled together.
I've used small l shaped brackets to resecure the bottoms

**Shisa-01** · 06-10-2022, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by stroguy

From what is see I would blue masking tape edges of the separated pieces. Then apply gorilla glue to the staples area with a small paint brush so as not to get too much in there. Then a brace or two from below to act as a clamp for several hours. Remove the blue tape shortly after the glue is applied so it will not be permanent. Gorilla glue is a tricky tool but it will reinforce that stapled edge. Plastic single edged razors help with any residual. Best of luck.

Thanks! Stroguy and @WhittleBurner. How did you get into the area below? I can't see a clear way to access the area and didn't want to just start cutting holes. Can I pull the panel behind the TV out?

**WhittleBurner** · 06-10-2022, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by Shisa-01

Thanks! Stroguy and @WhittleBurner. How did you get into the area below? I can't see a clear way to access the area and didn't want to just start cutting holes. Can I pull the panel behind the TV out?

OK, one more time... was having a fight with my caps lock on the keyboard....I put the brackets on from the inside and ran a bead of wood glue on the seams. It's held for about 4 years now on a couple drawers and 1 cabinet bottom

**trailrydr** · 06-10-2022, 07:45 PM

Our 295RL's lower middle larger drawers in the hutch also have had some issues with separation on the bottom panels. I tried the glue remedy and it too did not work after some time. My fix is to place some thin aluminum support under the bottom panels of the drawer centered. My next campground spare time project.

**stroguy** · 06-10-2022, 08:27 PM

The thin panels in my GD will not accept wood glue. The make up of the veneer and panel itself do not appear to be a wood or paper product. I have found only Gorilla glue holds after clamping.

**Butcher** · 06-11-2022, 09:03 AM

If you are ambitious, look behind the TV bracket and you will find a huge space that is not being used for anything. If you are handy doing wood work, you could find ways to use that space. Just remove one of the electrical sockets and take a peek. It's huge. You probably can figure out how to resolve you problem too.

**geotex1** · 06-11-2022, 09:13 AM

The shelf is literally just the veneer thickness there to the staple up into the bottom edge of the divider, which has a 1x1 in it. This is the result of what happens using non-adhesive coated staples and the wood drying out. The best, most permanent fix is from bottom up using truss head screws (lathe screws) to replace the staples. Obviously, you would need to get behind the TV needing to pull that apart as mentioned. You could also pull the side off the divider, use toggle bolts with a washer behind the machine screw head and pull it up into position. May need to using 4 to 6 of them in long 1/8" style and then put the side back on. One thing you can always count on with all RV manufacturers - the use adhesives were they should not and they do not use adhesives where they should...