303rls awning anchor strip

SE

selvogs303

Guest
My 303rls is a little more than a year old and the awning fabric anchor strip is peeling away from the exterior wall. I made a temporary repair by replacing 11 screws not holding, checked the rest and sealed all screw heads. Has anyone had a similar problem and/or a permanent fix? I notified GD a week ago but so far no response.
 
I just fixed mine last week if what you describe is the same thing that has occurred for a few of us. Here is a link to another thread and I imagine if you search awning and other related words you may find other threads as well. Attached are a couple of pictures of how mine looked pulling loose at each on the bottom end (more at the front.)

GDRV has provided support to fix this item either dealer or on your own.

http://www.granddesignowners.com/fo...oming-off-Reflection-337-RLS?highlight=awning

IMG_7037.jpgIMG_8429.jpg

Dan
 
I took mine to the dealer for an air conditioner issue and noticed mine was pulling loose after on owning it a month. It is being repaired under warranty service. I would think grand design would step up and repair yours as well as it will keep there reputation in check as well. Let everyone know how it works out. Fyi, I called twice today but didn't hear back so I emailed and got a response very quickly.

Craig
 
Thanks for the feedback. I'm new to this type of a forum and don't really know where this reply is going. I also noticed the caulk under the fabric anchor strip and wondered why that was used instead of an adhesive. Seems like this is a product selection/installation issue that GD should make good on, although, my unit is 3 months out of warranty. I e-mailed GD on 06/15/15 and haven't heard back yet, I'll call tomorrow.
 
The repair is to replace the screws that attach the awining strip to the fibreglass with 3/16 x 1" pop rivets. GD will send you the rivets if you desire or you can have the dealer perform the repair. Pretty easy fix.
 
Thanks for the info. So far GD hasn't bothered to respond to me. I don't know if I would use pop-rivets, if they ever pull out or if the awning were replaced with a different brand I could just imagine the extra labor cost. Last dealer was $121/hr. My Reflection is 3 mo. out of warranty so I don't know if GD would make this good, but they should acknowledge that we still need factory support to keep our units livable and road worthy.

Thanks again,

ned selvog
 
Just passing along the GD recommended fix that a dealer would do. If GD has not responded, call their Customer Service line.
 
Unscrew the screws (a few at each end) and zap in the pop rivets......they fit right in. I also drilled a hole at each end about an inch from the end of the rail and added another rivet......"easy peazy." Or take it to your dealer and have them suck gdrv for several hundred dollars and maybe get your rv back by thanksgiving !!!!!

Dan
 
The recommended fix is to use 3/16" x 1" moly rivets, not just regular pop rivets. Moly rivets have wings that spread on the back-side thus will provide a secure anchor.
 
Dan, I thought the thumbnail photo provided by GD was lacking detail. They made it appear to look like a normal pop rivet which was far from what it is. I thought I would share my findings so others wouldn't mistake them plus provide a source for purchase just in case. Jim
 
Jim & Dan:

I agree that the picture from GD is not very clear, but if you look closely, you can see the lengthwise slit in the barrel of the rivet that would make it an Oscar rivet that will spread the two wings behind the wall. A regular pop rivet would definitely not accomplish the same strength in a fibre wall.

Rob
 

Attachments

  • GD Rivet Recommendation.pdf
    742.2 KB · Views: 86
I tried to source "Oscar" rivets locally . . . without much luck . . . although I have used these many years ago in an OEM automotive application. So, I contacted Grand Design about sending me rivets to replace the screws on my awning attachment to the wall. Took them a whole 45 minutes to reply with confirmation that they would send me the rivets !! That is amazing "customer care" in any industry.

Rob
 
I've been following the post about this issue and have the same problem with my awning. I contacted GD and got my rivets already. Anyone have any specific instructions on how to install them. Bit size...where not to drill.... Etc....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I used a 3/16 drill. Taped a depth marker around the drill at a 1" depth to make sure I did not drill too deep. Removed three screws at a time, injected clear silicone into the hole, inserted the rivet, pushed hard on the rivet gun to ensure the rivet was seated all the way in the hole, set the rivet, then applied a small dot of silicone in the rivet shank hole. Move on to the next three. I did the front and aft ends that were pulling out first then worked my way to the middle, three rivets at a time.
 
Hi Steve,

That is exactly the process I am planning to follow.
Great to have confirmation that I am going about this the right way . . . BEFORE I start :eek:.

BTW, I also received my rivets a few days after requesting them from Grand Design.

Rob
 
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