Awning coming off:Reflection 337 RLS

[paulandruby]

Update: I called customer service and explained the situation. They were understanding and promised to send enough rivets to fix the problem. They should be here this week. So far customer service has been great.

 

[savage99ss]

Does GD still use screws or is it rivet only, regarding the awning rail?

 

[zenasboy]

Does GD still use screws or is it rivet only, regarding the awning rail?

Our's is 2018 built in January of this year and it had screws down the entire length. GD sent me enough rivets that I replaced them.

 

[savage99ss]

Thanks...drives me crazy they have not changed...Rivets are easier to install than screws, especially with an air riveter.

 

[DaveMatthewsBand]

Our's is 2018 built in January of this year and it had screws down the entire length...

Same here.
Just noticed nearly all of my awning screws are stripped out too, guess I’ll have to replace them with rivets.
Apparently GD hasn’t changed their process yet, probably easier to just send out free rivets.


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[EStahley]

Same here.
Just noticed nearly all of my awning screws are stripped out too, guess I’ll have to replace them with rivets.
Apparently GD hasn’t changed their process yet, probably easier to just send out free rivets.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good afternoon! Did you by chance reach out to our team to see if they would be able to help you with the rivets? Also, we have reached out to our production team to find out of they have changed to rivets or if they are still utilizing screws, and when this may have happened.

Thanks!

 

[DaveMatthewsBand]

Good afternoon! Did you by chance reach out to our team to see if they would be able to help you with the rivets? Also, we have reached out to our production team to find out of they have changed to rivets or if they are still utilizing screws, and when this may have happened.

Thanks!

I have not, we’re on the road so no way to receive packages right now.



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[DaveMatthewsBand]

Today I replaced all the screws with slightly larger versions without the self-tapping handicap.
Pretty sure this sucker ain't going anywhere now!

 

[Keithb]

Based on what I read here, I checked all 32 screws on the two awnings on my Reflection. Eight were already stripped out. I called customer service, no problem they said and they are sending me more then enough rivets to do the job. They offered to have me bring it to the dealer, I prefer to do what I can myself. I’m not impressed with the assembly technique but I am impressed with the customer service. The rivets should arrive next week. This forum is terrific, thanks to all for posting your experiences.
Keith

 

[Superduty-MGRV]

Just went out and checked my 18, 303. Over half of the screws are stripped out also.
I will be calling GD Monday for the replacement rivets.

 

[Mike&Maggie]

Good afternoon! Did you by chance reach out to our team to see if they would be able to help you with the rivets? Also, we have reached out to our production team to find out of they have changed to rivets or if they are still utilizing screws, and when this may have happened.

Thanks!

Did you ever receive an answer from the production team as to whether they have changed to rivets? We are awaiting delivery, and I want to know if this is something to check when I pick it up.

 

[Clsfly]

The screws came out of mine in 2016, I was told then they quit using the screws and went to rivets because they had so much trouble, that apparently never happened if the ones coming off the line still have screws. The problem is the thin strip of sheet metal the screws go into isn't heavy enough for the small screws and stress from the awning. Quicker to use screws and let the owners fix them with rivets I guess.

 

[Mike&Maggie]

They screws came out of mine in 2016, I was told then they quit using the screws and went to rivets because they had so much trouble, that apparently never happened if the ones coming off the line still have screws. The problem is the thin strip of sheet metal the screws go into isn't heavy enough for the small screws and stress from the awning. Quicker to use screws and let the owners fix them with rivets I guess.

That a shame if it still the case.......

 

[Keithb]

Based on what I read here, I checked all 32 screws on the two awnings on my Reflection. Eight were already stripped out. I called customer service, no problem they said and they are sending me more then enough rivets to do the job. They offered to have me bring it to the dealer, I prefer to do what I can myself. I’m not impressed with the assembly technique but I am impressed with the customer service. The rivets should arrive next week. This forum is terrific, thanks to all for posting your experiences.
Keith

To follow up, Jason in GD Customer Service had the rivets to me in three days. Wow! Today I did the replacement. Since I had new hardware, I gave each screw a good twist to see if it would snug up. Sadly, only 5 of the 32 screws would snug up using a short handle 3/8 drive ratchet. I removed the screws, cleaned off the hole, filled it with sealant, then installed the rivet. Once complete I put a dab of sealant on the little hole on the rivet head.
Now here’s something that’s not good, 16 of the 32 screws had rust on them, meaning water was coming in past the screw head. That’s 32 points of entry into the side walls. I replaced all the screws, even the 5 that snugged up ok.
My 5ver is only a year old, built last August. It took me about two hours to complete the job. I posted this info over on feedback to the factory along with pictures of the rusted screws.
The screws are a flawed method to attach the awnings. Kudos to GD for standing behind their product and providing the parts to make it right. I am really curious how they are being attached today.
Keith

 

[fatlube]

Well here it is 2019 and this issue is still a problem. I contacted GD but was told no longer under warranty.
I have no idea if it falls in to 1 year or 3 year warranty and Extended Warranty company only fixes ''mechanical'' issues. Somehow without even looking this is NOT mechanical.
So to those who have attempted to do this yourself did you have to remove awning to get to screws ? TIA

 

[zenasboy]

Hi fatlube...there is a plastic cover at the top which covers the screws....it comes out very easily. Dont just put bigger screws in as they will pull away too; you'll want to use molly rivets. You might try another gd service rep and see if they will send you the rivets. They did for me.

Ours is a 2019 and the awning started pulling away after the first trip. GD sent me rivets and it was a 15 minute repair job...pretty easy.

 

[fatlube]

thank you ^^

 

[MImilt]

Grand Design provided the rivets for me (2016). For our 2015 Reflection.
I only replaced four at each end, plus added an additional near the edge
on each end and that was sufficient.
Milt

 

[fatlube]

So bit the bullet and paid to have it repaired. not only were screws coming out but found at least 3 holes where there were no screws even installed. who uses self tapping screws on fiberglass ? C'mon GD, you are better than this.

 

[Butcher]

I just purchased a 2020 29RS and low and behold, all the slide topper awning strips are coming loose.

So, they are still not doing the right thing. This seems to be an issue from day one and still, 5+ years later, they still don't seem to care about resolving the problem.