Quote:
Originally Posted by eightydo
how did you check the screw heads? did you look for them or use a tool (screw gun)
you sound like someone from another forum (Yamahauler)
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As some may recall from previous post, we purchased our 2013 3895 in april, and have been full timing since then. With the exception of a few minor quality/manufacturing and design issues we are extremely pleased. With that said, shortly after getting our trailer i spent two days going thru and checking as many bolts and screw as i could easily access (30 Years in USAF AC Maintenance in me) to ensure they were secure. I found three areas that had broken or missing screws and bolts. First, almost every screw holding the schwintech rails to the sides of the slides were loose. They all tightened up with the exception of a few that were over torqued when installed at factory and simply popped off when i went to turn them. Second were the screws that hold the slide channeling to the side of the coach. i currently have 2-3 screw heads missing from each section on all three slides. Some were lost during the trip home from the dealer, while the others popped off after applying minimal pressure. I was not overly concerned since they are staggered (no two in a row). They will be on our punch list for our first warranty visit unless i decide to fix them myself. Last area was the galley grey tank, and rear bath valve control lever mounts. During my first 500 mile trip one bolt head on each of the brackets broke. Additionally, one of the bolts that hold the fuel box back near the spare tire was sheared off. I went thru and replaced all visible bolts with better grade. No problem since.
I've been on this site for nearly a year and was curios that no one else reported issues with broken screws/bolts. Having participated in acceptance inspections of many of the USAFs new aircraft over 30 years i found this to be a common issue coming off the production lines. I would not expect Dutchman’s quality to be any better than Boeing or Lockheed Martin’s. I continue to complete this check with all new motorized vehicles/Toys to ensure all parts/pieces that I can access are secure before jumping on or in them and taking off.
While i can't speak to the validity of Voltagenightmare claims, l will say that screws/bolts were an issue I dealt with. On it's own i would rate it as a minor issue that can be easily identified and in many cases corrected by the owner. For those who have not yet done this inspection i would recommend they do it, and continue to accomplish periodic checks to ensure they stay tight/secure.
MY2Cents