UNDERBELLY CAME OFF
Re: UNDERBELLY CAME OFF
This post is a bit old, but it caught my eye since I recently took a hard look at my underbelly. I had a leak issue (2018 24RLS) that gave me reason to spend some "quality time" underneath my camper, and I was shocked at how much underbelly sag I had, forward of the axles. Upon closer inspection, the underbelly had entirely or partially torn through most of the machine screws that hold it in place. I did some research - apparently, all underbellies are going to sag. But when the coroplast is pulling through the screws, that's got to be a precursor to having it tear off. I think Starcraft could go a long way towards preventing this by using washers on the underbelly screws. That's the first thing that I did - bought myself a handful of the biggest stainless steel fender washers that I could find, and put them on all the machine screws forward of the axle. I was amazed at how much just having the washers lifted the sag. I was still not satisfied that it wouldn't continue to sag, so I took it one step further. I put four pieces of galvanized metal electrical conduit cross-ways across the underbelly, spaced about 2 feet apart. To attach them, I used the same conduit C-clips that one would use to attach conduit to a wall or joist. These already have a hole for mounting, so I just mounted them using the existing frame screws. I take that back - I did have to drill a couple holes, where the tongue goes under the frame. There weren't existing frame screws there that I could use. The clips hold the conduit very tightly against the frame. Although I haven't towed it since this mod (living in it full-time, temporarily), I am not worried that they will work their way loose going down the road. It takes both hands and a fair amount of torque to even rotate one of the rods in the clips. I'm not sure how long they will last before they get rusty, especially since I occasionally use the camper after the roads have been salted. But they'll be easy enough to replace, and I don't have to worry about an underbelly tearing off going down the road.
2018 Launch Outfitter 24RLS
2002 Silverado 5.3L 270K miles, still pulls!
2002 Silverado 5.3L 270K miles, still pulls!
Re: UNDERBELLY CAME OFF
They have repair kits you can buy with some material and glue. I found a kit on ebay.
2014 Starcraft AR-One 15RB
2006 Chevrolet Silverado
2006 Chevrolet Silverado
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- Posts: 4
- Joined: July 9th, 2018, 1:31 pm
- Location: Michigan
UNDERBELLY CAME OFF
I have a Launch 24LS, the underbelly came loose while traveling, so I cut out a section to avoid further issues while traveling.
Has anybody had this happen and tips how to repair, unfortunately I do not have the piece that was cut-off,
Has anybody had this happen and tips how to repair, unfortunately I do not have the piece that was cut-off,
TFlaunch201424ls
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