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Topic: Flip up shelf collapse & bracket replacement (Read 524 times) previous topic - next topic
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Flip up shelf collapse & bracket replacement
I think most of our LD motorhomes have a kitchen counter extension that flips up from the cabinet underneath. A few weeks ago ours collapsed when I was pushing down on it a bit for some reason. I thought this was a fluke but yesterday noticed it didn't sound like it used to so took a closer look.

One of the rivets at the hinge point in the bracket that supports the shelf when raised was missing, and the other was quite loose. I removed the bracket and went to an RV repair shop near where we're camped to see if I could get another. Nope, but the guy there was very kind to remove the remaining rivet and replace both with pop rivets. Not a good long term solution as those rivets are aluminum, not steel, and will wear faster, but this will get us through to where we can get a new bracket.

This failure could actually be quite dangerous or messy if the shelf had, say, a pot of hot soup on it when it collapses. You might want to take a look at yours to verify it is safe. LD has the brackets if you can't find a match elsewhere.
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #1 –
Terry, pop-rivets come in both aluminum and steel. If he used the former, they can be cut off and steel ones used.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #2 –

Same thing happened to me with my 2003 midbath. Those brackets are pretty cheap and flimsy. I replaced them with sturdier ones, and while I was at it, replaced the tiny counter extension with a cutting board that's nearly twice the size and is a lot more useful.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
Same thing happened to me with my 2003 midbath. Those brackets are pretty cheap and flimsy. I replaced them with sturdier ones, and while I was at it, replaced the tiny counter extension with a cutting board that's nearly twice the size and is a lot more useful.
I have this same cutting board and recently replaced the bracket with a more stable one after too many folks had leaned on it when passing by. Nice to have a little more cutting/counter space.

Chris
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #4 –
Andy and Chris, there are several brackets listed at the Amazon link; which did you use as a replacement for the original? 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
Andy and Chris, there are several brackets listed at the Amazon link; which did you use as a replacement for the original? 
Joan, I would have to check in the LD which is in storage. I don't remember where I got it but will check next time I am there.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #6 –
OK, thank you, Chris!
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #7 –
According to my records, I used the 12"  gray brackets. I replaced LD's single center-mounted bracket with two brackets, one on each side. They're larger than the ones used by Lazy Daze, but I was putting in a larger counter extension. If you were simply replacing the factory's brackets but keeping the small fiberglass counter extension, you'd probably need to use smaller brackets. Chris can answer that one--as you know, I no longer own a Lazy Daze.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #8 –
I thought I'd check mine and see if I could do the cutting board number.
I looked under the hood and it was pop-rivetly challenged.  Nothing but screws in a 2013 31 IB
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #9 –
Joel, the rivets that failed are shown in my markup of your photo.
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
Terry, pop-rivets come in both aluminum and steel. If he used the former, they can be cut off and steel ones used.

They also come in stainless steel but are a little more difficult to "pop" than regular steel. The stainless may be overkill for this purpose but it's another option.

Stainless Steel Rivets - Grainger Industrial Supply
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #11 –
I recently had the problem of my flip up shelf under the rear window pulling off the wall.  Turned out the screws just stripped out of the wall paneling.  I've tried not to put weight on the shelf but I do use it a lot.  Will need to fix it before I take another trip.

Assume I'll need to use some sort of butterfly screws.
Susie
2007 MB
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #12 –
Quote from: sdever2000  - 
I recently had the problem of my flip up shelf under the rear window pulling off the wall.  Turned out the screws just stripped out of the wall paneling.  I've tried not to put weight on the shelf but I do use it a lot.  Will need to fix it before I take another trip.
Assume I'll need to use some sort of butterfly screws.

If you can access the backside, long screws and nuts, along with washers, can be used, toggle bolts require a big hole.
You could also patch the screw holes or use larger diameter screws.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #14 –
Hi Susie. For the back wall of an LD, it should be 3/16" thick. You can use these 'Molly' expanding anchors. You can tell by the shortness of the part behind the face that this one will work in wall as thin as 1/8".      Mkt Fastening Hollow Wall Anc, 3/16"SR, 1/8-5/8"Gr, PK100 130000 | Zoro.com            Once collapsed inside the wall they are difficult to remove. I have used them and they work well. (medicine chest in the TK bathroom). You can get many diameters, and you probably don't need 100 of them.      RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Flip up shelf collapse
Reply #15 –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgu7z2caD-k

It's from Walter of Wabash. I forgot to measure it, but can if you wish, Joan. Still don't remember where I got it, but that's it in the youtube clip I'm pretty sure.

Chris

Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Flip up shelf collapse & bracket replacement
Reply #16 –
Thanks, Chris!
2003 TK has a new home