Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Escape hatch cover replacement @ 3 years? (Read 37 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Escape hatch cover replacement @ 3 years?
Yahoo Message Number: 152103
The rivets popped out of my escape hatch cover hinge.  It is on an '11 exposed to weather 3 years.  The cover appears chalky but doesn't have cracks or appear to have failed.
 Since I have to punch out the old rivet heads and deal with it anyway should I just go ahead and install a new cover?  I'm close to the factory so getting one isn't a big deal.
 Is there anything stronger than the rivets?   Now that I know of the issue I can be more careful squeezing out of it.
Re: Escape hatch cover replacement @ 3 years?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152104
I do not know about something stronger than rivets.  There may be a way to sandwich the cover between metal. I suspect though you want a good tight fit with the rivet.  Maybe a screw and washer but that would be a continual process of checking.  Also an overtightened screw could crack the new cover placing stress on the other rivets.  Just typing as I am thinking.

All that said the factory (AKA Mothership) has modified how the escape hatch cover is made.  I do not know if your '11 had the new cover or not.  The new cover is supposed to be a lot stronger.  I wold like to know if you had the redesigned cover or not.
John
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Escape hatch cover replacement @ 3 years?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152105
I'll let you know about the cover if I go to the factory.  I may just pop rivet this one back on, as the rivets are all that failed-provided I get the old rivet heads out of the cover without damaging it.
 On my motorhome the cover when fully open teeters in the straight up position.  A few years of trying to gently push it open 'a little more" busted out the rivets.  Not that I forced it but I usually tried to tip it back just enough not to close on it's own-which is problematic..
Re: Escape hatch cover replacement @ 3 years?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152117
The 3 year old cover was fine.  I punched out the rivet heads with a nail set and the material proved sturdy.  I could see absolutely no sign of weakening of the material from exposure-and no reason to replace it.
 I replaced the eight rivets with number 6 screws and nuts.  They are very close to the same diameter as the rivets were.  I used dremel tool to cut off the excess screw thread past the nuts.  I used a bit of polyurethane on the screw threads hoping to keep them from vibrating loose.
 Maybe my technique was wrong, but I was unable to slide the hinge into place with the cover attached to upper hinge.  I had to screw the cover to the hinge once the hinge was in place.
 The crank control for the screen can be last thing to be installed.  In other words it can be removed/replaced without disrupting anything else.
Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152118
Hi

Does  anyone here have experience using a MS surface pro 3? Thought?

They  say it replaces both a tablet and a laptop, even a high-end laptop.

If  so,  what processer? Is the i3 sufficient or is the i5 or the much more  expensive i7 worth it?

TIA

Tom
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152119
My son and his wife both have a Surface Pro 2: one with 4GB memory and 128GB SSD srorage and one with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD storage. They both have the 1.9 ghz i5 CPU. You could not take their SP2's away from them. The SP3's have a larger footprint and the same processor with options for an i3 and an i7. The SP3 also has a screen that tilts at many angles. The i5 on their SP2 handle everything they do with ease. Both are heavy Office and Internet users. My son is in academia as is his wife. Beaware that you need to buy the keyboard separately at $129 each. However, they are always available on eBay for a lot less.
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152125
Save yourself a lot of trouble and get an IPAD. This is from a Microsoft certified MCSE. It will cost more up front and the resale down the line will be much greater without all the headaches. The beautiful thing is the seamless integration between multiple devices (Windows 10 Beta version Laptop, IPAD, and IPhone) all integrated via ITunes. They sync with each other via WIFI. Everything just works.

Bob Microsoft certified MCP, and MCSE
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152128
Bob, I have an IPAD.  Just looking for something better and easier to understand and use, as MS stuff  usually is. But I assume you have actually used a MS surface pro and therefore  are in a position to recommend an IPAD as being better for my use? I consider an  IPAD a useful toy. I like something I can sit at a table with, using a physical  keyboard, and spend some time with. More like a laptop, but not quite. Resale is  never a consideration for me with anything I buy, from a devise, to an RV, to a  stick house. I buy stuff for us, and that is as far as it goes.
Tom

Save yourself a lot of trouble and get an IPAD. This is from a Microsoft  certified MCSE. It will cost more up front and the resale down the line will be  much greater without all the headaches. The beautiful thing is the seamless  integration between multiple devices (Windows 10 Beta version Laptop, IPAD, and  IPhone) all integrated via ITunes. They sync with each other via WIFI.  Everything just works.

Bob Microsoft certified MCP, and MCSE
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152129
Tom, I have tried a Surface Pro among other tablets. There display doesn't compare to the IPAD Retina. They have software glitches where the IPAD doesn't. If you want a keyboard ZAGG makes an excellent Bluetooth model with a cover to integrate it with IPAD when on the go.
If you think Microsoft software is easier to use than Apple, I guess that's a personal choice. BTW the airprint devices work just as seamlessly. Apple has some excellent tutorials on line to help you learn the software. It is handy to become proficient at both. Try a MacBook Pro sometime. It will make you forget about Windows based machines real fast.

Bob
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152130
Apple wins hands down over Microsoft.  I was an IBM executive who used PCs from their beginning in the 1980s and before that primitive Radio Shack computers.  I switched to Apple four or five years ago and never looked back. As you say, everything Apple works and syncs together, iPad, iPhone, MacBook Pro and now The Watch. Gorgeous, reliable hardware and seamless software that requires very little user attention.  All unlike Microsoft hardware and software, on which I am still reasonably expert.  I have Windows 8.1 in a Bootcamp partition on my 2012 Retina MaBook Pro and Windows 7 in a Parallels virtual machine on my wife's late 2013 Retina MacBook Pro.
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152132
Well not sure Apple wins hands down.  The question that needs to be asked and answered very honestly is what is your use pattern.  If you are just using email and web services is a different use then photo edits and spreadsheet analysis.
 If all you need is email and web services a Chrome Pixel or similar may be a good choice.  No virus and always updated.  The Chrome OS is very powerful and relatively inexpensive.  Google and Microsoft  services will sync across all your devices without any issues.
 (smile) I tell all my friends to buy what their  support system is using because they are the people you'll be turning to will you need he.

Glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152135
Tom, FWIW, My wife bought an IPAD and also wanted a keyboard so bought an external one from Amazon that was made by New Trent. It was around $40 and has a stand for the IPAD and a small keyboard. I cannot comment on the relative merits of the IPAD vs the Surface as I am Laptop person who would not use either, but there are keyboard option for the IPAD if you wanted to go that direction.

Jay --
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152136
We have both Apple products as well as IBM types.  I prefer to use Windows on a PC, and an Android phone.  However, the big advantage with Apple for us is FaceTime.  Can't use it on anything but Apple products, and Skype is nowhere near as good.

Dick
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152160
I agree with you.    I was mainly referring to computing ease of use and the aesthetics and functionality of Apple products.
Re: Escape hatch cover replacement @ 3 years?
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152177
As others have noted it depends on your needs and use.   The full capability of SurfacePro 3 and Apple IPAD are no an apples-to-apples comparison.   And we would all agree Apple build quality is the best.   I need to use both Apple and Windows products and I recently needed to replace my Windows machine.   I too really liked the idea of a modular PC design that powered the tablet to the full LapTop level.   I considered the SurfacePro but felt it was a bit more than I wanted to pay so I looked for Windows alternatives.

I had really good luck with Refurbished Dell product in the past.  Especially if timed with a new product release.  I think they are just unloading the older model at a nice discount.    On the Business site for Dell check out the coupon codes.   They still have the model I purchased a few weeks ago   (refer to details below).    I think they make their money on the extended warranties which I never buy (self insure wins in the long run in my view)  and the Dell purchase of higher mark-up accessories (buy these on E-bay or Amazon for much lower price).

The model (specs below) has worked out fine for me and it's definitely a nicely powered PC.   On E-bay I purchased the Docking Station and the keyboard model that includes a second battery.   My only complaint is  the Fan coming on during heavy processing but not too bad.   And it's a bit big tablet for that cuddle up in couch iPad experience.   i5 processor is plenty power but I think desirable over i3 from what I've read.  This is no Apple retina but Bright, 1080p HD IPS touch display with good reviews on display (I'd shut off automatic dimming feature that adjusts to room brightness).  And build quality if SurfacePro 3 is better but then again you're not paying $1299.  On-line reviews are very good (they did have some early software bugs to work through) but with latest drivers this is a stable machine.

This is the OUTLET section of Dell.   The model they sent me is one model older and in my view brand new.  I think you would be hard pressed to get this kind of PC specs for $435. You need to look under outlet coupons and enter the code at check-out. Apple would want that much for a 256 solid state hard drive.  I spent another $130 on accessories (keypad with built in second battery) and Docking station (Ebay not Dell at 50% lower price).

Sorry for long post but lots information here.

Dell Outlet Business Deals

Venue 11 Pro - Intel Core Tablets
 Save $380 on any Dell Outlet Business Venue 11 Pro - Intel Core Tablet priced at $815 with coupon* code below! (Accessories pictured are not included)

Was $815Now $435

  • Certified Refurbished
  • Windows 8.1 Pro 
  • Intel® Core i5 - 4th Gen - 1600
  • 8GB Memory
  • 256 HDD size
  • Intel® GT2 Graphics
  • Intel® 7260AC Dual-Band 2x2 802.11 ac WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 
  • 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera 
  • Integrated Webcam
Limited time, while supplies last!

Coupon Code: BR2DKPW?ZGLSVD

LarryD
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152190
I use to poo poo Apple until I got my Max pro laptop.. That say'n is true, once to go to Max, you'll never go back... to microsoft. Love my Max pro laptop and my desk top.. *:) happy

JO
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152194
"I use to poo poo Apple until I got my Max pro laptop."

I assume you're talking about Apple's MacBook Pro?

Andy Baird
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Escape hatch cover replacement @ 3 years?
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152196
The Max pro is the one that people like so much that the "like" meter is pegged out on full.  ;~)
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152200
Andy, Im talking about any Apple computer.. I love them *:x lovestruck, and yes, I have a Max book Pro and a desk top.. *:) happy
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152203
Jo, are you dictating your post and it is picking up "Max book Pro" instead of "MacBook Pro? I think that's what's confusing us - not that is really is a big deal. I know what you mean - I think. I've got a MacBook Pro.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152204
MacBook Pro...My next computer. Apple you price gouge us, but you do make excellent products.

Bob
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152207
I just received our new 15" Mac Book Pro laptop with 1-Terabite of flash drive memory (no moving parts inside).  What a computer!  I would never consider going back to pounding my head on the Windows wall. Our travel photos do require a lot of space.
Mike
2010 RB "Monty"  & currently: 2021 RB "Villa Verde"
2004 Born Free 26'
1998 Beaver Patriot 33'
1992 Barth Breakaway 28'
1982 Fleetwood Jamboree 23'
1982 Dolphin/Toyota 22'
 
Re: Off topic/travel computer needs
Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 152221
Yes Chris, you got what Im say'n *;) winking .. And Mike, that's really awesome JO.

I just received our new 15" Mac Book Pro laptop with 1-Terabite of flash drive memory (no moving parts inside).  What a computer!  I would never consider going back to pounding my head on the Windows wall. Our travel photos do require a lot of space.
Mike

Jo, are you dictating your post and it is picking up "Max book Pro" instead of "MacBook Pro? I think that's what's confusing us - not that is really is a big deal. I know what you mean - I think. I've got a MacBook Pro.

Chris