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Topic: Need repair advice please. Winter snow damage or a very big bird. (Read 8 times) previous topic - next topic
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Need repair advice please. Winter snow damage or a very big bird.
Yahoo Message Number: 136725
Hi everyone,
 I noticed that the roof rack aluminum guard rail is broken right where the ladder meets up with it.  I climbed up on a tall side ladder to check it out and the support piece of aluminum that is like a flat strap is smashed in also.  I can send pictures but I don't remember where to put them so you can see the damage.
 And the refrigerator vent is also damaged.  I need to replace both the base and the lid.  Hope this will not be a really big deal.  I looked up replacement parts and they seem fairly inexpensive.
 I have to wait until the weather is warm enough to take this stuff apart before I put in new ones.
 I can't imagine how it is possible for the aluminum to have been crushed like an old pepsi can.  I can't begin to budge the roof rack with my hands using all my strength.  Must have been one heck-of-a-bird sitting up there.  lol
 Andy would that alumiweld work in this situation?  And where can I order it?

Patricia the Grandma of her tribe
Re: Need repair advice please. Winter snow damage or a very big bir
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 136727
Quote
I can't imagine how it is possible for the aluminum to have been crushed like an old pepsi can.  I can't begin to budge the roof rack with my hands using all my strength.  Must have been one heck-of-a-bird sitting up there.  lol
If your rack is like ours, the individual sections of rack tubing can be removed and replaced (if LD can provide replacements) by popping off the stanchion caps and unbolting. Also, the flat metal support should be simply bolted through to the roof, once all the polyurethane sealant has been removed. I would make NO effort to BEND anything until the affected parts have been removed for repair or replacement.
 The only bird connected to the damage would be if one was idly perched on the branch you backed into.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Need repair advice please. Winter snow damage or a very big bir
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 136728
Patricia
 To badly bend the handrail would take an avalanche, no bird or snow load could do that. I suspect it hit a tree or a building.
Instead of trying to weld the very thin metal (and probably doing more damage in the process), I would either totally remove it or find replacement parts. New LDs do not have handrails anymore.
 Refrigerator roof vent cover are widely available at most any RV shop or online. I suggest taking your LD to an RV parts store, buying locally so you can make sure you have the proper vent before leaving. Make sure the screw mounting holes line up with the new cover.

Larry
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: Need repair advice please. Winter snow damage or a very big bir
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 136731
"I would make NO effort to BEND anything until the affected parts have been removed for repair or replacement."
 The ladder and handrail are made from thin wall aluminum tubing. Once it has been bent or broken, toss it and start over. The tubing is too thin to safely repair, especially if you actually go on top of your LD.
LD may still have the handrail pieces in stock, give them a call.

Larry
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: Need repair advice please. Winter snow damage or a very big bir
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 136736
"would that alumiweld work in this situation?"
 I agree with the others--when you're faced with bent tubing, welding probably won't help. You need to replace the damaged parts.

"And where can I order it?"
 From http://www.alumiweld.com>. Alumiweld is great stuff to have on hand, even if it's not the answer for this particular job.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"