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Topic: Valvac 2020 mirror colapse (Read 232 times) previous topic - next topic
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Valvac 2020 mirror colapse
I was retracting my Valvac passenger side mirror the other day when it suddenly went SPRONG with the innards of the joint assembly dropping out of the bottom. I was left holding the mirror and arm in my hands on the Friday before Labor Day.

It is not fixable to my knowledge, but I worked around it by drilling a hole through the folding joint assembly and placing a 4" long bolt through it. First I tried to see if I could secure it with wire by drilling holes through the housing, but there was too much in the way. This fix seem pretty secure until I can get it replaced.

It looks like a weld failed that held together the two nesting cylinders in place. When it is together, it sort of looks like an upside down umbrella, with the cloth part the lock washer like assembly that hold the mirror in place. The bottom section broke off letting the mirror and the spring that adds the tension to drop out the bottom.

I wrapped the whole thing with wire just in case my fix fails.

Just wondering if anyone has seen this happen?

David G
2005 MB
Re: Valvac 2020 mirror colapse
Reply #1 –
David, go to the "Archives" section of the board and plug "Exploding Velvac Mirror" into the search line; several posts on this topic from this board and the Techsnoz Yahoo forum.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Valvac 2020 mirror colapse
Reply #2 –
Hi David,

I had the same thing happen to my 2003. If you go into the old LD site archives, search for a post "Mirror mirror, on the ground", you can read about it. There have been other posts about "exploding Velvac mirrors. TerryTanner's Technoz site had a write up about it. 

I later posted about my replacement Velvac 2020 mirrors. You can also find the write up on the Lazy Daze Companion site.

In my post, I mentioned that the interchangeability of arms was dependent on the Ford model year because Ford changed the number of bolts on the mount from 3 bolts to 4 bolts on the 2003. I ordered new left and right assemblies from Ryder Fleet Products. The kind folks at Lazy Daze encouraged me to make this change. You may be able to purchase from them. I was about to leave on a trip and needed help FAST. Ryder came through for me.

IF you are interested, I have the passenger side arm assembly since it was my driver's side that failed. I also have the old mirror heads with the stick on wide angle piece and a set of the Deluxe mirror heads which were a big improvement. The folks at LD suggested making the switch to the new arms and heads since the other one could end up failing too.

You can view your options on Velvac's site or at Ryder. Keep in mind that model year is important. If you want to discuss by phone, post your email address and we can exchange information.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Valvac 2020 mirror colapse
Reply #3 –
Timely information for me. I was not aware of this potential problem since I have not done any research yet! I was just beginning to soften up my watch dog wife for new mirrors. Think I will move that one to the bottom of the list
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Valvac 2020 mirror colapse
Reply #4 –
Happened to our 2004 RK. Woke up one day and the driver side mirror was laying on the ground. Was advised to never fold the mirrors in and haven't since. Haven't had a problem since with the passenger side or the replacement on the drivers side.

Yes, "exploding Valvac mirror" in the archive will get you plenty of reading material.
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Valvac 2020 mirror colapse
Reply #5 –
In my earlier post, I didn't mention that the replacement mirrors I ordered were the Velvac 2020XG.

The mirror article on the Lazy Daze Companion site has the part numbers for the replacement arm and mirror assemblies that I installed.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Valvac 2020 mirror colapse
Reply #6 –
Thanks guys for all the replies. Very helpful. This site always makes thing go easier. I probably won't deal with this till November when I get home, but I appreciate your help.

David G.
2005 MB
Re: Valvac 2020 mirror colapse
Reply #7 –
Quote from: huskerblue  - 
Happened to our 2004 RK. Woke up one day and the driver side mirror was laying on the ground. Was advised to never fold the mirrors in and haven't since. Haven't had a problem since with the passenger side or the replacement on the drivers side.

Yes, "exploding Valvac mirror" in the archive will get you plenty of reading material.
On our first real camping trip near Santa Fe in our '02, I left the mirrors out. My wife walked around the front of the LD and smacked her forehead into the mirror and was on the ground, nearly knocked out. She still has a small knot where that happened. The first thing I do when I park the LD is fold in the mirrors. Never have had a problem. Knock on wood.
Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB