Alert Girard Awning Mounts WRONG!!

[flarider]

@flarider ... my brackets are located in the proper places, but I do have two (2) edge bolts that do not appear to grip anything like yours did. I am thinking about drilling new holes about 1" closer to the edge of the coach like Newmar indicated to you. Did you just use larger bolts in the current holes or did you drill new holes? Do you have any pictures of what you did?

FLSteve

I just used larger bolts. Let me know if you drill new holes for the bolts

Marc

 

[CaptainGizmo]

@flarider ... my brackets are located in the proper places, but I do have two (2) edge bolts that do not appear to grip anything like yours did. I am thinking about drilling new holes about 1" closer to the edge of the coach like Newmar indicated to you. Did you just use larger bolts in the current holes or did you drill new holes? Do you have any pictures of what you did?

FLSteve

I had a couple screws that were stripped/not biting aluminum. I had to drill new holes and use the same size. I had to do this TWICE for one bracket which didn’t have any meat near the edge of the mount!

 

[FLSteve]

I had a couple screws that were stripped/not biting aluminum. I had to drill new holes and use the same size. I had to do this TWICE for one bracket which didn’t have any meat near the edge of the mount!

@CaptainGizmo ... about how far off the edge did you move in to drill the holes? I am referring to the edge closest to the center line of the coach. If you have a picture, that would sure help.

When you drill the new hole, do you just drill through the bracket ... or do you continue down below into the roof bracing as well?

FLSteve

 

[CaptainGizmo]

@CaptainGizmo ... about how far off the edge did you move in to drill the holes? I am referring to the edge closest to the center line of the coach. If you have a picture, that would sure help.

When you drill the new hole, do you just drill through the bracket ... or do you continue down below into the roof bracing as well?

FLSteve

I’m sorry that I don’t have a picture fo you, but it’s not too hard to describe. On the furthest rear bracket, I had drilled right next to the one that was stripped. And, that new hole missed everything! So, I went diagonally “inland” at least an inch. I drill the pilot hole with the appropriate size drill to match the lag screw. Drill it just deep enough to go through the roof/plate member. Then, using a drill with the full diameter of the lag screw, drill out ONLY THE MOUNT.

Since these backing plates (or roof members) are aluminum, don’t torque these screws down like a gorilla.

HTH

 

[flyboy013]

I have a dealer appointment scheduled for March to get additional bracket(s) installed. I was sent the TSB, so I though I would share it here as I did not see it posted yet.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

It’s good to see the final TSB. However, I’m not sure why they cited only 20-21 models. I have a 2019 DS and was the initiator to this whole thing.

I’ll circle back to Newmar and find out.

 

[flyboy013]

I'm thinking that they are only advertising the fix for units that are currently under warranty. My CS rep stated that "Newmar would cover as a customer goodwill".

 

[CaptainGizmo]

You may be right, but it seems more responsible to list ALL the coaches that may be affected. Especially for an issue that will cause damage and nullify the Girard warranty as well.

 

[flyboy013]

Given that the Girard warranty is only for 2 years, the older units that have this problem are no longer covered by the Girard warranty. Looks like the units listed in the TSB were all built in the last two years (oldest unit listed was built in January 2019).

So it looks like Newmar isn't considering this a structural issue being covered by their 5 year warranty.

NEWMAR LIMITED FIVE-YEAR STRUCTURAL WARRANTY​

If any part of your Newmar recreational vehicle superstructure (which is the steel / aluminum structure of the sidewall, roof or frame) fails to perform properly within five (5) years from the date of purchase because of faulty workmanship or material supplied by Newmar, it will be repaired without charge for either parts or labor by Newmar. This structural warranty is available only to the original purchaser and is non-transferable.

 

[Crockdar]

We are scheduled for repair at the factory in July. I will update at that point.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

This is NOT a structural issue. This is a clearly identified defective installation, and Newmar will own it. That’s why they’ve taken care of my 2019 and others’.

Girard’s Installation Manual CLEARLY STATES that all warranties are voided if improperly installed. So...yeah...they begged out long ago.

But, don’t try to read into it, or bring up anything else regarding warranties; it’ll only cloud the situation and bring uncertainty. This ground has been covered and Newmar has stepped up.

FYI, my contact is looking into why only 20-21 years were on the TSB.

 

[flyboy013]

@flyboy013 - This is clearly a structural issue, so don't worry about warranty issues. They have a 5 year structural warranty.

And yes, like @redbaron says, this IS a structural issue that Newmar will have to remedy.

This issue is structural, and will be handled different than sanicon. Engineering will have to complete the PD phase and create a part number.

This is NOT a structural issue. This is a clearly identified defective installation, and Newmar will own it. That’s why they’ve taken care of my 2019 and others’.

I guess I was confused as to whether this was being considered a structural issue.

 

[redbaron]

Structural as far as warranty...yes


Structural as far as affecting the house structute? Maybe or maybe not. Easily fixed without tearing it apart, so that is why some say not Structural. It's a simple added material to shore up the strength. No tearing it apart.

 

[CaptainGizmo]

I guess I was confused as to whether this was being considered a structural issue.

Hahaha. Ok guilty. I can see how you got confused!! Sheesh, we sound like the government!! ?

As Ronnie says, yeah...”IF” later on, someone had an issue with their awnings because of Newmar’s faulty installation, “we suppose” it would be under the category of structural issues. But, this is our speculation and not coming from my talks with the lead at Newmar. I just wanted to be clear and not mislead.

I just wanted to say that this is a special issue of incorrect installation. So far, NO DAMAGE has been caused. So, hopefully, everyone will catch and correct the installation before any risk.

 

[redbaron]

When I was at the factory, Jonas told me it was a covered repair for all years affected, and agreed it would be considered structural repair.

We all know how good newmar has been with honoring warranty issues even after normal expiration. Calling it structure warranty is an easy way for newmar to extend to at least 5 years.

 

[flyboy013]

So the repair was done a week ago today. I finally made it up to the roof to take a look at the work done. The TSB work looks good (although I didn't check the tightness of the bolts). But they did some damage while they were up there and guess what, they didn't repair it or mention that they had did the damage. Go figure. One of the reasons why I prefer doing my own work. I had not yet had any problems with the awnings, but figured I would get the TSB done just in case. I thought about not doing it, because the possibility of things being worse off.

I've contacted the dealer and suggest that they provide me with the new vent and I'll do the replacement myself. He's going to run it up the chain.

 

[Junkman]

2019 Dutchie 4369, discovered rear most roof bracket pulled away from roof and caulking cracked, further investigation with discovering water damage inside rear closet, back wall of medicine cabinet as well as behind bathroom mirror

 

[MapNerd]

2019 Dutchie 4369, discovered rear most roof bracket pulled away from roof and caulking cracked, further investigation with discovering water damage inside rear closet, back wall of medicine cabinet as well as behind bathroom mirror

Sorry this has happened to you. Post some pictures and send them to Newmar as well. I am sure they will take care of you.