Forum Discussion

7upman's avatar
7upman
Explorer
Sep 06, 2016

Stripped screw holes in shore power cord access hatch

I was just setting up at a new campsite and found that my shore power cord was somehow tangled up/kinked inside its storage compartment, making it difficult to pull out. In the process of trying to free it, I noticed the access hatch waterproof seal is broken, and one of the screw holes appears to be stripped (i.e. I tried tightening the screw and it wasn't biting). I'm not sure exactly what the exterior wall is made of that I'm trying to screw into, so I'm not sure if I can shim it with a matchstick or anything like that. The trailer is a 2006 Kodiak 195 hybrid. Suggestions?
Seeking Advice
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2016
    I would inject epoxy, let it dry, apply new screw and call it a day.
  • pawpaw47's avatar
    pawpaw47
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2016
    I'd try the match stick shim first. That has bailed me out of trouble on several occasions.
  • poppin_fresh's avatar
    poppin_fresh
    Explorer
    Sep 07, 2016
    I would remove the door then reapply some butyl tape to seal it and use slightly larger screws with coarser threads to snug it back up.
  • myredracer's avatar
    myredracer
    Explorer II
    Sep 07, 2016
    It it has aluminum siding, there's likely a wood backing. If fiberglass, I remove the screws and the hatch, rotate the hatch and re-install the screws. If fiberglass, drill pilot holes first. You'll need to recaulk or use some butyl tape. If you can get to the rear of it, you might be able to add a small scrap of wood for backing and screw into that - and use longer screws if needed.
  • nickthehunter's avatar
    nickthehunter
    Nomad III
    Sep 06, 2016
    If the core is foam, I would gorilla glue a plastic insert into the hole. That's how I fixed the screen door latch on my foam core door. You have to glue the plastic insert in first, let it cure for a day, then run the screw in. By the way, you want the water activated Gorilla glue; bonds great to foam.
  • SAR_Tracker's avatar
    SAR_Tracker
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2016
    Remove screw.

    Fill hole with epoxy.

    Re-drill pilot hole in appropriate location.

    Re-install original screw.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2016
    Don't make this harder than it needs to be.

    Take the old screw out, with pliers if necessary, and look to see what kind of material the hole is IN......and what kind of screw it was.

    Often an oversized screw is a good answer.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Sep 06, 2016
    If it was wood no problem - I have repaired many a stripped out holes using the MOLLY BOLT (Lowes stores)...



    These bolts expand back behind the wall and makes a tight repair. Then you can remove the screw... You end up with a nice metal threaded insert...

    much like this pictorial shows...


    Don't know if this will work with your plastic or fiberglass type wall or not...

    Just a thought here...

    Roy Ken

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,116 PostsLatest Activity: Mar 08, 2025