Forum Discussion

navybanker's avatar
navybanker
Explorer
May 20, 2015

Storage Door Lift Attachment Plate Repair

Need advice on repairing attachment plate for gas struts that hold storage/baggage door open. This is the plate that attaches gas strut to actual door. Screws are not holding. Have tried "match" stick and lock tight to no avail. I know Hatchlift and Camping World have replacement plates but hoping there is a more permanent solution. I have "searched" but not sure of proper terminology for these attachment plates. Thanks
  • SailingOn's avatar
    SailingOn
    Explorer
    May 20, 2015
    Fill the screw holes with epoxy putty, Marine-Tex or similar.
    Drill new pilot holes through the hardened putty.
    Seal with 3M 5200 and replace the screws.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    May 20, 2015
    houstonstroker wrote:
    I installed a cargo door strut on the front compartment of my 5th wheel. I used a two part epoxy and lots of short screws. Clamped over night. I used rivets to attach the strut bracket to the plate.
    I just installed a strut kit on one of my basement doors and it looks just like that. The kit had a pre-glued plate that you used an activator on the glue, then screwed the plate to the door using about 8 screws. Seems to be very solid.
  • GaPete's avatar
    GaPete
    Explorer
    May 20, 2015
    houstonstroker wrote:
    I installed a cargo door strut on the front compartment of my 5th wheel. I used a two part epoxy and lots of short screws. Clamped over night. I used rivets to attach the strut bracket to the plate.

    Exactly how I did mine but did not use epoxy.
  • houstonstroker's avatar
    houstonstroker
    Explorer
    May 20, 2015
    I installed a cargo door strut on the front compartment of my 5th wheel. I used a two part epoxy and lots of short screws. Clamped over night. I used rivets to attach the strut bracket to the plate.
  • Executive45's avatar
    Executive45
    Explorer III
    May 20, 2015
    J.B.Weld...the 24 hr one, NOT the fast dry.....used it for years, and never been disappointed. Any street rodder swears by this stuff....Dennis
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    May 20, 2015
    You could put a metal plate on the other side of the door and then drill thru both and thru bolt it. Use locktite on those bolts. If you use carriage bolts with the round head out then they cannot be taken off from the outside.
  • GaPete's avatar
    GaPete
    Explorer
    May 20, 2015
    I installed a piece of aluminum plate 5" x 5" with MANY short screws and then screwed the actuator to that. It has been 3 years with no problems.

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