Advice on How to Fix

Question

I have a 2013 Northstar pop up truck camper. This weekend while on a road trip one of the front latches that holds the roof down came off where it attaches to the side of the camper. I have ordered a new latch from Northstar and will install it when it arrives. When the latch pulled loose it no doubt stripped the screw holes that secured the latch. My question is what should I fill the screw holes with to ensure a tight screw bite? I don't think I can use a bigger diameter screw because the latch holes are sized for the original sized screws. I was thinking maybe a good wood glue.

Thanks for any advice.

troubledwaters · Answer

Drill all the way through and put a plate on the inside. Paint the plate on the inside to match so it's not noticeable. That's what I did with my hybrid when the latches started to loosen.

handye9 · Answer

Use a wood dowel, close as possible to the size of the screw holes. Cut a piece of the dowel, same length as the screws. Paint the dowel piece with wood glue and use a hammer to tap it (don't pound hard, just enough to push the dowel in) into the screw holes. The install new latch.

camp-n-family · Answer

Drill it all the way through and use a bolt with a washer and lock nut. Anything less will pull out again.

midnightsadie · Answer

troubledwaters has it. might as well do them all that way.

d3500ram · Answer

Dittos on what Trouble Waters said except that you should not need to paint-to-match because you will never see it when the top is down and the plate will be on the outside of and tight against the softop when raised.

Keep an eye on those rear plates where the lift mechanism fastens... that wood can weaken over time and it is a real bear to fix. I had to do it on my '94 NorthStar and it it takes some effort to repair.

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