Window detachment

Parlando

Sorry in advance... I'm not sure where this question about a window detaching should be posted. 

About a year ago I bought a 2015 T@B Outback 320 in excellent condition.  Recently on a camping trip I discovered that the driver's side window Plexiglas cover was tearing away from the T@B.  It is held in by a number of screws.. all but one had stripped out... and the adhesive tape(?) had released.  I had to use Duct tape to hold the window in place until I could get home.  (Nervous about using that on the siding as I'm afraid it may damage the surface when removed.) So the real question is can I repair this myself.  I imagine that I can replace screws with slightly larger diameter ones.  But what is the adhesive around that hinge? Do I have to scrape off all of the old adhesive?...I would guess yes.  Is that even possible? And will it damage the siding?  Finally, if the siding is damaged when I removed the adhesive and duct tape, can that be repaired?  Thanks for any thoughts.

Denny16

First off, when you are ready, remove the tape, and alcohol should remove any residue.  Do not use any strong chemicals or anything with acetone in it, as the siding is a fiberglass skin over Azdel composite panel material.  The entire side is one panel, so not easily replaced, but can possibly be done by nüCamp.

If you have access to a RV supply store/Centre you can get some RV sealant.  If not, 3M 4200 sealant works well, and cleans up with alcohol before curing.  You want to clean and remove any old caulk residue before reinstalling the window with new sealant.
cheers

Parlando

Thanks Denny16,  The heads on the 7 screws are very small, almost bradlike.  I think that I should replace the screws with a slightly larger screw, but I'm not sure that the larger head will work with that hinge.  Does anyone have any experience with that?

Sharon_is_SAM

@Parlando - email repairs@nucamprv.com.  They can tell you how to fix it.

Parlando

Thanks Sharon.  I have contacted them.  The person I talked to hasn't heard of this happening before, but he is consulting with other folks there.

jimcenname

Consider the "adhesive" may be butyl tape. It should scrape off easily. It does not function as adhesive, just as a sealant. 

Parlando

Just in case anyone else has this problem... I talked to NuCamp today who told me that there is a 1" aluminum tube all around the window, so the best way to reattach the window hinge is to remove the window (and hinge), clean the surface and apply the butyl tape, drill new holes in the hinge in the same linear line but slightly offset from the orginal holes and then screw the hinge back into position.  Since there is an aluminum tube in that line, the screws should attach to the tube and I should be fine. Finish off with some caulk above the hinge to ensure no moisture seeps down.  Wish me luck!

Parlando

By the way, where is the best place to post a problem like this? I couldn't find a category that seemed appropriate.

Sharon_is_SAM

The trailer and towing category is fine.  Your title is very searchable so other members will be able to locate your discussion.  Thanks for sharing this repair info!

Michigan_Mike

Goo-Gone is a great product for removing adhesives and it works well on silicone caulk, etc.  When removing the residue use a plastic scraper sparingly and the blue scrub pads (non abrasive) will help too.  

Parlando

I was avoiding using any harsh solvents to remove the adhesive residue.  Alcohol removed some, but also made the residue gummy.  My wife came in and reminded me of a trick I taught her years ago.  Peanut Butter.  We smeared some over the adhesive and waited 15 minutes and residue washed right off with some soap and water.  Works great for gum on the soles of your shoes too.  The window is back in with new butyl tape and screws with some RV caulk across the top.  Set to go...fingers crossed.

Parlando

And Thanks Mike.  I would have tried your suggestion next!