reattaching shore power receptacle due to screws pulling out

carolinawren

I have a new to me  2018 Tab 320S with a turn and pull Conntech receptacle for the 30 amp shore power cord whose screws have pulled mostly out. I am wondering if there are any suggestions for a sturdy way to re anchor this? I have seen the cross sections of the trailer's sides and know that the Azdel is thin. I am very reluctant to drill new holes, and anchors won't work due to the thickness of the foam . Thoughts? 
Thanks in advance for your help!

Horigan

Can you get access to the inside?  If so you can drill all the way through and use machine screws, washers, and nuts.

carolinawren

I can, but it’s over 1 1/2” thick, and mostly foam, so seems problematic.

Horigan

I think using washers on the inside should be fine with the foam.  Your other options are using larger screws, or filling the hole with epoxy, or some filler compatible with the foam, then inserting the screws before the epoxy sets.

Tabaz

I had the same problem.  Just buy an extra long drill bit, and using the existing screw holes, drill all the way through the wall into the cabinet area.  Then use long bolts and nuts to secure it.  Be careful the drill chuck does not contact the plastic housing when drilling.  Best to have a person on the outside of the trailer while you put the nuts on the bolts from the inside.  You'll be very happy with the results.  Mine is now rock-solid.

MuttonChops

Horigan said:

Can you get access to the inside?  If so you can drill all the way through and use machine screws, washers, and nuts.

Like @Horigan said, with the addition of using large Fender Washers to provide a larger area (pressure) for the machine screw to 'pull' against.

Denny16

You can get #10 machine screws in stainless steel in 2, 2.5 and 3-inch lengths.  As previously suggested use fender small washers (large ones will hit the receptacle) and lock washers or better yet, nylock nuts.  Be sure to clean under the receptacle and apply new caulking.
cheers

carolinawren

Thank you all for the help, and really appreciate the details with sizing etc. 

TomCanada

In addition to the fasteners, use some butyl tape between the receptacle and the exterior wall for waterproofing as well as some Geocel Pro Flex sealant around the perimeter of your receptacle, as well as ensure a fully water-proof installation.  Both the tape and the sealant are pretty tenacious and will take some of the load off your screws/bolts.  Of course I wouldn't rely on them as the *only* mechanism so definitely stick with the suggestions above as well!

Tampakayaker

Just make sure no one trips over the power cord and you shouldn't have any further issues once repaired.

And make sure you disconnect it before driving away!