Loose handles-- stripped screws?

lkc001

Drivers side handle on rear of 2018 Tab 400 is loose-- tried to tighten screws & they feel like they are stripped.  

Would longer screws with some kind of glue fix this?  Anyone else come across this issue?

manyman297

I could be wrong but I think the handles are through-bolted. You can see this on the front handles if you remove the dinette cushions. So it may not be stripped, just loose.

lkc001

manyman297 said:

I could be wrong but I think the handles are through-bolted. You can see this on the front handles if you remove the dinette cushions. So it may not be stripped, just loose.

No the handles on the back of the trailer are only held on by short screws with the weird square screw heads— these rear handles are for looks only— 

Horigan

I would cut off the tip of a zip tie, stick it in the hole and re-install the screws.  Maybe two zip tie tips will be required.

The square drive screws are much less prone to stripping that Phillips in my opinion.

manyman297

@lkc001 Wow…making a note to never try and move the camper with those handles.

Basil48192

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing maybe the handles were changed on the 2021 and newer models as described by @manyman297.  They definitely look different.  My 2021 320S has heavy threaded studs holding the handles on...and I have pulled that thing all over the place without any problems.
I'm guessing they're bolted through the aluminum ribs...but can't see the other side on the inside of the 320.  You can barely see one of the threaded studs in the photo below (shown with the plastic cover removed).
 

Slackers

Note: @lkc001 is having a problem with the 400's rear driver side handle.

lkc001

My previous 2017 Tab 320S had really beefy handles that absolutely could be used to move the trailer around.  My current 2017 Tab 400 has small cheap looking useless handles that in no way could be used to move the trailer around.  I am just trying to get the loose handle screws to  go back in snugly so it doesn’t fall off.  I’m going to try suggestion above with jamming some zip tie in the screw hole & going to use some glue as well.  What were they thinking?????  This was never a “quality” part.

lkc001

Horigan said:

I would cut off the tip of a zip tie, stick it in the hole and re-install the screws.  Maybe two zip tie tips will be required.

The square drive screws are much less prone to stripping that Phillips in my opinion.

Well I tried the zip tie trick & it didn't work -- any other ideas for me to try?  Bigger screws or just use something like goop or JB Weld  or caulk adhesive? Both rear handles are wiggly & loose.

Binghi

Use bigger and possibly longer screws, preferably Robertson square drive style. I keep a big selection of these screws to replace stripped screws.

qhumberd

If plastic zip ties did not hold you might try toothpicks to completely fill the hole, then use waterproof wood glue and allow it to dry. Cut the toothpicks off flush, drill a tiny pilot for the screw and go slow.

Marceline

How about epoxy filler?