Window detachment

Parlando
Parlando Member Posts: 165
edited September 2020 in Trailer & Towing
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.
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Comments

  • Denny16
    Denny16 Member Posts: 5,431
    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
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
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  • Parlando
    Parlando Member Posts: 165
    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?
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  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    @Parlando - email repairs@nucamprv.com.  They can tell you how to fix it.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
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  • Parlando
    Parlando Member Posts: 165
    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.
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  • jimcenname
    jimcenname Member Posts: 345
    Consider the "adhesive" may be butyl tape. It should scrape off easily. It does not function as adhesive, just as a sealant. 
    2019 T@B400
    TV: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    Southern California
    Full-timer since 2019
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  • Parlando
    Parlando Member Posts: 165
    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!
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  • Parlando
    Parlando Member Posts: 165
    By the way, where is the best place to post a problem like this? I couldn't find a category that seemed appropriate.
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  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    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!
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
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  • Michigan_Mike
    Michigan_Mike Member Posts: 2,858
    edited September 2020
    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.  
    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ
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  • Parlando
    Parlando Member Posts: 165
    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.
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  • Parlando
    Parlando Member Posts: 165
    And Thanks Mike.  I would have tried your suggestion next!
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