Front diamond plate detaching along bottom edge on 320S

sqrpeg
sqrpeg Member Posts: 60
edited March 2021 in Trailer & Towing

While checking under our trailer today (2018 320S Boondock) I noticed that the diamond plate protecting the lower front of the trailer is separating from the trailer body along the bottom edge. This bottom edge is secured by a metal trim strip with screws that penetrate through the strip, the diamond plate, the black fabric underbody wrap, and screw into the trailer body. Has anyone else seen this happen? 

Front view from below, showing the diamond plate and trim strip (this is the section between the frame members, behind the tub):

Sideways view showing that the screws have pulled out:

 

Peeking into the original screw holes, it looks like they go into metal of some kind, but I can’t be sure without cutting the fabric. Can anyone confirm?

I'm hoping there’s a metal cross member there, and I can catch enough thread to just screw it down again into the original holes. If I have to drill new holes, I'd like to know what I'll be drilling into first.

Other thoughts/advice?

2018 320S Boondock | 2018 Ford Escape Titanium

Comments

  • fstop32
    fstop32 Member Posts: 391
    I can't help on what's behind the fabric but when it comes to screwing it back down if it is a metal cross member you can try upsizing the gauge of the new screws to one slightly larger (not longer) and run them into the same holes instead of making new ones.
    DaveR middleTN - 2015 320S  /  TV 2003 Tundra 4x4
  • sqrpeg
    sqrpeg Member Posts: 60
    @fstop32 Great idea! I sent this in to nuCamp as well and am waiting to hear back from them.
    2018 320S Boondock | 2018 Ford Escape Titanium
  • Michigan_Mike
    Michigan_Mike Member Posts: 2,858
    That’s what nuCamp does (uses the next screw size up) in the repair shop as well.  I’ve had a similar conversation with Austin in the repair shop.  
    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ

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