Another & Different 320 Front Window Failure =DIY Repair Completed=

MuttonChops
MuttonChops Member Posts: 2,015
edited 3:51AM in Trailer & Towing

Trailer: 2018 TAB 320S (front window standard that year)
Usage: 8+ years in western states, hot summers and cold winters. Year round travel.
Failure: The bond between the Plastic Hinge and acrylic window has failed.

Only the passenger side bond failed but window still 'wants' to fallout.
I've emailed Plastoform (in EU) asking for a recommendation on a compatible glue but don't really expect a useful (if any) answer.

Google AI recommends Loctite Plastic Bonder Epoxy since I do not know what type of plastic the Hinge piece is made of.

Your Thoughts on Best Glue to Use ?

Some Reference stuff:

windowPIC.jpg aisuggests.jpg

'18 320 S, pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based

TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
TV: '25 Canyon AT4
Adventures: 59 Nights: 411 Towing Miles 50,350

Comments

  • FC1
    FC1 Member Posts: 10
  • FC1
    FC1 Member Posts: 10

    JB weld plastic bond.

    Has worked great on everything I have put it on

  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 2,015

    FC1 said: JB weld plastic bond.

    AI search suggests it lacks the long term strength needed for this application:

    jd.jpg
    jd.jpg 21.7K

    '18 320 S, pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based

    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures: 59 Nights: 411 Towing Miles 50,350

  • Bayliss
    Bayliss Member Posts: 1,526
    edited July 31

    @MuttonChops, back in 2021, I made a note to myself that Plastoform is now "AcryForm", so I am wondering if that is who you sent your E-mail message to. If not, here's their info:

    E-mail: info@acryform.com

    Web: www.acryform.com

    https://www.acryform.com/en/products/recreational-vehicles.html

    Good luck!! I will following this to see what you learn (for future reference).

    P.S. I also found this Forum post, which appears to be the same failure you are dealing with. Unfortunately, it does not include a solution, other than replacing the window:

    P.P.S. And, I just found this link to a YouTube video that I kept regarding Acrylic repair. Maybe it will help you with identifying a glue that will work:

    The adhesive discussed can be found at:

    https://www.tapplastics.com/product/repair_products/plastic_adhesives

    2019 T@B 320 S Boondock Lite ~ 2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4
    Greg & Marlene (Tucson, AZ)

  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 2,015

    @Bayliss Thanks.

    I'll forward my 'repair help message' to Arcyform.
    Any response will be for future reference as I'm going to proceed today with the Loctite product.

    'TAP' video confirms the window hinge is a different plastic type as the original bond is clearly some type of (spot) epoxy/glue and not a 'solvent weld'.

    '18 320 S, pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based

    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures: 59 Nights: 411 Towing Miles 50,350

  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 2,015

    August 1st = DIY Repair Completed

    I used the Loctite Plastic Bond recommended by google AI;
    two-part epoxy, 20-minute set, 60 minute okay to move, 24 hour full cure

    Re-installed window about 5 hours after completing the epoxy application step.

    Had to remove 'sliding' metal hinge part from trailer . . . it must be placed in the Plastic Hinge before sliding it and window back into the mounting base plate.

    • Sliding rail lock screw broke off (mixed-metal-corrosion)
    • It took some effort to drill/cut out the broken off screw so the slide would slide

    Aligning the Window slide hinge to the Base Plate was a major pain. Can't see, so try and try again.

    Once Window Slide was in track it just took a few minutes to correctly center/align so the up/down adjustment rods connected correctly.

    Reference:

    finalHinge.jpg

    Window is working great, epoxy bond has cured clear and seems to be well bonded.

    '18 320 S, pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based

    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures: 59 Nights: 411 Towing Miles 50,350