Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: spoiled122843 on September 14, 2011, 04:28:18 pm

Title: Bathroom wall
Post by: spoiled122843 on September 14, 2011, 04:28:18 pm
Sometime after we purchased our 93 GV(Oskosh frame) I noticed the bathroom door wouldn't stay closed.  I adjusted the striker plate out as far as it would go and the door would just barely latch.  When I looked closer I noticed the rear wall of the bathroom at the top corner was shifted to the rear about a 1/4 inch.  I have inspected everything around this area and everything appears fine.  I thought something might have hit the door frame and moved the top of the wall, but there is no indication of damage.  It is almost like something pushed on the top corner of the wall and moved it.  You can see on the ceiling where the wall originally was located.  I have tried using a rubber mallet to see if I could move it back into place, but it appears to be rock solid.  I ended up putting a wedge shaped shim under the hinge so at least the door closes and latches firmly.  The problem is everytime I look at it, it bugs me.  I thought someone out in the group might have a suggestion.

Bill and Doris
93 GV gas
OKC
Title: Re: Bathroom wall
Post by: JohnFitz on September 14, 2011, 10:50:36 pm
I think you need to relieve some of the pressure that the roof is placing on the wall by pressing up on the ceiling.  You want to press where there is an aluminum structural tube - these can be hard to find.  You can usually see where they are when standing on the roof and they will be at the perimeters of your fantastic fan and skylight.  I'm not sure if just a second person pressing up on the ceiling will be enough or if you will need to use mechanical leverage.
Title: Re: Bathroom wall
Post by: Kent Speers on September 15, 2011, 10:25:49 am
Bill, since it is on a Oshkosh frame the chassis dynamics may be very different different than most of us are used to. If you haven't done so, you should talk with James Triana at FOT to see if he has run across this before and what to do if he has. Even better, if you have a chance to take it to Nacadoches, I would stop by Xtreme Paint and Graphics and have them evaluate the cause of the slippage. Its probably no big deal but there may be other structural issues that need to be addressed. 
Title: Re: Bathroom wall
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 15, 2011, 10:43:13 am
B & D,

How about checking the roof on the outside of the coach in the morning. Should be able to see an outline of the supporting structure (dew and no dew) and then using a tape, measure from the bathroom vent. You can then place a piece of plywood on the floor, another piece on the ceiling and then using a bottle jack and a post, relieve pressure on the wall and then move it.

Pierce
Title: Re: Bathroom wall
Post by: spoiled122843 on September 15, 2011, 02:36:03 pm
I never thought about pushing up on the roof with a bottle jack.  I have it in storage at the lake.  I'm going to be down there in a month or so to replace an axle on my boat trailer and I'll have some time to try a few of these ideas.  Thanks for the suggestions.
Title: Re: Bathroom wall
Post by: Kent Speers on September 15, 2011, 02:43:25 pm
Bill, just don't put too much pressure on the roof. If a broken frame weld allowed the wall to move in the first place you could cause more and worse damage with the jack. That's why I suggested having someone with experience with Foretravels checking out the problem. I have never heard of a wall moving before so I don't think your problem is normal from flexure of the coach. Again, Oshkosh chassis may be different but be careful.