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Topic: Rolok bolt failure along plumbing wall between WD and Kitchen sink (Read 713 times) previous topic - next topic

Rolok bolt failure along plumbing wall between WD and Kitchen sink

I bought this couch 2 months ago and noted during my inspection minor warping of the kitchen flooring and some outside door hinge separation. Removing the sewer door and next one forward I could see the plywood flooring had rotted which prevented the door and trim screws from holding. Thinking I would just use longer screws I decided to put the wrench to the Rolok's which secure the frame to the chassis. To my surprise I found 10 that separated as in the bulkhead problem. I think the fix will be simpler since I will have access from the inside (without penetrating a waterproof area) to install new bolts.I believe this to be a major structural failure since it's part of the attachment frame to chassis. Any thoughts from other members that have had this problem? Thanks Byron
1994 U300 SE 4000
Build #4776
Motorcader #17946
Sacramento, Ca

Re: Rolok bolt failure along plumbing wall between WD and Kitchen sink

Reply #1 –
Byron,

Can you post pictures of the area?

So, this is failure of the Rolocks that go vertically from the top of the basement door area upward into the box beam that forms the bottom of the wall structure.

Were these 10 bolts in a row?  If so, yes this needs attention.

Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Rolok bolt failure along plumbing wall between WD and Kitchen sink

Reply #3 –
The water leak source which caused this damage over many years is in the refrigerator  vent frame. The inside lip which the operable louvered door seats against (door stop) has a 3" section on the bottom lip cut out from when it was manufactured. This allowed any rain or couch washing to direct water to the inside and drip down to the floor and travel under wall tube steel and plywood floor. Also there is a joint in the frame at the bottom which allowed water to drip into the wall section even though the factory used sealant to seal the rough opening for this frame. Easy to see if you may have the same problem by open the vent door, look at the bottom of the frame and check for this 3" section being removed and joint in bottom of frame is sealed.
1994 U300 SE 4000
Build #4776
Motorcader #17946
Sacramento, Ca
 

Re: Rolok bolt failure along plumbing wall between WD and Kitchen sink

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Byron –
The water leak source which caused this damage over many years is in the refrigerator  vent frame. The inside lip which the operable louvered door seats against (door stop) has a 3" section on the bottom lip cut out from when it was manufactured. This allowed any rain or couch washing to direct water to the inside and drip down to the floor and travel under wall tube steel and plywood floor. Also there is a joint in the frame at the bottom which allowed water to drip into the wall section even though the factory used sealant to seal the rough opening for this frame. Easy to see if you may have the same problem by open the vent door, look at the bottom of the frame and check for this 3" section being removed and joint in bottom of frame is sealed.

Yup, something to check on a mechanical inspection and once a year there after.  But most Foretravels are light years ahead of many SOB's who use raw plywood or osboard under the refrigerator.  Yes, "the better to hold any moisture that gets in through the door or from the condensate drain"!
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020