Bulkhead Rivets

[greencroft]

Hi I have a Compass Kensington 554 based on Elddis Avante. My problem is that the front bulkhead rivets have sheared off.
The rivets are on the side wall of the aluminium bracket. The other side of the bracket has self tapper screws and they are fine.
This is a common problem from what I've read.
My question is what do the rivets attach to and has anyone replaced them with new rivets or with self tappers?

 

[rich0805]

Mine had self tappers to begin with. When some of them fell out I replaced them with rivets. Some of those rivets sheared off so I have replaced them with larger diameter self tappers. I haven't used the van since doing that a few weeks ago, so can't comment on the effectiveness

 

[IanB1485]

the rivets shearing off suggests the front and side walls are flexing against each other which is worrying. Elddis tend to use split pop rivets as below

 

[greencroft]

Rich, what size screws have you used in your latest arrempt

 

[rich0805]

Rich, what size screws have you used in your latest arrempt

4.8mm diameter x 19mm long

 

[greencroft]

Rich are we screwing into wood or sort of insulation.. I've taken a photo via a mirror of a side view. It shows wood behind panel but not sure how far across the goes. It might just be a baten

 

[Hutch]

Try putting the Self tappers in with a drop of Super glue thick, longer to cure but stronger.
I carry a couple of packs of different size of self tappers, and every now and again when Mrs H wants to converse in the mornings before the pub is open I go around and check change the self tappers on cupboards etc.
Only joking about Mrs H. Maybe. 🤔

 

[rich0805]

Rich are we screwing into wood or sort of insulation.. I've taken a photo via a mirror of a side view. It shows wood behind panel but not sure how far across the goes. It might just be a baten

I think the screws just go in to the board.

 

[Buckman]

We had the same problem and it is a dealer issue even if the caravan is out of warranty as inferior rivets were used therefore issue was there from day one.

 

[greencroft]

Thanks for all the input. I've contacted Elddis and they have put me in touch with one of their approved service centres. The supplier, Kimberley Caravans no longer work with Elddis. I'll update the post in few weeks when hopefully I have a resolution

 

[otherclive]

Thank you for the feedback.

 

[toad a caravan]

If they are aluminium rivets try using stainless steel rivets