Fire surround keeps coming off

[Robert_374373903]

Every trip I make I find the fire front has come adrift. At the moment there is four screws holding it in which I know will make no difference as the metal behind does not hold the thread of the screws or so it seems. One thought i had was to put a bolt through it the front and place a nut behind which is easy on my Topaz as a drawer is above the fire which when taken out leave ample space to do that. Similar to that thought today I fitted a rubber "nut" to one of those screws which protrude into the back space and hope it works. Couple of weeks ago the caravan had its service and I mentioned to the fitter about it and he said after placing screws back in it should be ok , but as usual got to my destination and found it off the clips again.

 

[otherclive]

Is there not scope to use a larger screws that can cut their thread?

 

[Robert_374373903]

Is there not scope to use a larger screws that can cut their thread?

I did do that at one time but had same results

 

[Dustydog]

The metal behind the front section is wafer thin. Do as Clive says but do not over tighten the self tapper.

 

[audiorob]

Thinking of car comparisons I googled ‘sprung screw retainers’ and found several choices that will retain self tappers so maybe of that ilk will do the job!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Unfortunately, caravan manufacturers do not always (in fact rarely) follow the appliance manufacturers instructions about how to fit the appliance into a caravan. The size of hole required for the installation is clearly set out in the appliance's fitting instructions, yet the caravan manufacturers usually make the holes too big, which distorts the installation, and can prevent front covers from attaching securely. That was certainly the problem for several Carver and Truma heaters, and of course the same problem arises with the fitting of fridges, which allows howling gales of cold air to get into the saloon.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Cars used to and probably still do, use something called Spire Fasteners. You can find them here.

Panel Trim & Spire Fasteners (Metal) | SD Products | Industrial Fasteners & Components

SD Products, the home of specialised injection moulded and spring steel industrial fasteners and components.

www.sdproducts.co.uk

 

[David Guy]

We had a Topaz, everything about it was good over the twelve years we owned it other than the gas heater. The control and lighting switch was useless from day one and once the casing had been removed for maintenance it consistently fell off. We now own a swift with blown air heating a much improved system.

 

[Robert_374373903]

Cars used to and probably still do, use something called Spire Fasteners. You can find them here.

Panel Trim & Spire Fasteners (Metal) | SD Products | Industrial Fasteners & Components

SD Products, the home of specialised injection moulded and spring steel industrial fasteners and components.

www.sdproducts.co.uk

I have used those forever so why did I not fit them Thanks

 

[audiorob]

Hope it works for you either as a fitment in the surround or through the panel, rattle free and sitting gracefully in place when you arrive in site!

 

[Robert_374373903]

Bought box of those clips with neccesary screws from Amazon.co.uk and just one clip and the front stayed on when arriving on holiday, very pleased.