Autotrail wardrobe hinges (1 Viewer)

D

Dafydd 2

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The upper screw of one of the wardrobe's 'kitchen unit' type hinges has loosened on the frame, causing movement in the actual hinge every time the door is opened. Re-tightening is ineffective and unless I sort it out there will undoubtedly be further damage.
I wonder if anyone out there has a remedy? Thanks.
 
Jul 29, 2013
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When we had a 2013 Tracker all the screws in the doors worked loose and even had the rounded sink door fall off whilst moving.
Being a chippy I remedied this by bolting the doors on using lock nuts on inside. Never had a problem after that.
Most of the bolt heads were hidden but if some are exposed either cap them with plastic covers or use stainless cup square head bolts they look fine.
 

Gellyneck

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Bolting, as Alan says, is the "guaranteed solution" however if you don't want to do that glue in a matchstick \ cocktail stick cut off at the hole depth (basically you're filling the screw hole) and re-affix your screws.
Means you can remove the screws later if needed.
 
Jul 29, 2013
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Put some white pva glue on the thread
Problem is that the ply it's fixed to is so thin and light the screws don't bite and eventually turn round and round where they are continually tightened.
You would think Autotrail would have Sussed this out, you pay enough money for them. That's why we changed to Hymer never had any of that sort of problem with the current van and done very nearly 16000 miles in her over last two years.
 
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D

Dafydd 2

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Some useful responses - thanks.

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tonka

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Problem is that the ply it's fixed to is so thin and light the screws don't bite

It's not even ply now.. Just some sort of "fibre board".. As you say once worn there is nothing for the screw to bite into.
Same thing happened on mine, i did manage to secure with a slightly thicker screw (y)
But if that failed i would have gone with a matchsitck and a bit of glue to bung up the hole and tried that...
 

DBK

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Jan 9, 2013
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The best fix would be to carefully drill out the stripped thread then glue a bit of dowel in the hole. Cut it flush when the glue dries and replace the screw.
But I don't know why manufacturers use these sort of hinges. Ours has piano hinges on every door and cabinet and we've never had anything come loose over the last four years. Piano hinges use numerous small screws, the bathroom and wardrobe doors must have a hundred each. :)

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Minxy

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Since 1996, had Elddis/Swift/Rapido/Rimor/Chausson MHs. Autocruise/Globecar PVCs/Compactline i-138
Ours has piano hinges on every door and cabinet and we've never had anything come loose over the last four years. :)
Trouble is that they are an absolute pain if you have to remove the door for some reason and if you do remove a piano hinge door the screws are likely not to hold well once put in again.
 

138go

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Problem is that the ply it's fixed to is so thin and light the screws don't bite and eventually turn round and round where they are continually tightened.
You would think Autotrail would have Sussed this out, you pay enough money for them. That's why we changed to Hymer never had any of that sort of problem with the current van and done very nearly 16000 miles in her over last two years.

Not just Autotrail .. Swift are just as bad they use wallpaper that looks like wood over the very thin ply and then GLUE door frames to it. All that happens is the paper pulls away from the thin outer ply. Had a look round a Bailey today at Lowdhams they certainly know how to save a few bob on fittings. The top cupboard doors are so long with a small hinge at each end and a little plastic clip in the middle holding it shut. Also missing is a decent sized bottom rail to stop items falling out.

Glad we took the plunge and bought a Laika ( Hymer Group ) at least when you screw something to it it stays screwed.
 

The Dotties

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Jan 31, 2015
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Two of mine have come off, the curved door and one overhead locker. Same as others have posted, very inferior 'wood'.
Mine happened while away, so bought a tube of No Nails. Worked a treat, just hope I don't have to get them off in future for any reason!

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zac

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Nov 19, 2013
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one of mine came loose on the door above the sink (new 2017 rapido mh), i put slightly larger screw in and so far it has been ok although not really seen the mh since i did this so i am hoping it is :)
 

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