JayFlight Steps

[theamazingmaynards]

Currently making the most of our 2007 17c ex-port and i have discovered our steps seem to have separated from the frame/undercarriage? Looks to be the front left bolt of the four i can see has come out. When you pull out steps and apply pressure the entire step frame pulls away from the undercarriage. Does anyone have an idea of how these bolt and nuts connect together? Is it a new hardware fix or are the components welded together somehow? Trying to get an idea for repair before i start tearing back the black covering.

The steps are manual pull out type.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[JFlightRisk]

If the bolts stick straight down, they are most likely carriage type bolts that were installed before the floor covering was put down. The head of your bolt may have pulled through the plywood flooring. Worst case, there may be some rotten wood in that area. A fix will depend on what caused your problem. Maybe someone with a similar experience to yours will pop in with a better idea. Good luck.

[Scott91370]

Carriage bolts is correct. When I redid the floor in mine I had to work around some rot in the entry area. If the nut is loose from the bolt I would use some loctite on it and gently tighten it up. If the bolt is pulling through the floor some real work is going to be in order.

Pulling the black covering won't do any good. The head of the bolt goes through the sandwiched floor. It is a 1/8" luan - foam - 1/8"luan - water proof layer (black cover). Even if there is no water damage it would be easy for the thin wood to have come apart letting the bolt works its way down.

[theamazingmaynards]

Thanks for the input. I think i might remove the assembly all together, seal up the bottom and use my camground mini step ladder in place. Hate to lose it but at this age of trailer im just rolling with the punches. Any idea what would be the best to use for undercarraige patch work? Thanks again!

[Scott91370]

I used Eternabond on mine. I cleaned the undercarriage with soap & water then wiped it down with alcohol to make sure it was as clean as possible. Put the eternabond on it without stretching it and it will probably outlast the black weatherproofing.

[Hansoncarla]

I have a 2008 23B and mine was attached with 4 flat-head carriage bolts through the floor (under the linoleum). They were special made with the flat-heads welded on. My flat-head broke loose from the weld. I had to pull the bottom of the door frame out far enough to get the flooring out from under it and then cut along the cabinets with a knife (cabinets are installed after the flooring is laid) to roll back the floor covering. Purchased 4 new carriage bolts and larger flat washers that I welded to the top of the carriage bolts so that there was a larger contact area for strength. I had to grind the doomed top of the carriage bolts down so they were flatter and didn't put bumps in the flooring. Put the flooring back down and put new sealant under the door frame and it's good as new.