Wheel Skirts Coming Off

[StevePowerTX]

2015 Whitehawk 27 RBOK


Just got back from a 3,000 mile round trip when I discovered the wheelskirt on the passenger side had come off completely. This is actually the 2nd time this has happened. The other being on the driver side.

When the first one came off I had just completed a 400 mile one way when I discovered it gone. I thought maybe the wide trailer from the lawn company my neighbor uses had sideswiped me but when I called them there was nothing in the street. I bought a new one and replaced it.

I noticed when looking in the mirror on this trip the bottom of the skirt was moving around a bit but when I checked it everything was tight and thought no more about it. The metal piece attached to the bottom of the skirt was still there on both of the skirts.

So, is it possible that on the freeway when being passed by big trucks the bow wash from the truck is ripping it off? In any event, how would one stop this from happening again. Those skirts are over $100 a pop.

[norty1]

Are the screws that hold it on gone?

[PaulB12]

I almost lost one. Screws were there but cheap plastic cracked. JB weld and redrilled holes and screwed back on.

PaulB12

[norty1]

Last time I had one replaced they ran a bead of caulk around it to keep it from stressing, It seems to have worked.

[ggilbert]

Maybe use a large washer under the screw so the head doesn’t rip through the plastic as easily

[StevePowerTX]

Yes all the screws are there. Same as when the other one departed. The washer idea might work.

[norty1]

Maybe use one of those screws with a soft washer like on a metal roof. Whatever you use don't wretch them down tight cause they will crack the plastic before you get out of the yard.

[chrismoore701]

That issue started on mine. Use pop rivets, problem solved

[PaulB12]

I don't think it's the fastener, it's that the plastic cracks! All my screws were snug, plastic around screw head cracked off leaving the screw. Caught mine before it flew off down the road!!!!
PaulB12

[norty1]

A bead of caulk on the seam is what saved mine. Now a blowout and nothing will protect it.

[Jay2504]

Has anyone ever thought of replacing the plastic ones with an aluminum skirt used on Coachmen Catalinas ? Jay

[JonathanCP]

These skirts are cheap (not cheap to buy) thin plastic, both of mine developed cracks around the screws, using washers only helped for a short time, in the end I bought a fiberglass repair kit, built up the thickness behind the holes and covered the cracks, then re-drilled the holes. They have held up well but I want to buy a good, solid pair of skirts, any ideas?