Replacing Fiamma clip, Roadtrek 190

[Jon_K]

The Fiamma clips are shot, the ones mounted on the side of my 2008 RT 190 to hold the Fiamma awning support poles. No problem. New ones are readily available and inexpensive. But how to install them? Anyone done this?

It looks like the originals are pop-riveted to the passenger door and rear quarter panel. Are they or is there a mounting plate on the inside? Do I need to figure out how to remove the inside door panel and who knows what in the back?

Any help much appreciated.

[Mike]

Jon,
I've never done it, and I'm hoping I won't ever have to.
However, if you're really stuck (I googled it myself and found nothing useful), I might try emailing
the manufacturer at
http://www.fiammausa.com/contact/contact.asp
They should know how the clips/anchors/brackets/whatever they're called are attached
to the outside of your van. They probably need model numbers and other specifics.

Alternately, you might try a local RV dealer near you. They might know.

Or my personal favorite, if your RV is registered with Roadtrek, you could email their
service people at service@roadtrek.com assuming it was factory installed.
Make sure you include your VIN with your note.

Good luck.
If you can, post up anything you find out, when you get time. It might help someone else.

[VernM]

One more observation. If they are pop-rivited, see if you can find stainless bolts and non-slip nuts and put a better link in that area.

[Jon_K]

I fixed it myself. The Roadtrek service department said it wasn't under warranty and I should just use the pop rivets they used. So that's what I did although they were wrong about the size. They said 3/16" x 3/4" That's a very long rivet. I think he must have meant 3/16" by 3/8". Here's how to do it.

Buy the clips from Fiamma.com, Item 98655-728, $27.90 for a pair.
Acquire aluminum 3/16" pop rivets with a grip range of .251 - .375 or thereabouts and pop rivet tool.
THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU FIND IN MOST HARDWARE STORES. The ones labeled 1/4" are too short. The ones labeled 1/2" are too long.
I got mine at a local fastener place but McMaster-Carr online has them, part number 97447A155
Drill out the old rivets with a 3/16" bit.
Ignore the mounting instructions that come with the Fiamma clips except for the way the various parts go together
Apply silicone sealer where the Fiamma diagram shows
Pop rivet the new ones in place. A helper might make this easier but I managed by myself.
DON'T PUSH TOO HARD WHEN RIVETING. I did this on the back, kind of pushed in the sheet metal. When it popped back out the rivets were loose. I had to drill the new ones out and do it again.

I was able to fish out the old rivet heads from inside the door through the drain hole in the bottom of the door under the rubber door gasket. The ones in the back are there for posterity.

Part numbers and prices are, of course, subject to change.

[Mike]

Nicely done.
Thanks for the update and info.