RV Slideout Issue Prompts Stage 8 to Manufacture Locking Kit
The RV community is filled with people who love to help fellow RVers and discuss problems, solutions, tips, and hacks. Browsing forums like iRV2.com can provide a wealth of information. When the community comes together and shares their issues and ideas, sometimes product manufacturers take notice. Such was the case with Stage 8, a company that has been manufacturing locking fasteners for various industries for 35 years. After learning from a customer that RV slideout motor bolts were loosening on certain motorhomes, Stage 8 owner Bruce Bennett created a solution.
What exactly is the RV slideout problem?
Owners of the Newmar Dutch Star and Mountain Air 2015 Model 4369, and the Tiffin Allegro Bus discovered that the bolts, intended to secure the slideout motor assemblies, were coming loose. Some loose bolts broke from the added stress of being loose. The issue prompted many threads, such as this one on RV forums, urging people to add “check the bolts” to their maintenance list.
Stage 8 RV Slideout Motor Locking Fastener Kit
The Stage 8 Locking Bolt Kit (part No. ABRV101) includes (2) laser-cut 2-hole stainless steel bridge retainers, (4) 3/88 16×1 grooved Stage 8 bolts, and (4) spring steel e-clips to lock the bolts.
According to Stage 8, “Installation of the new kit can be performed by the RV owner in about twenty minutes.”
The number of kits you will need depends on your coach’s make, model, and slide configuration. If you don’t have one of the RV models listed above but still want to protect your slideout assembly with a high-quality product made in the US., the company can offer custom solutions for other RVs as well. The kit’s MSRP is $75. You can check out their site or call Stage 8 at (800) 843-7836. You can also email questions to [email protected].
Join the Community
Are you a full-time RVer, weekend warrior, or looking to get your first RV? iRV2 is not the only RV forum out there. Owners of Forest River RVs, Airstream RVs, Jayco RVs, Keystone RVs, and Winnebago RVs can find forums just for them. Those who want to trade ideas and experiences about a specific type of RV, Class B motorhomes, or even bus conversions (schoolies) can find forums for that too. These forums offer help to new and veteran RVers alike. So what’s stopping you? Join the community!
Thank you for the article. I had the problem on my newmar ventana 2011. Bolts came loose and motor tore loose. It ended up costing me close to $2000 to fix the problem as the casing and motor are one piece.
I ride a harley davidson motorcycle loose bolts are not an option.my suggestion would be purchase a $3.00 tube of blue loctite. Remove one bolt at a time apply loctite and reinstall bolt.take the remaining $72.00 and buy a tank of gas for another travel adventure. Ps blue loctite bolt can be removed later for possible service needs
I’m from New Zealand..long way “huh”. Read your article. Found it very interesting
This problem with the bolts coming loose if I find mine are. Do you mail half way round the world. Be interested to know.
Thanks..
“After learning from a customer that RV slideout motor bolts were loosening on certain motorhomes, Stage 8 owner Bruce Bennett created a solution.”
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God forbid the MoHo manufacturer take responsibility! Neither Tiffin nor Newmar make “cheap” products…
… Or do they?