thanks for the pic
hey, @GFC can we get those prophylactically? you know, so that we don’t have to deal with it on the road?
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@773 - Doesn’t that leave your rear tailgate inaccessible? My driver side panel and rear panel hinges have both failed. Have the bandaids on the side, but just took the rear panel off so I could still access the bed. I’m in Southern California as well. You heard anything back on @GFC on when they might make a PIT down this way?
Just adding another data point, unit #423, I think install was 11/2019, rear panel failed in one very underwhelming pop last night (5/9/21) while closing it. Camper has been solid otherwise, and I’m sure GFC will be on it. I’ve seen few rolling around town with the new hinges as well, but haven’t been able to see one up close.
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Yeah makes it inaccessible but I took everything out of the back that I needed the rear for and sewed it up for now. Everything I need for now I can get to from the sides but it’s definitely not a long term solution. Hoping PIT rolls out here soon. They made it sound like it was coming up.
Has anyone done the embassy replacement themselves? I got the full repair kit from GFC bc I missed the PIT east coast by two weeks. I was sent written instructions and a video from Eli but there seems to be a discrepancy between the two regarding measuring the panel.
I can’t move forward doing this until I speak to him unless someone has some experience with this let me know.
What’s the question - I did mine.
Unless they changed the instructions - there were some ‘discrepancies’. Fortunately the mistakes were pretty obvious.
Video says put the hinge 7/8” in from rear bend in panel. Written instructions say 1 1/4”. Not sure which to go by.
Also drilling the pilot holes into where the rivets were. He says to drill pilot holes with 7/32” and then in video switches out the drill bit and says 7/32 again. Just wanted to verify drill bit sizes. Thanks in advance.
Yep. I pointed these mistakes out to Eli when I did mine.
It’s definitely 7/8" of an inch. I remember - and I just went out and measured mine to double check.
I don’t remember the drill bit size. 7/32 seems right but I think I drilled a test hole in something and checked to make sure it was the correct size.
I’ll look up the quick review I gave Eli and send it to you.
The big thing I remember is don’t do what they said about sliding the hinge into the GFC track. I held it up next to the GFC to see where it should be mounted - marked where the nuts should go - then placed the nuts and put the hinge up. Eli said that’s the way they do it too.
Like you, I did mine on a Sunday when GFC wasn’t around to help me out.
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Ok. this may be a little piecemeal. I’m looking over my emails with Elijah.
- Drill out old rivets with 3/16.
- Then punch out for new rivets to 7/32"
I know this is correct because I have the email from Eli where I asked the exact same question!!
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Awesome. Thanks so much. I was gonna say if you had any other tips send them my way!
GFC #367 rear hinge failed this weekend.
Already have the Embassy hinges on order.
Now I have to figure out how to order the updated universal bracket so I can still use my awning. Update 5/31/21: eli added the updated brackets and the hinges/brackets are in route.
I think if you give them a call they will give you the new brackets free of charge.
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Hate the keep reviving this but another one gave up the ghost today Second one and this one just outta nowhere. Honestly seems like UV related to me. I’m parking outside 100% of the time and the Southern CA sun can be intense. Glad to be on the PIT already and that the failures timed themselves semi well
@Slowboater - I would suggest adding some sealant or waterproof tape over the extra holes as you install the new hinge. I had mine done about 8 months ago and when it rains water drips through the unused older hinge holes. Is a bit annoying. I used some silicone seal to plug up the old holes. Just my experience. Love the new hinges! Durable and a nice peace of mind knowing I can trust them.
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So this just happened. I fortunately just got home from a trip in the mountains, and it did not happen on I-40 going 80 mph. I have the replacement kit from GFC though I really wish they had contacted me when they were here in NC, since my cap is #206 I was under the impression I was on the list of repairs, apparently not… So now I guess I have to do this sooner rather than later.
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Same thing happened to me. I missed the PIT in MN by about two weeks.
Thankfully Eli came to the rescue and sent me the repair kit. I really took my time and it took me about 4 hours to replace the rear hinge. I will probably be able to get it down to about half that for the next two. Eli’s hinge install video answered all my questions I had after reading the written instructions.
I am happy with the upgrade.
Same here. I’m 296 and missed the PIT by two weeks bc my hinges were fine at the time lol. Got the kit and did one panel recently. Really wasn’t too bad.
I gave mine a good look over on Saturday and one broke on Tuesday. Six hours short of exactly 1 year after install. Might have jinxed it~
#721
Planning on doing the hinge install soon. Eli in Warranty is kicking ass; shipped shock clips out to me same day as I lost one when taking the rear panel off…