Installing an external fold down table

[Macropod]

Help please. I am looking to install/attach one of the folding external tables to the side of my 20.63.1. Some units use screws, some use rivets. Some instructions require fixing to an interal framing member, some indicate that the caravan skin is fine. If anyone has fitted one of these to an expanda would appreciate your comments. Thanks.

 

[mfexpanda]

Hi I have.
Don't use a electric drill/screwdriver as you may stip the thread as they screw into the outside skin, or have the clutch set really low.
Use sikaflex not just the provided screws to stick it down .
Take your time line it up and make sure it doesn't fowl on anything when open .

 

[Macropod]

Hi mfexpanda. Thanks for the tips. When you have loaded up the table did you feel that it was really secure on the van with just the screws into the van skin ? Did you need to locate a supporting member under the skin ?

 

[mfexpanda]

Hi
Yes it feels secure and there is no frame to screw to.
Make sure you use a good quality sikaflex to glue it down as well as the screws

 

[twscoot]

The one I fitted to our Expanda used peel rivets straight into the fibreglass side. It was a very easy task and held well for years with the weight of jugs, drinks, kettles etc. These rivets are very clever and came with the table. I'd never used them before and they spread the 'fastening load' very well.
Cheers
Andrew

 

[macca]

I will be installing one, maybe two on ours. Our last van had one fitted by Jayco. I would be happy to do it as suggested above. I will screw it and silicone it. I will fit the same as Jayco use, I dont like the look of the ones on ebay. Be careful and allow for annexe if you are thinking of one later as the vertical slides will get in the way. Then I cant wait to fit the decals on the table.

 

[rojoberry]

Hi all as suggested by mfexpanda use Sikaflex one of their structural ones as this will have the ability to hold the table even without the screws, I'm not saying do use the screws but the strength of Sikaflex is unbelievable, but whatever you do reframe from using silicon.

 

[macca]

Being a Plumber, I use silicone quite a bit. I will use silicone because I want a good seal on the penetrations from the screws or rivets. I do know that after 7 days and longer siliconed things are bloody hard to pull apart. I will rely on the screws for strength and silicone for the seal. Each to their own.

 

[Drover]

Another product that will stick like the old proverbial and doesn't want to let go is surprisingly No More Gaps, ran out of Sikeflex once so used the No More Gaps, years later when I was pulling the project apart the No More Gaps didn't want to let go without some massive persuasion, a big bloody hammer was needed while the Sikeflex came away with a moderate tap.

 

[dakky68]

Being a Plumber, I use silicone quite a bit. I will use silicone because I want a good seal on the penetrations from the screws or rivets. I do know that after 7 days and longer siliconed things are bloody hard to pull apart. I will rely on the screws for strength and silicone for the seal. Each to their own.

My husband is a plumber and silicone is the answer to EVERYTHING.

 

[Drover]

Never leave home without it....................

 

[Macropod]

Thanks for all the advice. I will post a photo once it is all complete.

 

[beecee]

What's the best thing to do about the decals you cover up?

 

[Macropod]

Luckily, the table wont cover any decals - well maybe just the tip of one, but I can live with that.

 

[crustt]

I just installed a coast to coast one, bought it from jayco but a $100 cheaper than there's made in the same factory. Dealer reckons that the c to c will be whats fitted in the factory soon. If you use one throw away the plastic surround as it is very brittle and serves no real purpose all the clips brake just installing it.

 

[macca]

Photo?

 

[crustt]

Sorry took awhile been busy.

 

[Macropod]

Installed my table on the weekend while down at Lake Conjola. Drilled carefully, lots of Sikaflex - no problems. Thanks for all the advice. Will post a photo when I get back. Also installed a Versaline clothes line on the slide out side of the van to the rear behind the slideout - great little line - will post phots of that too.

 

[Macropod]

Photos of fold down table. John