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First outing issues with cabinets

mnaquaman

mnaquaman

Member
Alliance - I was hoping for better!

First, I did not expect to not have some issues! I have over 40 years as a mechanical designer & woodworker, so I am able to fix most thing that go bad.
But fixing a Bad design does not make me happy.

Just finished our first outing with our new Delta RK234.

We had a screw come lose on a drawer, no way to get the drawer out due to screw jamming the drawer slide from opening fully. In the process of trying to get drawer opened enough the loose screw broke out the face frame of the cabinet (how do I fix this). Luckly drawer hides the damaged Face Frame. In my opinion the screws used are too short, and too fine threaded. This screw was also to close to the edge of the face frame (it was far from being in the center). I will be looking for ways to better support the drawer slides and add some additional screws.

Had a cabinet door almost fall off. I suspect that the hinge mounting screw was over torqued and caused the screw to loosen as I could not tighten the screw. I filled the hole with a couple of toothpicks and re-installed the screw. Problem temporarily fixed. I will add some glue to the toothpicks for a more permanent fix.

I will be checking and replacing all of the drawer slide screws and door screws?

I know they are trying to keep things light and cheap. However, particle board & screws have never been a good solution.
 
R

RockDr896

Well-known member
I am constantly replacing screws on my Paradigm, in ALL applications. Including my TV Mount. Engineering did not address the clamping strength of the fasteners they are using for sure. It's a strange approach to cut costs at the fastener level in my opinion.
 
L

Lantley

Prominent Member
RockDr896 said:
I am constantly replacing screws on my Paradigm, in ALL applications. Including my TV Mount. Engineering did not address the clamping strength of the fasteners they are using for sure. It's a strange approach to cut costs at the fastener level in my opinion.
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I get it you assume there was thought or engineering involved in the decision as to what screws to use vs. hey grab a handful of those screws in the big box over there and start screwing the cabinets together!
It's the RV world slap it together and send it out!
 
J. Thomas

J. Thomas

Active member
fireman0175 said:
If it is under 1 year, then you should use your warranty for a free repair. That repair shop should be able to notice other bad areas and address them under warranty. That is what you paid for.
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Fixing it yourself is the best bet. Any warranty work, by most any dealer, can usually take 3 or 4 months. And, they are not going to fix anything else, just what you have pointed out. Replace one screw, yes. Replace screws in all other drawers, not a chance.
 
W

westginy

Member
We have had our 2026 Paradigm out on 2 shake down trips and on our 3rd traveling farther. We had the trash door fall completely out after set-up. Thank goodness my husband is very knowledgeable and handy. He found the brackets that attach to the back of the cabinet(drawer slides) the brackets fell apart. He checked the other kitchen drawers and had to do repairs on them as well.

It is very disappointing to us that you buy the top of the line unit and have these experiences.

We sold our Heartland Big Horn that we had for 10 yrs and are wondering if we made a mistake.
 
B

Bozo

Prominent Member
westginy said:
We have had our 2026 Paradigm out on 2 shake down trips and on our 3rd traveling farther. We had the trash door fall completely out after set-up. Thank goodness my husband is very knowledgeable and handy. He found the brackets that attach to the back of the cabinet(drawer slides) the brackets fell apart. He checked the other kitchen drawers and had to do repairs on them as well.

It is very disappointing to us that you buy the top of the line unit and have these experiences.

We sold our Heartland Big Horn that we had for 10 yrs and are wondering if we made a mistake.
Click to expand...
You made a mistake, as did I.
 
2 Allies

2 Allies

Prominent Member
westginy said:
We have had our 2026 Paradigm out on 2 shake down trips and on our 3rd traveling farther. We had the trash door fall completely out after set-up. Thank goodness my husband is very knowledgeable and handy. He found the brackets that attach to the back of the cabinet(drawer slides) the brackets fell apart. He checked the other kitchen drawers and had to do repairs on them as well.

It is very disappointing to us that you buy the top of the line unit and have these experiences.

We sold our Heartland Big Horn that we had for 10 yrs and are wondering if we made a mistake.
Click to expand...
I think you will find a few things early on but in the long run you will be glad you went with Alliance, I have found them to be very responsive and they do the right thing.
Hopefully your minor early bumps turn into smooth sailing in the long run.
Enjoy,
 
W

westginy

Member
Now the slide door on bedroom broke apart. The soft wood doesn't seem to have been glued and screws weren't long enough. My husband is repairing it correctly. What next?
 
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