XT-276 tie point failure

GIXXERKELLY · 05-01-2014, 09:36 AM

Just a warning to those of you who haven't used your tie points yet. I would inspect them for wood screw instead of the proper through bolts with backing plates. It appears Cruiser RV got lazy on the middle tie down points and used wood screws but they used the proper through bolts with backing plates on the other 7. We arrived at our destination a couple of weeks ago to find both of our dirt bikes up against the wall. We were lucky enough that there was no damage to our bikes or the trailer. If it would have been a couple of street bikes, I promise the out come would not been as good.

roy · 05-01-2014, 09:42 AM

First thing I checked on mine was those plates. Lucky for me all mine are secured with a backing plate and nuts. I don't use them for bikes except my wife's scooter. Streetbikes and racebikes are all attached to Pitbull trailer restraints and I know they're not going anywhere.

It pays to double check this company everywhere as I have come across several spots of pure laziness when being manufactured. QC is not happening there.

Mark S · 05-01-2014, 02:18 PM

I frequently read the Forest River Owners Forum and you see the same complaints over there on every brand. Quality control seems to be an issue for most brands. I always spend a few weeks going over a new RV to correct any issues.

Eagle · 05-02-2014, 04:03 AM

Also one of the first things I did when got my XT276 was check the tie downs. They were all bolted thru the floor but the nuts were not very tight. I cinched them down and then double nutted each one.

I use the Condor wheel chock but still tie my Ultra Classic down with straps both front and rear although Condor states only two rear straps pulling forward are needed. Front & rear straps makes ME feel like the bike is positively secure.

Mark S · 05-02-2014, 05:06 AM

Did you bolt your condor to the floor? Mine goes right up against the front wall and I am thinking of just setting it in place and using the 4 straps. Seems the condor mounting bolt would go right into the enclosed underbelly.

Eagle · 05-02-2014, 07:23 AM

Yes, I put it up against the front wall, centered on the drivers side of the toy hauler and bolted it down. That centered it (left/right) for the built in tie down points installed by the factory.

EDIT TO NOTE: I did not bolt the actual Condor down, I bolted down the quick release plate. I can easily remove the Condor Chock by turning out the one thumbscrew and use it in the shop or where ever when not using the toy hauler.

The 2012 Fun Finder XT 276 does NOT have an enclosed underbelly so easy to see/access the plumbing and wiring under the unit.

Are the 2014's enclosed now?

dberg · 05-02-2014, 12:08 PM

I have the xt330 unit and just put the condors on the rubber floor about 1 foot back from the glass sliding door, on our trip to Branson. We also used straps to the rear and mid floor hooks. I will be checking the mid hooks for fasterner type when I get the unit back from the dealer ( warrenty repairs)

Mark S · 05-04-2014, 07:24 PM

Yes, Eagle, the 2014 276 living area under belly is enclosed now. It starts at the very from of the garage, right where I would need to mount Condor.

kmartin410 · 05-04-2014, 08:28 PM

We successfully mounted the Condor chock right up against the wall of the garage without difficulty.

I wonder if you don't bolt it down, if you would be able to get the tire out of it. We had to really rock the bike with great force to get it out of the chock.

Kathy and Steve

dberg · 05-05-2014, 01:28 PM

yes you did make me remember that I had to have my wife stand on the condor. On our 330 model the fuel tank is under the area that I would have to bolt the bracket to the floor so I quess I will just have to use it on the floor

Eagle · 05-07-2014, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmartin410

We successfully mounted the Condor chock right up against the wall of the garage without difficulty.

I wonder if you don't bolt it down, if you would be able to get the tire out of it. We had to really rock the bike with great force to get it out of the chock.

Kathy and Steve

You can get the quick release plate ... only two bolts hold it down and the chock locks onto it, or the chock can be removed to get it out of the way or use elsewhere ~ leaving the small plate in place.