Aspen Classic Camper Question

[PhotoGuy]

When you lower the top of the Aspen Classic trailer onto the bottom, two small metal tabs along one side (which are attached to the top) fit into slots on the bottom. These metal tabs can then be secured to prevent the top from opening. I just returned from a 5,000 mile camping trip, and towed my Aspen Classic over some pretty rough roads due to gravel or construction. The two small metal tabs just mentioned both snapped off the top. The result is the top of the trailer is not secured closed to the bottom of the trailer.

My question is what to do about this? There are a couple of options. I can re-attach these two metal tabs, but I suspect the same thing will happen again. Or I could disassemble the "hydraulic" arm that causes the top to lift from the bottom, and replace this arm with a post to hold the top up when accessing the bottom.

I'd rather replace these two tabs and have the system operate as intended. But, like I said above, I see no reason why they wouldn't snap off again. Anybody have any suggestions?

[Chief]

I don't have a solution but I know what you are describing. Mine haven't broke yet but they have been bent enough to not fit in the tabs a couple of times. Now I gotta worry about them breaking off!:(

[G wizz]

We have the Aspen Sentry, and have the what I think you're discribing happen also.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but are you talking about the tabs that go through slots in the lip of the bottom half outer edge of the trailer? The ones that are pop rivited to the bed base, and you can either put S hooks or small padlocks through when the top is closed?
I haven't had the tabs break, but I've had the pop rivits holding the taps pull through.
The fix I found that has held up so far is to install "Nutzerts" in the holes where the pop rivits were, and mount the tabs with screws. I used the 3/16 size, for 10/ 28 machine screws
If you're not familiar with "Nutzerts" they kinda look like a heavy duty hollow pop rivit that is threaded on the inside. They come in a kit with different size inserts. When installed they act like a nut, and are locked in place and can't pull through. They are especially usefull in a blind hole situation such as this.
You can find these through Granger, or maybe a large Hardware store.

If what you are experancing is actually broken tabs, then I'd suggest either calling Aspen and have them send you a couple of new tabs, or make a couple youself, from a peice of 1/8 inch steel flat stock. Either way, I'd install the new ones with "nutzerts".
You woulda' though Aspen would have come up with a better way of holding their lids down than this. It's a bit chinchy if you ask me.
Another place Aspen should have used nut & bolts insted of soft pop rivits is the brackets where the gas lift shocks that hold the lid open mount to the lid. Keep an eye on these and if they look like they are loose or stressed, drill the rivits out and mount the brackets with 3/16 machine screws and nuts.

Oh, one other thing, be real carefull with the rubber weather stripping that runs over the tabs, it tears real easy. (Ask me how I know)

G wizz
P.S.
If you can't find a fix, bring your trailer on down sometime, and I'll install "nutzerts" for you for free.

[PhotoGuy]

Here is what Trailmaster said in response to my question:

"I believe the used camper you purchased probably has the tabs installed with pop rivets. We did make a running change and are now using screws and nuts to hold these brackets on. We also recommend that you swap out the 'S' hooks that were originally shipped with the trailer to lock it down and use a small padlock, dog collar clip, etc. to secure the top of the camper."

For $10 they'll send me four brackets (two extra), screws and nuts, as well as a replacement piece of weather stripping. I'll try this, and if doesn't work you just might see my at your front door G wizz.