screw attachment to fiberglass shell repair

[CharlesPou]

I have 2018 Escape 21, I think known as Classic since new NE model came out. overall, I'm very happy with my trailer.

as assembled, several attachment points for various parts are held by small screws that go directly into fiberglass shell and have failed. 1st one to fail was the now infamous support for the black/ gray water drainpipe.

recently, I noticed my rear taillight was loose, same issue, screw attaching it the fiberglass shell was stripped out and not holding the light properly, was probably like this new, when I picked it up at factory, I assume installer used impact driver and stripped it out on initial installation?

next up is the kitchen counter backsplash, the attachment with nice plastic cover is loose, I noticed loose sometime ago and finally got around to looking at it, thought it was probably a rivet that needed to be replaced, like Casita, but no, was another screw that pulled loose from the fiberglass body it was screwed into.

what to do?, I'm thinking just need to fill stripped out hole with some epoxy, let cure, drill new hole, and should be fixed. any other ideas or comments? cheers

[HABBERDABBER]

There are a wide variety of pop rivets available. For example, rivets for compressible materials, rivets when you can not place a backing washer, plastic rivets, and others.
McMaster-Carr is an online source.
If you can get access to the other side, a machine screw and ny-loc nut with backing washer will work. If not, it's using a bigger screw than the Escape one (not easily compatible with the device to be attached) or back to rivets.

I'm sure there are other methods, but none come to mind this early in the AM.

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by CharlesPou

...
recently, I noticed my rear taillight was loose, same issue, screw attaching it the fiberglass shell was stripped out and not holding the light properly, was probably like this new, when I picked it up at factory, I assume installer used impact driver and stripped it out on initial installation?
...

I repaired a couple of stripped taillight screws using the epoxy method and a delicate touch with the screw driver. So far, so good...

[CharlesPou]

thanks for replies, so far epoxy is best way IMO cheers

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by alanmalk

I repaired a couple of stripped taillight screws using the epoxy method and a delicate touch with the screw driver. So far, so good...

Yes, a delicate touch is essential and the OP's problem probably started with a decidedly indelicate use of a screwgun.

Screws in f.g. are a little more sensitive to the pilot hole size. Too small or none and the screw can snap or chip the gelcoat. Too large and it strips out. Even the correct size can feel as though it's too small. Care is needed.

Ron