|
06-16-2017, 07:16 PM
|
#1
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Mexcio
Posts: 68
|
JT strong arm install - 377 RLBH
My JT strong arm kit was delivered yesterday and I was excited to get started on installing it this evening. However, I'm already stuck.
The instructions don't seem to cover the set up on my 2017 377RLBH. My question is where do I mount to the swing bolts that hold up the front stabilizers?
The floor of the front storage compartment appears to be plywood. So I can't mount it there. There's a piece of square tubing that runs the entire width between the front jacks. Seems like a great place to mount the swing bolts however they are not long enough to go through the square tubing and into the storage compartment so that I can get a nut on them. Obviously I can't get a nut inside the square tubing. How did you guys mount those front swing bolts? Help. Thanks.
|
|
|
06-16-2017, 07:27 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Dallas
Posts: 107
|
I had the same issue installing JTs on my 2017 325BHQS. I used two of the steel plates (with the two holes) and sandwiched the plywood storage floor in between. Didn't seem to me like there was any other choice due to the square tube. No way to get a nut on the bolt inside the tube.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
|
06-16-2017, 07:28 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lakewood, WA.
Posts: 4,541
|
I look at install the JT Strong Arm on my TT, so I got under my trailer to see how it will be and see that their nothing to bolt the angle to, so after looking at a youtube video I might have to wield a piece of metal underneath but I want do that myself I would pay somebody to do that.
I just doing a search so i have to do some more looking at installing.
__________________
2023 Jayco North Point 310RLTS
2022 GMC Denali Ultimate DRW
Retired Army MSG
|
|
|
06-16-2017, 07:31 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 3,493
|
Check in the thread below. I know that Magnolia Tom installed them on his 2016 377. He'll probably be along shortly, but for now you can get a start here: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f6...lbh-32834.html
__________________
Dan
'24 GMC 2500 AT4X AEV Edition
|
|
|
06-16-2017, 11:09 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Magnolia
Posts: 4,841
|
If you want to mount it to the tubing, drill a pilot hole and use the self tapping screws included in the kit
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2016 North Point 377 RLBH, with a few mods, disc brakes, shocks, Sailun g rated tires, wet bolts
2014 Ford F350 Platinum sold
2017 Ford F350 Lariat, CC, 6.7PSD, DRW, Trailer Saver BD3 hitch
|
|
|
06-17-2017, 04:35 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Duxbury
Posts: 7,113
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by sean.harp
I had the same issue installing JTs on my 2017 325BHQS. I used two of the steel plates (with the two holes) and sandwiched the plywood storage floor in between. Didn't seem to me like there was any other choice due to the square tube. No way to get a nut on the bolt inside the tube.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
It's Eagle vs. NP, but this is the same thing I did. If you do go this route, be sure to release the strong-arms before moving the jacks or you'll tear up the floor - not one of my brighter moments...
__________________
Rob & Kelly, Bella & Brady (Miniature Schnauzers)
2022 Eagle HT 28.5RSTS
2017 RAM 3500 SRW CTD/AISIN CC LB
|
|
|
06-17-2017, 05:44 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Dallas
Posts: 107
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom
If you want to mount it to the tubing, drill a pilot hole and use the self tapping screws included in the kit
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
I didn't see any self tapping screws included with my hardware. But even if there were, how would you mount the swing bolts. Wouldn't they need to be self tapping in order to install them in that situation?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
|
06-17-2017, 07:23 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Magnolia
Posts: 4,841
|
Here's a pic of mine. Do you have these mounts? You should have those as well as flat reinforcement spacer plates in the kit. These will accept the swing bolts.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
2016 North Point 377 RLBH, with a few mods, disc brakes, shocks, Sailun g rated tires, wet bolts
2014 Ford F350 Platinum sold
2017 Ford F350 Lariat, CC, 6.7PSD, DRW, Trailer Saver BD3 hitch
|
|
|
06-17-2017, 08:05 AM
|
#9
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Mexcio
Posts: 68
|
Thanks for the help. Don't think the self-tappers were included in my kit either and I don't see them listed on the parts list. As my wife tells me when we buy something and the package has gotten smaller but the price is still the same as before, "Everyone is cuttin' back these days." I guess Lilplert is cuttin' back too...self-tapping screws not included.
Anyhow, thanks for the advice and pics! I'll be runnin' to the hardware store this morning.
You all have an awesome weekend and a Happy Fathers' Day to all you dads out there. Hope you have a great day. God bless.
|
|
|
06-17-2017, 09:26 AM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Dallas
Posts: 107
|
Yep, I do have the brackets but I don't think there were any self tapping screws. I will be reworking the front JTs as soon as I get some.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
|
|
|
06-20-2017, 06:19 AM
|
#11
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Mexcio
Posts: 68
|
Went back to the site where I purchased the kit to see what accessories they might have. These are titled "thread- cutting frame bolts."
https://www.rvupgradestore.com/JT-s-...-p/15-0821.htm
I believe I do have these in my kit, but I was looking for the self-tapping screws I'm used to seeing, with a drill-bit looking point (more pointed with a couple cutting edges).
I'm guessing there must be a difference between self- tapping and thread-cutting. Never head of thread cutting bolts. Have I somehow missed the fact that these were a thing my whole life?
Do I simply drill the holes out to size and let the thread cutters do the rest?
|
|
|
06-20-2017, 06:22 AM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Saint Thomas, PA
Posts: 2,234
|
There are self drilling and tapping bolts and there are self tapping bolts. Self tapping must have a hole drilled the correct size prior to driving them in.
Earl
|
|
|
06-20-2017, 06:29 AM
|
#13
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Mexcio
Posts: 68
|
Thanks, Mopsr_Earl! I guess you're never too old to learn something new!!
__________________
2017 North Point 337rlbh
2016 Ram 3500 SRW Cummins 4x4
Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch
It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. -St. (Mother) Teresa
|
|
|
06-26-2017, 04:28 PM
|
#14
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Mexcio
Posts: 68
|
Got the Strongarms installed this weekend. I have to say, I'm not a fan of the "thread-cutting" bolts that came with the kit. Went to a local bolt/fastener specialty shop and they recommended I use a size "R" drill bit for the pilot holes, which is actually a bit larger than the 5/16" bit recommended in the documentation. Tried the 5/16" first...no luck. Used the "R" bit next and after some sweat and a few cross words with my dear wife, I got them started and threaded.
Ultimately, ended up using a bottle jack underneath the ratchet to maintain consistent and perpendicular pressure on the bolt (my wife's recommendation...I think I'll keep her around). I just couldn't get them started any other way. Maybe my holes needed to be a bit larger, but I was so afraid of drilling them out too much and then having a totally different problem on my hands.
Anyhow, they're installed just in time for the 4th of July weekend trip to the mountains of northern New Mexico.
We are so lucky to live in such a great country. Happy Independence Day to you all and God bless you.
__________________
2017 North Point 337rlbh
2016 Ram 3500 SRW Cummins 4x4
Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Hitch
It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish. -St. (Mother) Teresa
|
|
|
06-26-2017, 05:49 PM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Saint Thomas, PA
Posts: 2,234
|
Self threading bolts are normally driven in by drill or an impact. Using hand tools would require major effort as you found out.
Earl
|
|
|
06-26-2017, 06:45 PM
|
#16
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: New Mexcio
Posts: 68
|
Couldn't get them started with the drill either... didn't try an impact. The only success I had was nice and slow with the ratchet and a little encouragement with the 20 ton bottle jack.
|
|
|
06-27-2017, 10:37 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: North Greenbush, NY
Posts: 752
|
I found that the "self-tapping bolts" didn't self tap without incredible effort. Fortunately, I have a decent tap set, so I drilled them, tapped them, then just installed the bolts (with a dab of lock-tite) with the ratchet.
__________________
Be Safe, and Everyone Goes Home,
Rick
2014 RAM Laramie 2500 w/6.7L Cummins Diesel and Automated Safety Hitch
2016 377RLBH Jayco North Point
300W of Suntech Solar w/Rogue MPPT Controller & Xantrex 2000W PSW Inverter
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|