Checked your lag bolts lately?

[arkhillbilly]

Just got back from a three week trip to Yuma. Doing PM on my tt, and it always amazes me how loose the lag bolts that connect frame outriggers to the floor of the unit become. I tighten them after each trip, but today, some turned three or more times. Sure, they have lock washers, but mine still work loose. Checked yours lately?

[Rustic Eagle]

I get under my TT annually just to check things out and spray some lubricant around, but never had an issue with the floor bolts/screws loosing up (have checked them).

If lag bolts are backing out as often as you describe, I would investigate further because I wouldn't think this should be a frequent issue.

Bob

[taviking22]

I would suggest using Loctite.

[arkhillbilly]

I call them lag bolts, but they are really 1/2 inch bolts coming from topside down thru a hole in outrigger, and fastened with a lock washer and nut. I wonder how they are supported inside the above wall?

[Grumpy]

Replace them with nylon insert lock nuts.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by arkhillbilly

snip..... they are really 1/2 inch bolts coming from topside down thru a hole in outrigger,....snip

Does appear that any of the bolts themselves are being drawn through (more thread being exposed)?

Do all the outrigger bolts loosen, or is it the same select few?

Bob

[arkhillbilly]

Most are loose , some more than others. One over rr tire will not tighten, just spins. I just snug them up good. At 75, not sure I could overdo it. Any way to know or see how they look topside? What do they go through above the floor?

[SmokerBill]

My guess would be that they are carriage bolts (with the square section under the head that keep the bolt from spinning). I haven't checked mine in the three years I've owned it. I will before I move it again. Thanks for the tip Arkhillbilly.

You might try replacing the lock washers with new ones next time you tighten them up. A dab of locktight (blue, probably) on the threads would probably work too.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by arkhillbilly

snip..... What do they go through above the floor?

I did an internet search, but couldn't find a good photo showing the actual bolt assembly attaching the floor structure to the steel frame/outrigger. On one Jayco video the representative referred to lag bolts being used on the floor, but the assembler wasn't working near the outriggers.

I did find one RV manufactures using carriage bolts recessed into the floor, then the wall structure placed over them. In another case (Arctic Fox) used a steel fastener (similar to a washer) used with the bolt-head.

It might take a call to Jayco to confirm what is going on top-side...: 574-825-5861 (have your VIN handy).

Bob

[arkhillbilly]

Rustic Eagle, please expand on your question of the bolts pulling down,ie., more thread showing. That thought is starting to be of concern! Tks

[norty1]

On my rig I can see the head. It looks like a carriage bolt. It should be replaceable if stripped.
Looks like it goes right thru the carpet. I will check to see if they are loose when it quits raining.

[Rustic Eagle]

You mentioned that one bolt just "spins" upon tightening, so I was wondering if by chance the wood surface that the bolt head was originally anchored to was compromised (wood spilt, moisture, etc.) thus causing the bolt to spin or be pulled thru the floor structure when it was being tightened.

It was just thought I had if you were in fact noticing more exposed length of thread with the frequent re-tightening. As mentioned, try new lock washers next time, or some Loctite (threadlocker blue 242).

Bob

[SmokerBill]

Loctite 242. That's the one!