Yikes, bolts loosened on Anti sway Device

[Murphie]

Just a quick heads up on something I notice recently. All four bolts on the Reese anti sway device I installed earlier in the year had loosened up. I remember checking them a few times after I installed them initially and they seemed fine. I wonder if the colder weather had played a role in them coming loose. I guess it's time for some locktite.

[Rustic Eagle]

Richard,

Which four bolts are you referring to?

Bob

[Murphie]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Richard,

Which four bolts are you referring to?

Bob

Bob, sorry I should have mentioned that they were screws to begin with. They are the ones that you put into the trailer frame. Two on each side to hold the yoke. ( I think that's what they are called). I followed the directions and drilled the hole size asked for. I also torqued them in until they were really tight. One of the screws was quite loose while the others needed less tightening. I had taken the trailer down to northern California earlier in the year shortly after I installed it. I checked them a few times on that trip due to a new installation. Had a few trips locally and that's when I noticed how loose they were. I'll just have to keep an eye on them.

[mcfarmall]

You talking about the giant sheet metal screws (Tek screws)? Loctite is for designed for fasteners with actual machine threads. If you can access the other side you'd be better off drilling clearance holes and installing bolts with a nylock nuts.

[Rustic Eagle]

Richard,

After a number of years I had one of the same thread forming screws started coming loose as well, even though I kept them torqued at the required 50 ft.lbs. I attributed my problem to my heavy loaded tongue weight and the 1,200lb spring bars (have 1,500lb bars now). With thread forming screws the proper torque is important.

This is an earlier JOF thread on the same issue, and my resolution: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...forming+screws

Bob

[Derek700]

I checked mine after reading this and they required about an 1/8 to 1/4 turn. I am glad I tightened them up. I am getting some wear grooves on my cams is this normal? I pull up my bars hand tight and then raise the jack to complete hookup.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Derek700

I checked mine after reading this and they required about an 1/8 to 1/4 turn. I am glad I tightened them up. I am getting some wear grooves on my cams is this normal? I pull up my bars hand tight and then raise the jack to complete hookup.

The only way to insure that the proper tension is applied is with a torque wrench, otherwise they could loosen again do to under/over tightening.

Some initial wear on the cam surface is normal, but should stop after a period of time. To reduce on-going wear always place the same spring bar over the same cam surface. I have a zip-tie around the knuckle on my driver's side spring bar.

Also, a dab of Vaseline (not grease) over the cam surface helps with excessive wear..., or you can turn the cam arm 180 degrees if required(switch sides on TT A-frame) .

Bob

[Derek700]

I think my new truck will help to as the truck can carry more tongue weight than the half ton. I have the bars marked right and left.

[Murphie]

Mcfarmall,

They are the self tapping, thread forming,machine screw, similar to a tek screw. I liked your idea of of putting a bolt and nylon nut on. Prior to doing this I am going to use a torque wrench on them again. Because the holes are so close to the bottom I want to go with what's suggested. If they loosen I'll do the bolt and nut. Thanks for the suggestion.

Bob,
I read the link you sent and remembered reading it. It mostly dealt with the snap up bracket which aren't a problem for me. The hitch I bought was was new but several years old that came with the heavy duty snap up brackets. I will follow your suggestion and retorque them using using a torque wrench. Again thanks for your help

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Murphie

snip..... It mostly dealt with the snap up bracket which aren't a problem for me....snip

Richard,

Actually the "linked" thread subject was about the Dual Cam frame plate screws coming loose with pics showing the grade 8 thru-bolts/backer plate in lieu of the thread forming screws..., but your right the thread also covered the latest Reese Instruction Rev's relating to the the snap-up bracket. To save readers from reverting back to the link, here are the pics:



(jam nut not shown in pic)

Hopefully the torque wrench route will resolve your issue.

Bob

[Murphie]

Oops I guess I missed that part. I'll go back and read it again. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

[Boubou]

same thing happened to us. All the self tapping screws were stripped. I went to a good weld shop and got 4 corners welded to the frame. Problem solved.
tack weld on cam arm bracket by boubou1, on Flickr