JT strong arm install - 377 RLBH

Catholic for a reason · 06-16-2017, 07:16 PM

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.

sean.harp · 06-16-2017, 07:27 PM

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.

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Big1 · 06-16-2017, 07:28 PM

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.

Bookemdanno · 06-16-2017, 07:31 PM

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

Magnolia Tom · 06-16-2017, 11:09 PM

If you want to mount it to the tubing, drill a pilot hole and use the self tapping screws included in the kit

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robkelly · 06-17-2017, 04:35 AM

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.

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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...

sean.harp · 06-17-2017, 05:44 AM

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

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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?

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Magnolia Tom · 06-17-2017, 07:23 AM

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.

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Catholic for a reason · 06-17-2017, 08:05 AM

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.

sean.harp · 06-17-2017, 09:26 AM

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.

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Catholic for a reason · 06-20-2017, 06:19 AM

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?

Mopar_Earl · 06-20-2017, 06:22 AM

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

Catholic for a reason · 06-20-2017, 06:29 AM

Thanks, Mopsr_Earl! I guess you're never too old to learn something new!!

Catholic for a reason · 06-26-2017, 04:28 PM

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.

Mopar_Earl · 06-26-2017, 05:49 PM

Self threading bolts are normally driven in by drill or an impact. Using hand tools would require major effort as you found out.

Earl

Catholic for a reason · 06-26-2017, 06:45 PM

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.

Fire_Instructor · 06-27-2017, 10:37 PM

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.

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