Loose nuts on outrigger frame bolts

[FeatherFam]

Originally Posted by ALJO

Put on double nuts to lock.

Good idea! I will be checking all of them when I pull the underbelly cover for a thorough inspection this summer. Before we go anywhere this summer, I am installing new Timkens, finishing my total caulk and Eternabond extravaganza, and inspecting and cleaning (as needed) all of the undercarriage electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural elements and connections.

[HankD]

Our 2011 Jayflight RD19 (19 footer) uses total of (13) 9/16" SAE nuts (each with a lockwasher) on the underside of the outriggers. Every other year these need routine re-tightening, but not overtight. I like the above suggestion to use a second nut --as the lock washer doesn't keep the nut from loosening.

Also the A/C bolts needed significant tightening.

Good things to periodically check. One of the above posts suggested the factory was culpable. Rather, I think vibration, road bumps, wind resistance probably cause them to loosen.

[proride]

As per the suggestion by ALJO, I bought nuts with the nylon at the end, and added them as the 2nd nut. Hopefully with the lock washer, the 2 nuts tight against each other and the nylon on the 2nd nut, they will stay somewhat tight. Nothing like overkill....

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by proride

As per the suggestion by ALJO, I bought nuts with the nylon at the end, and added them as the 2nd nut. Hopefully with the lock washer, the 2 nuts tight against each other and the nylon on the 2nd nut, they will stay somewhat tight. Nothing like overkill....

I did the same, however one of the bolts is at an angle and shorter than the others and the nylock nut doesn’t screw on far enough to be effective. So, I’ll use Loctite blue there.

Re: the AC bolts — are those on the roof, or from inside? Thanks!

[HankD]

Originally Posted by LuckyDuck

I did the same, however one of the bolts is at an angle and shorter than the others and the nylock nut doesn’t screw on far enough to be effective. So, I’ll use Loctite blue there.

Re: the AC bolts — are those on the roof, or from inside? Thanks!

The AC bolts are easily accessible from the inside after you take off the ceiling vent.

[LuckyDuck]

It’s on my to-do list. Thanks!

[nighthawk87]

I wonder how every other traile ron the road ends up fine without tightening these for 20 years.

[proride]

Originally Posted by nighthawk87

I wonder how every other traile ron the road ends up fine without tightening these for 20 years.

Because they were better made and the nuts were tightened correctly from the factory. OR.. We just took care of issues and didn't have message boards to "moderator edit" to such wide audiences.

[Screwby]

On my routine maintenance list now. I posted in the beginning of this thread that mine were loose from the factory. We’ve just returned from a 2 week road trip and mine were all loose again when I checked them. Like someone said before, I hope the nuts are loosening and not the heads of the bolts slowly pulling through the frame.

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by Screwby

On my routine maintenance list now. I posted in the beginning of this thread that mine were loose from the factory. We’ve just returned from a 2 week road trip and mine were all loose again when I checked them. Like someone said before, I hope the nuts are loosening and not the heads of the bolts slowly pulling through the frame.

Did you use Loctite blue or nylock nuts? Or just tighten the original nuts?

[ALJO]

The wood deck is screwed down by carriage bolts, don't over tighten, the carriage bolt just pulls trough the soft wood. Better to install a thick rubber washer, then a metal washer, nut and extra nut for locking. If you use Loctite or a lock nut, the bolt might just spin on you. The wall is placed on the floor-deck so you don't have access to the carriage bolt top. If you ever have to install one the old one has to be removed and the wall has to be opened to install a new one.