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Jack Brackets Detaching

jack brackets fwc

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#11 SkyP

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Posted 08 June 2021 - 10:11 PM

Rivnuts may work but even better IMO are PlusNuts, especially in thinner metal.

 

https://www.cardinal...ts.com/plusnut/

 

I used a bunch of PlusNuts building out 2 Transit van interiors- very thin metal.  I defy anyone to pull a plusnut out- rivnuts can come out fairly easy in thin material.


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#12 Ruck_and_Roll

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Posted 10 June 2021 - 12:23 AM

A little update here....

 

-Good luck funding self tapping screws bigger than what is already on there...went to multiple hardware stores.  You certainly can find something longer, but if you're looking for larger diameter, you're local Home Depot/Lowes/True Value won't have it....

-Ended up using a slightly thicker lag screw (same length) and that seemed to do the trick, so I think I can avoid redrill and/or plus/riv nut for now....

-Talked to FWC, and the gooey stuff is apparently Butyl tape.  Certainly doesn't look like tape, but hey, this is what butyl tape may look like after 13 years.

-On further investigation, the corner bracket actually seems to have gotten bent/warped slightly.  I am sure these are circa 2008, and it is the "2 part" type, so I don't think I have any chance of fitting of the bracket flush against the camper unless I replace.  

 

Thanks again,

 

Luke


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#13 wuck

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Posted 20 June 2021 - 05:36 AM


In 2016, wuck did this interesting post on using rivnuts to mount the brackets on his 04 Hawk...

 

wuck's rivnut post from his 'My 04 Hawk' thread

 

And in this December 2019 post, wuck tells us how the rivnuts he installed three years previous are doing...

 

wuck's rivnut update in the 'I have a screw loose' thread

Thank you sir!

 

Rivnut fix still very strong, no issues. Wish I had done a better job painting the brackets before I installed them :)

 

Pat


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#14 Ruck_and_Roll

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Posted 23 August 2021 - 04:15 PM

Project Update.....COMPLETE.  The bigger lag screws did not hold.  So I decided to go ahead and do the Rivnut idea.  

 

Special thanks to wuck (Pat), he really gave me great insight into the Rivnut project and was VERY helpful.

 

I decided to use the same tool, the Astro 1442.  Unfortunately, my experience wasn't as good as wuck's and I found that the mandrel pieces stripped rather easily, allowing you to set about 4-5 nuts before the mandrel failed.  Thankfully they are going to take a look at it for warranty.

 

Steps.

1.  Remove brackets clean off existing gunk.

2.  Peel back aluminum skin to see what you are working with.  My aluminum tubing seemed to be in a little better shape than Wuck's so I think mine was a little easier project. 

3.  I started with 1/4 rivnuts to start and slightly enlarged the pre-existing holes to fit a rivnut.  Practiced on a scrap piece of metal.  I decided to replace all 9 existing holes with rivnuts.  I used a reamer and a dremel tool to make as even surface as possible for a good set.  I got about 4-5 set and then my tool failed.  I did improvise and you can set rivnuts manually using a socket wrench.  (I wouldn't recommend this either).  Difficult to get a good, even set and had a few rivnuts start spinning.  (I'm on the lookout for a better tool).  Had to remove a few so I had to upsize, and ended up placing a few 5/16s and M8 size rivnuts.  I'm glad I started small with 1/4 inch.

4.  Also had to realign a few holes (and drill new holes into the bracket).  Once of the factory anchor points was actually in the wood frame, not the tubing. 

5.  Finally, I reset new butyl tape and got the brackets realigned.  It is very sturdy and seems fairly bomb proof.  No problems at all using jacks.  For the bolts I used 1.25 inch flange bolts.  I have a few other screws popping on a few other brackets.  I'm going to hold off on that until the brackets seem weak.

 

Best,

 

Luke


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#15 Jon R

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Posted 24 August 2021 - 02:52 PM

Aside from helping the OP solve their issue, it’s important to note for the occasional poster who wants to put casters on their jacks or jack on a significant slope that this is the potential consequence (in addition to the more immediate possible consequence).
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#16 Wandering Sagebrush

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Posted 24 August 2021 - 03:11 PM

Aside from helping the OP solve their issue, it’s important to note for the occasional poster who wants to put casters on their jacks or jack on a significant slope that this is the potential consequence (in addition to the more immediate possible consequence).

I would say that putting castors under the jacks on any surface, sloping or not, is a bad idea.  Any sudden stop can damage the jack mounts.  Stan Kennedy (FWC) posted this advice some time ago.


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#17 Jon R

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Posted 24 August 2021 - 05:40 PM

I fully agree. My point was that, if a person used casters i despite the contrary advice, and even if that person is careful and lucky and does not bend their jacks or brackets or worse, the side loads over the long term may still loosen up the fasteners holding the brackets to the frame.
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#18 Kokopelli

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Posted 26 August 2021 - 02:26 AM

I noticed that 3 of my bracket screws (all from different brackets) were loose when I put the camper on this spring.  Called FWC and they said to just go up one size on the screws.  As mentioned, could not find locally.  I did find 5/16"x2" long self tapping screws on Amazon:

 

https://www.amazon.c...product_details

 

I put them in and they seemed snug and I was able to tighten up.  Ordered more to have on hand if more of the others loosen. Not sure how they'll hold up, but if they hold up another 13 yrs (2008 Eagle) I'll be happy :)


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#19 Ruck_and_Roll

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Posted 27 September 2021 - 06:13 PM

Yes, do not use CASTERS!  When I bought my FWC, they were on the jacks and advertised to me as an upgrade and reportedly a dealer had said "they work really well."  

 

 

I fully agree. My point was that, if a person used casters i despite the contrary advice, and even if that person is careful and lucky and does not bend their jacks or brackets or worse, the side loads over the long term may still loosen up the fasteners holding the brackets to the frame.


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