80 replies to this topic

[nikonron]

I've also upgraded to 3/8" forged turnbuckles. Just run the ziptie through the turnbuckle and catch one of the eye ends, then it cannot spin. I also was having mine loosen up on wash board roads, tried several different lock nuts. But like I said, you cannot get your hands in there to properly jam them tight. No problem now with the zipties.  Ron

Edited by nikonron, 05 June 2017 - 03:28 PM.

[Josh41]

I had mine installed at a dealer, they said the FWC recommends Loctite. Mine did not have Loctite and one came loose in the first week. If you are worried about blue being too hard to loosen try Loctite 222 (purple).  It is meant to resist vibration.  I have used in on bicycle wheels (spokes) for years and it has been great and allows for adjustment. 

[kmcintyre]

Here's what I use.  They can't come undone.

 

[nikonron]

Same here, in 3/8"

Here's what I use.  They can't come undone.

 

[nikonron]

Here's a pic so you can see how simple.  Ron

 

[Squatch]

Hi David

 

Locktite will do no harm.

 

Also, you can buy forged turnbuckles at most any good hardware store that will not bend.

 

It might be a  good idea to climb under your truck and inspect how the eye bolts are doing....tight install ? and no bending/distortion of the bed...were some sort of backing plates used?

 

I am not trying to alarm you but it is worth getting familiar with the mounting setup in the comfort of your driveway .

 

I don't know what truck you have.

 

Few truck beds are made for the kind of force the turnbuckles (and the camper bouncing around) can exert.

 

David Graves 

 

Great advice.

 

I use a simple locknut on one side of each turnbuckle. It's not fun to tighten them down but they work great and will not loosen.

 

Blue lock-Tite will help. But in this application it's no replacement for a Locknut.

[idahoron]

 I put nuts on the normal thread portion of the turnbuckle and after the turnbuckles are tightened and set up I tighten the nights to keep the turnbuckles from moving.....it works and I haven't had any loosen up....

 

This is the right answer.  I did this to mine after my install. I drove about 50 miles on paved roads and checked them. One was off the others were loose. 

[badtoytrd]

Here's a pic so you can see how simple.  Ron

 

20170605_112121_resized.jpg

Great minds Ron. I did exactly the same thing.

[ntsqd]

Here's a pic so you can see how simple.  Ron

 

20170605_112121_resized.jpg

 

Good idea! The only issue I see with using a zip-tie, even a good one in black, is sunlight and/or will eventually kill them. I'd expect an annual checking of them would be prudent.

 

I did similar, only used Safety Wire which is 302 Stainless Steel and is intended for this use, but good ole fashioned baling wire would work.

[nikonron]

Good idea! The only issue I see with using a zip-tie, even a good one in black, is sunlight and/or will eventually kill them. I'd expect an annual checking of them would be prudent.

 

I did similar, only used Safety Wire which is 302 Stainless Steel and is intended for this use, but good ole fashioned baling wire would work.

There is absolutely no sunlight that hits them, they are in the dark. Also good quality zipties. And for those that say the lock nuts work and don't loosen, get off road on a wash board road, I have and they will loosen. Ron

Edited by nikonron, 06 June 2017 - 01:04 AM.