33 replies to this topic

[bsharp007]

Well it looks like I sheared off the right front eyebolt. Anyone know a source for these eyebolts?? Fortunately it looks like the damage was confined to the bolt only. Already tried OSH no l uck.

[ntsqd]

What you have there is available from Mcmaster.com The bolt is called a "Belt Bolt" and the nut, assuming it isn't salvageable, is called an "Eye Nut". Search those terms on their page and you'll find what you need.

[billharr]

My local ACE Hardware carries them.

[Stan@FourWheel]

Most hardware stores have them.

I have seen them at our local OSH.

Ask the customer service rep. where to find quick links and aluminum turnbuckles.

They are usually in that section, not the nuts & bolts section.

Sometimes they are called an "elevator bolt".

BUT, since you are replacing it, you might as well upgrade to a better bolt anyway.

We have at FWC !

You can usually just get a better bolt with a washer on top instead.

Just bring the eye nut portion and find a good bolt that is the right length and has the right threads to fit in the eye nut.

You can always get a few different lengths to see what is the best size once it is installed through the wood portion of the camper base.

I would attached pictures of the new bolts, eye nuts, washer, and aluminum reinforcement plate we are using these days, but I can't log into my work computer right now. Arg ! I will post some pics Monday if that is not too late.

Good luck on the project.


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[M1010 Mike]

Here is the post I made on tearing out my eye bolt and how I reinforced the mounts and used Grade 8 bolts.

Eye bolt repair

[Stan@FourWheel]

cummins_mike did a great job on his repair.

I don't think his eye bolt will be going anywhere from here on out.

Attached are some pictures of what we are using now on all of the new FWC's.

(no more elevator bolt)

We are using a good solid bolt with the aluminum reinforcement plates on the top.

Back in the days the wood in the camper base was the weak point.

Then when we added the aluminum reinforcement plates, the basic elevator bolt became the weak point.

Now that we are using a real bolt and the plate I hope the occasional eye bolt problems will become a thing of the past.

On all of the new FWC's we are also making for easier access to the eye bolts too !





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[bsharp007]

Thanks Stan, but that's eactly the same one I broke. Apparently my 08 FWC has the "new" setup and I can't find it locally at any of the local hardware stores. My camper is still under warrenty.
Will

Here is the post I made on tearing out my eye bolt and how I reinforced the mounts and used Grade 8 bolts.

Eye bolt repair

[Stan@FourWheel]

Hey Will

By looking at the first picture you posted, your camper has the older elevator bolt that was not as strong.

We didn't upgrade to these newer bolts until the past few months.

The bolts might look the same from a distance, but the elevator bolt and the newer "real" style bolt are different creatures. Similar looking, but very different in strength.

Don't be fooled about the bolt head size. The newer bolts we are using have a smaller head on them, but the head of the bolt is not a weak point. On all of the older elevator bolts I have seen break, the bolt always broke lower down on the threaded portion.

The new bolts are stronger all around.

If you want to shoot me a quick e-mail to ... stan@fourwh.com

Just let me know your name and mailing address and I can drop a couple of the newer bolts in the mail for you.

Sound good ?

Thanks so much

Stan


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Thanks Stan, but that's eactly the same one I broke. Apparently my 08 FWC has the "new" setup and I can't find it locally at any of the local hardware stores. My camper is still under warrenty.
Will

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[bsharp007]

Sounds good, thanks Stan.

Will

Hey Will

By looking at the first picture you posted, your camper has the older elevator bolt that was not as strong.

We didn't upgrade to these newer bolts until the past few months.

The bolts might look the same from a distance, but the elevator bolt and the newer "real" style bolt are different creatures. Similar looking, but very different in strength.

Don't be fooled about the bolt head size. The newer bolts we are using have a smaller head on them, but the head of the bolt is not a weak point. On all of the older elevator bolts I have seen break, the bolt always broke lower down on the threaded portion.

The new bolts are stronger all around.

If you want to shoot me a quick e-mail to ... stan@fourwh.com

Just let me know your name and mailing address and I can drop a couple of the newer bolts in the mail for you.

Sound good ?

Thanks so much

Stan


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[Funstini]

Most hardware stores have them.

I have seen them at our local OSH.

Ask the customer service rep. where to find quick links and aluminum turnbuckles.

They are usually in that section, not the nuts & bolts section.

Sometimes they are called an "elevator bolt".

BUT, since you are replacing it, you might as well upgrade to a better bolt anyway.

We have at FWC !

You can usually just get a better bolt with a washer on top instead.

Just bring the eye nut portion and find a good bolt that is the right length and has the right threads to fit in the eye nut.

You can always get a few different lengths to see what is the best size once it is installed through the wood portion of the camper base.

I would attached pictures of the new bolts, eye nuts, washer, and aluminum reinforcement plate we are using these days, but I can't log into my work computer right now. Arg ! I will post some pics Monday if that is not too late.

Good luck on the project.


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