5 replies to this topic

[Brad's Dad]

This is the part which attaches to the eyelet on the outside of our campers which the turnbuckles attach to.  I am doing a poor job of describing it but it's the flat topped bolt which goes thru from the inside of the camper to the eyelet.

 

Anyway, one of mine broke at the point where the base of the eyelet meets the threads of the elevator bolt.  Just wondering if anyone else has had this happen during normal to moderate use?  I always keep the turnbuckles hand tight (as tight as I can get them by hand anyway) and was surpised the bolt actually broke.

 

Temporarily, I replaced the elevator bolt with a grade 8 bolt of the correct length and double fender washers on the inside and outside of the camper-doubt that will break!

 

Thanks for anyone's experience with elevator bolts!!

 

Fred

[Mr. Vertical]

Replaced front  pass/side on my Grandby few months back, the owner before replaced with a bolt/nut combo this set up was cutting into the fabric on the cushion above it. Ordered a replacement from FWC close to $30 w/shipping.

[ntsqd]

http://www.mcmaster....r-bolts/=tdjvdo

 

Or if you can stand a rounded smooth topped bolt that stands slightly proud in the center:

http://f911.com/fore3.html

[Brad's Dad]

http://www.mcmaster....r-bolts/=tdjvdo

Or if you can stand a rounded smooth topped bolt that stands slightly proud in the center:
http://f911.com/fore3.html

Yes, I ordered the McMaster Carr square base bolts intending to do a permanent fix later, but am having doubts about the low strength given mine sheared off. Guess I should have contacted 4WC to get tensile strength and hardness specs on their flat head (elevator) bolts before ordering from McMaster........

Will look farther for plow bolts as I need a smaller dia. bolt at 3/8" 16 threads per inch to fit the eyelet nut I already have. Also a possibility is finding larger eyelet nuts to fit the larger dia. plow bolts I guess.

On my Hawk, the 2 left side bolts don't come in contact with my cushions so most any head will work but on the right, the flatter head the better so not to cut into the cushion fabric as Mr. Vertical experienced.

Fred

Edited by Brad's Dad, 21 August 2014 - 05:11 PM.

[Stan@FourWheel]

This is a good thread on how to do it yourself.

 

http://www.wanderthe...n-camper/page-3

 

 

Using the grade 8 bolts is a great idea.

 

The elevator bolts are good, but not as strong as the grade 8 bolts.

 

If you haven't already, it is a really good idea to add the reinforcement plates too.

 

Customers don't realize how MUCH force and torque is being put on those turn buckle and eye nuts when you are going off road.

 

 

For the past few years we have been installing a 3 bolt, stainless steel tie down bracket in place of the old elevator bolts for the inturnal camper tie down points.

 

We are always trying to make the new campers better.

 

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[Brad's Dad]

Excellent food for thought here Stan.  Thanks!

 

I actually discovered my broken elevator bolt after doing half of the Dalton Highway in Alaska as far as Coldfoot.  No off roading but plenty of frost heaves that snuck up on me and washboard roads on steep up and downhill grades.  Those probably did in the lower strength elevator bolt that sheared.

 

Now if I can just work out a fastener with a flush mount head on the inside of my Hawk so that the couch cushions won't get damaged, I will have it all!

 

Fred