C Channel Installation

[rowdyATX]

I'm close to dropping the shell, finally!

What type of bolts are best to secure the c channel to the subfloor?




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[cwf]

Elevator... What were there when you removed to reno?

[vinstream]

I personally do not like elevator bolts for connecting the "C" channel through the floor and into the outrigger because they are non grade or non stainless steel offering in the market place. Elevator bolts work good for connecting the floor to the frame; However, I would opt for a 1/4" stainless steel bolt with 1" washers. Hope that helps

[cwf]

When I do ours I will go stainless, bolt and washers and Nylock nuts. Also use some anti seize on the metal contact points.

[HiJoeSilver]

Just lost long written post 2x. Lots of engineering taken into account.
McMaster Carr cap screw bolts, high strength steel, grade 8, corrosion resistant coated with the armor coat. Bolts with washers on each side to distribute the load a little, a little blue loctite, and double nutted, locking first nut in place with second nut.
I went from steel, replaced with stainless, replaced stainless with these.
Stainless you have to worry about galvanic corrosion between the stainless and aluminum and steel when wet and in contact, can you say leaks and wet wood. Aluminum and steel sacrifice themselves to the stainless. Not good.
Wish I had used these first. Now that they're there I haven't had a single second thought.

[KrisE MN]

I thank you so much. I did a google search and came up w too many options. Could you please give specific size to order correct McMaster carr cap screw bolts please. Also how many needed to do rear typical floor replacement. Thanks kris

[HiJoeSilver]

How thick is the wood flooring on the trailer. Varies, but impacts bolt length. My 74 had 3/4" the 79 had 15/32".
For number, count the holes in the c channel to see how many were there before. Generally one for each outrigger, plus some across the rear. but they can be put through the plywood only.

[KrisE MN]

thanks will measure. I thought 3/8" dia by 2". Those are elevator though.

[rowdyATX]

Can you specify the size from this chart? Thanks Joe.


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[HiJoeSilver]

Depends in the thickness of the floor, how thick was the plywood you put down?
When you put the bolt in is it going to be going through the following, washer added by you, steel outrigger, wood floor, aluminum of c channel, washer, then nut? This should be normal.
The normal bolts will be 1/4"-20, length TBD, did you have larger 3/8" bolts one in each corner going through the frame as well?

[HiJoeSilver]

I used 5/16" bolts but that was because I drilled the holes larger for stainless steel previously, the correct and what would have been original for me would have been 1/4"-20; 1-1/2" long gave me enough thread to be able to put 2 nuts on each bolt, item number 91286A116, with associated washers and nuts, there's a link to the washers and nuts at the top of the page in the corrosion resistant coated description.
They come in qty of 50 which should be more than enough for your trailer. My 23 used 26 bolts, not counting the 4 larger corner bolts.
3/8" bolts seems big for all around the perimeter. Mine only had 3/8" in the corners through the frame, I've got some left, so if you get to that point I can send you 4 of them, bolt nut and washers, so you don't have to buy 25 of them, I don't really have a use for them.

[rowdyATX]

Awesome!
I dropped the shell down today. At first the shell didn't seem to be lining up but when I adjusted my stabilizer jacks, it all leveled out.

Looks like I'm ready to secure the C Channel, and then practice on clecos.

I'll take you up on your offer if you don't have any use for the bolts; greatly appreciated.


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[HiJoeSilver]

Rowdy,
Shot you a PM for address. I'll get the big 3/8" bolts in the mail pretty quick.
Unless you're working on this indoors, make sure you get some rivets and temporary bolts in there pretty quick so the wind doesn't pick up the shell and toss it on you. It's happened before and creates a bunch of scrap metal, not in a good way.

Joe

[Kimya W]

Does anyone in this thread have visuals for connecting the C-Channel to the shell and subfloor? I have a 1973 Argosy and I am looking for the "how to" on this.