why bend the bolts?

[Chuck]

anyone care to explain to me why they bend the elevator bolts that hold the floor down to the frame? now how am I supposed to get them out?

[Tripp]

Chuck,

That was Airstreams "locknut". They were bent to prevent the nut from vibrating off. The only way to easily get them off is to cut them off.

Tripp

[markdoane]

Chuck,

I suspect it was cheaper and easier than trying to put a lockwasher or using a nylon locknut.

Here's the method I found easiest, after trying to grind them off and cut then off.

1. Mark the position of the frame and crossmembers.
2. Cut through the floor with a circular saw just outside the frame members.
3. Use a Sawzall to slice horizontally through the remaining plywood and screws.

You can see it here: http://www.airforums.com/forum...9&postcount=79
and http://www.airforums.com/forum...0&postcount=80

[Morning Dew]

where are these bolts? i'm trying to remove the rear floor in mine. i've got everything out of the bathroom and i'm left staring at a bare floor. there were 4 machine screws that i was able to remove with a screwdriver but thats all i've found. the floor still seems attached to the frame but i can't tell what holding it down.

[Tripp]

Brian,

They run along the frame rails and crossmembers. The bolts go through the floor and the frame and have nuts underneath. If you have your bellypan off in the rear, you can see the bolts/nuts from under the trailer along the various frame members.

Tripp

[Sneakinup]

This is what it looks like from underneath...

[Morning Dew]

ok, but shouldn't the heads of these bolts be on top of the plywood or recessed? all i've got are the 4 machine screws.

[Tripp]

Brian,

Yes, you should have recessed heads visible about every 12-18". If you only have 4 machine screws, it is possible that your floor was repaired (incorrectly) sometime in the past. It is imperative that the floor be through bolted to the frame as the floor is part of the monocoque design of the trailer.

Tripp

[Over59]

Aren't there some in the walls between the shells also?

[Tripp]

Paul,

Yes there are. They hold the "c" channel to the floor. The body is then riveted to the channel and the "ribs" of the body are through bolted to the floor as well.

Tripp