Self tapping bolts everywhere?

[Jeffndaile]

So had the stab jack bolt come loose, stripped.... called AS dealer... they said, replace bolt with a larger self tapping bolt. Ok, I get that.
Then, the large strap that holds the fresh water tank up decides one day it’s going to fall off on one end. Guess what the dealer said.... larger self tapping bolt?

So let me get this straight.... everything on the underside of this thing uses self tapping bolts that screw into “whatever” happens to be up there?

Makes me wonder how these guys ever stayed together at all?

[Ted S.]

My impression as well.

[Captnkirk54]

If you can find some rivetnuts that might be a little more secure. They go in like a poprivet but are threaded with a machine screw and a lock washer it should hold .

[moosetags]

I have been using rivet nuts ever since I have had an Airstream. They work very well in many applications. I also keep a supply of various size and length stainless steel sheet metal screws on hand. Pop rivets are also a must.

Unlike your house that is static, Airstreams move down the road vibrating and hitting all kinds of bumps. Things are going to come loose. This is the nature of the beast. That is why rivets are used wherever feasible.

If nothing ever comes loose on your Airstream, you are probably not using it enough.

Brian

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by Jeffndaile

>>snip>>
So let me get this straight.... everything on the underside of this thing uses self tapping bolts that screw into “whatever” happens to be up there?
<<snip<<

Do not fasten to "whatever". New bolts should be into the frame member where the old bolt was originally. It is preferable to remove the old bolt and re-use the same hole with a new fastener.

[WayneG]

And beware of the new screw length, you dont need to poke a hole in something on the other side.

[Jeffndaile]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

Do not fasten to "whatever". New bolts should be into the frame member where the old bolt was originally. It is preferable to remove the old bolt and re-use the same hole with a new fastener.

I only use the same holes the old bolt came out of..... the “feeling” I get, is that the new bolt doesn’t “thread” into the .... like a nut on the upper side.
I get the distinct impression that the material that the new bolt is going into his thin.

Another thing is the fact that those self tapping bolts are a real pain to try and find locally.. eBay I guess...

[Jeffndaile]

Originally Posted by Captnkirk54

If you can find some rivetnuts that might be a little more secure. They go in like a poprivet but are threaded with a machine screw and a lock washer it should hold .

Wow, i’ve never heard of rivet nuts thanks for that tip!

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Airstreams move down the road vibrating and hitting all kinds of bumps. Things are going to come loose. This is the nature of the beast. That is why rivets are used wherever feasible.

Rivets for security? I'd use bolts with nuts and aircraft nuts at that.
But that's expensive and time consuming, and it's not the Thor way. "It only has to last until the warranty expires."

It also reminded me to drain my water tank. The dealer filled it even though I asked for 20% because I didn't want to carry 400# of water around.

[Captnkirk54]

Rivetnuts are used in aircraft I used them in my plane all the time to secure items from vibration.

[bradt]

A self threading bolt coming loose on the stabilizer jack is sometimes a clue that moisture is getting in and rusting the frame. Doesn't take much rust to make the self thread bolt let go in that thin steel.
I noticed a missing bolt on a stabilizer jack, near the trailer centerline. I carefully replaced it with a larger bolt w nut & washer. A year later I was removing it to replace the floor.
I recommend checking for moisture and rust.
Brad

[prostar]

I can tell you self tapping screws don't hold everything together. My water tank came out the bottom going down I-40. Waiting on parts to come in for almost a month.

[Jeffndaile]

I think I’ll be taking a trip to the dealer so he can check “everything” on the underside.
It would seem that installing the tanks earlier in the build process would allow for the tanks to be installed with nuts spot welded to the frame.... but look at all the money they save, by just giving us the minimum till warranty runs out.

Makes me really appreciate good craftsmanship when I do see it.... it’s a moral issue really.

[Jeffndaile]

Originally Posted by WayneG

And beware of the new screw length, you dont need to poke a hole in something on the other side.

Bad thing about self tapping bolts, is that they usually get longer as they get bigger.

[Larry C]

[QUOTE=A W Warn;2035936]Do not fasten to "whatever". New bolts should be into the frame member where the old bolt was originally. It is preferable to remove the old bolt and re-use the same hole with a new fastener.[/QUOTE

That's exactly correct, but use the next size larger, otherwise you stand a good chance of stripping the threads..

Just sayin'

Larry