 |
09-19-2007, 05:46 AM
|
#1
|
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Destin
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #821
|
Fractured Ladder Bolt
Has anyone taken the ladder off? I had what appeared to be a loose bolt on one of the ladder stand-offs. When I removed it, it was only about 2" long and appears to be sheared. I would guess it's really about a 7" bolt and is only there to maintain the stand-out dimension and not carry any load.
My plan is to remove the aluminum tubing surrounding the bolt, remove the remaining bolt (and flange if necessary) and reassemble. Any surprises waiting for me?
Thanks, Norm
|
|
|
|
09-19-2007, 10:03 AM
|
#2
|
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Spring Hill
Posts: 2,725
M.O.C. #59
|
Each rung on my ladder has "spider nuts" inside that became rusted. What I did was install long galvanized bolts thru the rung and then put a stainless "Acorn nut" on the end. Doesn't look bad and it is much stronger than the old spider nuts with short bolts. I did this because I had a problem locating new nuts. Since then I have found some but I prefer the long bolt method.
|
|
|
|
|
09-19-2007, 11:38 AM
|
#3
|
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Spring Hill
Posts: 2,725
M.O.C. #59
|
Here is a pix.
|
|
|
|
|
09-19-2007, 03:56 PM
|
#4
|
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Montrose
Posts: 87
M.O.C. #561
|
I know this subject has come up a few times. Here's a link to one that I posted to back in January 07:
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...9&SearchTerms=,
Our ladder is still very secure after almost 3 years. I haven't tried turning the screws as there has been no need since I added the grease, but I would think they would not be frozen. They must have been left loose during installation by the factory.
Seems most any fix is better than the original design.
|
|
|
|
|
09-19-2007, 04:58 PM
|
#5
|
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Destin
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #821
|
Spider nuts??? I guess I'll find out when I take it apart. It'll be a few days before I can tackle it. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
09-20-2007, 12:17 PM
|
#6
|
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Spring Hill
Posts: 2,725
M.O.C. #59
|
That's what I call them. They are pressed into the tube to act as nut. When they rust the rungs get loose.
Ok found one in the tool box. Brand new
|
|
|
|
|
09-23-2007, 08:19 AM
|
#7
|
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Destin
Posts: 166
M.O.C. #821
|
Thanks for the hints and photos. I took the ladder apart and repaired it today. There were a couple of bolts that gave me some trouble (rusted in) but I finally got them out. Sure enough, the one that I thought was fractured was, in fact, fractured. It was an almost clean break at about 1 1/2" of the 3" bolt. Coated everything with anti-seize compound and reassembled with new 3" bolts. Very secure now.
|
|
|
|
|
| Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
|
| Display Modes |
 Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disclaimer:
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:18 AM.
