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Old 10-30-2010, 09:32 AM   #1
PatnRich
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Loose u-bolts

I had a Home Depot gift card collecting dust, so I used it to buy a torque wrench.

Checked lug nuts and u-bolts today, as we leave for Florida tommorrow. The lug nuts checked out fine, however, all but 4 of the u-bolts needed tightning.

How often should you check these?
 
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Old 10-30-2010, 10:36 AM   #2
drsmart
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I'm also curious. Checked the U-bolts on our 2011 after the first trip and all nuts needed tightening. I thought maybe I was setting the torque wrench too high so backed it off to 60lb/ft but I think it's supposed to be a little higher by spec.
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Old 10-30-2010, 11:29 AM   #3
pbahlin
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Poke around under 'Tow Vehicles/Towing' or do a search on U bolts. There's a lot of discussion on this.

You'll most likely find that you have to do this multiple times when your rig is new. It takes time and miles to settle in the bolts. I check mine every 1000 miles or so and always get some movement. My last check was around 5000 miles and I only had two that were down maybe 5 lbs or so. That was my 'best' check ever.

Be sure to check your axle manual for the correct spec on torque. It varies depending on U-bolt diameter. My axles are supposed to be 45-65 and a Dexter rep told me he goes to 75 on mine. It's a matter of some dispute I guess, like what's the best truck (Dodge).
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Old 10-30-2010, 07:47 PM   #4
8e3k0
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Torque for a 1/2 inch fine thread grade five u-bolt is 65-70 ft. lbs. torque. We set ours at 70 foot lbs and they have stayed at that particular number. I would check every 2000 miles until you are satisfied that the torque is established and stays at a particular setting. If you have to retorque a number times to reach the speciified value the u-bolts are likely stretching beyond their yield point.
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Old 10-31-2010, 04:44 AM   #5
Tom S.
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I check mine once a year as part of my brake check/adjust and wheel bearing maintenance.
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Old 10-31-2010, 05:14 AM   #6
richfaa
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As a last resort read the book that came with the camper..dexter axles I believe.
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Old 11-03-2010, 02:49 AM   #7
Tom S.
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Sorry Rich, but my genes are predisposed to ignore any and all printed material when it comes to manuals and/or instructions!
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Old 11-03-2010, 03:11 AM   #8
richfaa
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I have those same genes Tom... I never read the book, never checked the torque on the U bolts and paid the price.
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Old 11-03-2010, 05:03 AM   #9
8e3k0
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Dexter Axle 2008 Op and Maint Manual states on page 63 under Suspensions: "All the components of your suspension system should be visually inspected at least every 6,000 miles for signs of excess wear, elongation of bolt holes and loosening of fasteners. Whenever loose or replaced, the fasteners in your system should be torqued as detailed in the charts below". ( chart band torque is 45 to 70 ft lbs).
Pretty hard to visually see a u-bolt that is 25 or 50 ft lbs of torque. No where does it say to physically torque u-bolts at various periods or miles of usage; wheel bolts yes!!
Pretty broad compared to Ag, Industrial and even Automotive Op Maint Manuals!! I guess that is why RV warranties are only 1 year.
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Old 11-03-2010, 06:48 AM   #10
oldelmer1
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I just checked my U bolts, they took a good 2 full turns to get to 70 ft. lbs. torque.

THANKS for the reminder to check them.
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