How Often Should You Check RV Axle U-Bolts?

[ontheroad10]

Some years ago I owned a Keystone Challenger. Prior to leaving on a trip, I took it into the shop for some routine maintenance. The mechanic backed it into a storage space and caused the U-bolt to brake off the axel. I was very thankful it happened at the shop and not on the road. I keep having visions of that happening as a cruising along the highway at top speed.
My question is does anyone routinely check the U-bolts or have them inspected. I'm sure I'm not the only one this happened to

Ron
2013 Montana 3100 rl

 

[Carl n Susan]

I try to check the torque every few years. Previous stories here about a loose U bolt allows the spring centering pin to slip out of its recess and the axle can then slide forward or backward.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Almost every time I dump my tanks I look at my leaf springs and suspension. It's just become a habit now. I had a bad experience in the past. Once something happens, it does create forever due diligence going forward.

 

[BB_TX]

I always checked the U bolt torque once a year and look over all the suspension and check the tires periodically. But I think a broken U bolt is so rare as to not be something to worry about.

 

[Daryles]

Before leaving the house, I check the torque on every bolt on the suspension and wheels. I also do the truck.
We broke a leaf spring Hanger and didn't discover it until we were pulling out (Moab, Utah) we spent an extra week there waiting for a mobile welder.
I now do an "Arrival" inspection of the suspension when we stop overnight. It gives me a chance to find and repair any problems.

LEAF SPRINGS
Dexter Manual Page 67
Torque
U bolts 70 ft lbs
Shackle bolt nuts 39-50 ft lbs

Wheel lugs 120ft lbs

Dexter Axle Manual is in the Resources section.

 

[buck119fa]

I look every time I stop or hit the dump station just to make sure the under carriage looks right. I do torque checks every spring and at least once through the year and prior to any longer trips on the springs, u-bolts, pinbox etc... Prior to the first trip out after winter I'll check and repack bearings, check brakes, tires and torque the wheels, inspect the spare tire, wet bolts are checked and lubed along with checking leaf spring alignment. just a touch of what I do but this is some of the bigger items

 

[jkxtreme]

We check the suspension every time we stop because we had an issue where one of my shackles flipped over causing the wheel to be misaligned. The result ...I scrubbed a fairly new tire down to the steel belts in 100 miles We also added Sumo springs to limit how fast the suspension can travel up and down. . After installing Sumo springs I've not had another shackle flip. We also grease the suspension components annually.

 

[8e3k0]

With each re torque on those u-bolts they simply stretch as they are only grade 5 stock. I replaced mine with grade 8 u- bolts and grade 8 nuts from our local spring shop. This was done about 6 months after my rig was new. I also added an extra long leaf immediately under the long one to eliminate sag and help the mor - ryde from bounce.
Not one problem through the many years from 2009.

 

[ontheroad10]

Thanks for all of your responses. I'm not certain it was the U-bolt. It may have been the plate the U bolt attaches to. The nuts that hold them in place I suppose need to be torqued. What pressure should they be torqued at?

 

[RMcNeal]

I think they should be around 50-70 ft. lbs. depending upon the size of your u-bolt.