winnie 2455BHS support angle iron help

[CliffordM]

Hi, looking for some advice. While travelling home from an otherwise successful trip, one side of the angle iron support that runs across the frame on the bottom of the trailer just rear of the axles came loose. Appears that self tapping screw was used to hold it in, at least that was what was still attached to one side.

Should I simply go to the hardware store and get two new ones and screw back in, or is there a better solution (bigger diameter screw?, locking washer, etc?

Thanks, I attached pictures of the screw and the support 'beam' / angle iron.

[Bigbird65]

Clifford I just looked at my 3 year old 2250DS with over 18,000 miles on it and all 4 self tapping screws are tight. As long as the screw holes have not been wallowed out and you can get some exact self tapping screws then reinstall them with red Loctite. If they have been wallowed out then get a slightly larger screw. Also, if you can get above the frame to install new screws with nylon insert lock nuts that would work. Let us know how you fix it.

[CliffordM]

Thanks! I am planning on using a tooth lock washer in addition to some lock tite once I track down the bolts.

[Bigbird65]

Originally Posted by CliffordM

Thanks! I am planning on using a tooth lock washer in addition to some lock tite once I track down the bolts.

That should work OK.

[09 harley]

Your question is, should I replace self tapping screws with bolts, washers and nuts? I think the answer is yes. I would hope that you will make the correct choice to prevent a self tapping screw from backing out again. Seems to be an easy choice.

[Bigbird65]

Originally Posted by 09 harley

Your question is, should I replace self tapping screws with bolts, washers and nuts? I think the answer is yes. I would hope that you will make the correct choice to prevent a self tapping screw from backing out again. Seems to be an easy choice.

I agree, that is the best long term choice.

[CliffordM]

UPDATE:

I used red thread locker and matched up the self-tapping 1/4" screws, plus a toothed locking washer between the screw and frame. Since this goes into the bottom of the frame, no way to use a nut on the backside as there is no access inside the frame. There isn't a ton of metal for the screws to grab, so I got it tight, but didn't want to over torque and strip it out.

Part of the problem is that one of the four screws was drilled in on an angle into the corner of the frame, and the screw sheared off. May have been sheared off during installation for all I know quite frankly. I reattached 3 of the 4 with the above procedure. I am going to monitor this, have a trip coming up and will be checking it constantly. I elected not to drill out and re-attach the corner screw, a little beyond my tech ability and I would have to take down the LP line running along that frame to make sure that I didn't puncture it, because I am sure despite my efforts the first thing that would happen is that drill bit would slide over and bite that line!

I am hesitant at this point to drill a new hole in the bracket and frame to attache the fourth screw, but that probably would be a cleaner way to address this since the original attachment point looks like it was not installed correctly and someone clearly rushed it or got tired on the install. I may add this to punch list for a professional to address at some point if the brace gets loose again. I was pretty lucky that when the brace disconnected, I didn't lose a tire or anything like that!

[Bigbird65]

Clifford glad you got it repaired. I would not trust that sheared off one. If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself I highly recommend getting it repaired at a shop.

[CliffordM]

Update, so far so good. held up through two trips and about 500 miles I would say.

[Bigbird65]

Originally Posted by CliffordM

Update, so far so good. held up through two trips and about 500 miles I would say.

Sure glad to hear that Clifford.