failing tapping screws on Reese Dual Cam :(

[boubou]

Reese Dual Cam WD/Sway control hitch with 800 Trunnion bars (need to change to 1200 lbs I believe)
We went out on 2 short trips with it and today, I noticed that 1 of the bracket on the A frame holding the cam with 2 self tapping screws is loose
That concerns me a lot
I read great reviews about this WD and chose it specifically but now, very disappointed about it's early failure.
I've googled it and find other people with same problem but unable to find real solution.

anyone?

this picture is not mine, but this is basically what's happening

not mine by boubou1, on Flickr

[f1100turbo]

I installed a nut serts in mine to eliminate the self tapping screws.
You install them and squeeze them together with an installation tool then you have a blind hole nut.

[boubou]

Ok, I don't know what these blind nuts are but will mention to the shop when I bring for repair.
How do these work? Fit same holes?
Should I get him to replace the other side to prevent future failure at the same time?

[f1100turbo]

I would have them all replaced!
I will post a picture of them when I get home for you.
nut sert tool.jpg this is the installation tool
nutsert.jpg this is what the nut looks like

[f1100turbo]

nutsert1.jpg
nutsertinstalled.jpeg

nutserts installed to give you an idea what they look like .

[boubou]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Attachment 8651
Attachment 8652

nutserts installed to give you an idea what they look like .

So I guess these nuts are there to hold the plate in place and serve no structural purpose? is there a specific type or strength of nutserts?
I've heard of some of the Reese nuts used shearing (not what happened here, just bad thread I think)

Did you have that same problem or did you just not like the nuts included with the Reese DC ?

Thanks
Brigitte

[f1100turbo]

mine kept backing out or loosening . so I installed the nutserts and then applied red loctite to the threads of the bolt and installed them without anymore issues .
they would be just as strong as any not that you would put on the back side .
but since the channel is boxed in this is your only option .

[boubou]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

mine kept backing out or loosening . so I installed the nutserts and then applied red loctite to the threads of the bolt and installed them without anymore issues .
they would be just as strong as any not that you would put on the back side .
but since the channel is boxed in this is your only option .

Sounds like a great option
I've read about some guy who drilled through the back to access the nut and but a bolt in there. I don't want to drill the other side of the frame and weaken it so I like your idea.

I'll be calling the shop tomorrow and schedule an appointment
thanks again for your help

Brigitte

[f1100turbo]

no problem !
I would not drill all the way through as well . The problem with that is to get the bolts tight enough you may crush the boxed in frame and we all know they are not very heavy to begin with . Which is why you are having the problem you are having . There is not enough material to hold your bolts securely.
let us know how it goes !
Ron

[boubou]

Sure will!!!!

I appreciate all your help
Brigitte