(Re) Mounting a sway control ball to the camper tongue?

[rtidwell]

We have a 195BH. I installed a ball for a friction sway control bar on the side of the tongue with the self threading bolts that came with the mount.

These have pulled out, because I left the sway control on while backing and turning (don’t do that, btw).

The holes are now just a little too large for the bolts to tighten. I cannot find larger self threading screws.

I think I have two choices- 1. Have a welder weld the ball to the tongue, or 2. Drill 4 more holes, and use long bolts/nuts and a backing plate to mount the ball to the tongue.

Which option does the least damage to the structural integrity of the tongue/hitch?

Russ Tidwell
Garden City, KS
2014 Cruise Lite 195BH

[Lins]

How thick is the metal? Quality nutserts might be an option.

[rtidwell]

1/8”, I think

[Lins]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nutsert-...p2047675.l2557

If they are only self-tapping bolts or screws then something like this should be plenty strong. Figure out what thread bolt you want to use, then buy the nutsert and tool (which you might be able to rent).

[Ejs4029]

Originally Posted by rtidwell

We have a 195BH. I installed a ball for a friction sway control bar on the side of the tongue with the self threading bolts that came with the mount.

These have pulled out, because I left the sway control on while backing and turning (don’t do that, btw).

The holes are now just a little too large for the bolts to tighten. I cannot find larger self threading screws.

I think I have two choices- 1. Have a welder weld the ball to the tongue, or 2. Drill 4 more holes, and use long bolts/nuts and a backing plate to mount the ball to the tongue.

Which option does the least damage to the structural integrity of the tongue/hitch?

Russ Tidwell
Garden City, KS
2014 Cruise Lite 195BH

I have two bolt on sway bar mounting plates they I am no longer using....I can take some pics of them tonight if your interested ? No drilling required. They are like in the pic but larger to fit different size A Frames.

[Lins]

Originally Posted by Ejs4029

I have two bolt on sway bar mounting plates they I am no longer using....I can take some pics of them tonight if your interested ? No drilling required. They are like in the pic but larger to fit different size A Frames.

Also a good idea. I would get the holes fixed if possible if you go that route to prevent cracks from starting.

[thebrakeman]

Getting the holes fixed would likely require filling by a welder, at which point you might as well have the same guy weld on the plate for you. The ball plate was welded to my previous camper (a popup) and it never moved.

[Canadiancrew]

I had the same senario in the past. I drilled holes and used nuts bolts and lock washers. No problem after that. Thats how I would do it again.

[rtidwell]

Originally Posted by Ejs4029

I have two bolt on sway bar mounting plates they I am no longer using....I can take some pics of them tonight if your interested ? No drilling required. They are like in the pic but larger to fit different size A Frames.

I’m interested. My frame is 4” x 2”.

[Ejs4029]

Originally Posted by rtidwell

I’m interested. My frame is 4” x 2”.

Ok I will measure them and take some pic's you can have one if it works for you just pay the shipping.

[Ejs4029]

Originally Posted by Ejs4029

Ok I will measure them and take some pic's you can have one if it works for you just pay the shipping.

Here are some pics of the ball mount....I'm sure it will work for you I measured it and it will fit a 4 inch frame.....Send me your address if you are still interested and I will ship it out.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Lins

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Nutsert-...p2047675.l2557

If they are only self-tapping bolts or screws then something like this should be plenty strong. Figure out what thread bolt you want to use, then buy the nutsert and tool (which you might be able to rent).

If you go this way, be sure to get steel inserts, not aluminum ones.

Larry

[CaptnBud]

Check the REESE Hitch web Site. They have a NUTSirt that they use for there WDH installations. I have used them to fix the exact same problem. Dealer stripped out the self tapping bolts on my hitch. these inserts fixed the problem.