Frame drilling

[limblips]

Previous owner never had the sway bars installed since he did very short trips. They were part of the deal and the DW and I travel long distances so we want them installed. 2006 Flagstaff 26FS. My questions are: Is it safe to drill the 4 holes/side needed to install the bars? The frame seems to be 1/8 to 5/32 thick. I don't want to weaken the frame. The holes will be for 3/8 inch bolts. Next: Should I use fine thread or standard thread bolts? If I need fine thread I will have to go to Fastenal or another similar place. The installation calls for 3/8 self tapping but I would drill and tap to 3/8. So what do I do? Thanks.

[KyDan]

I drilled mine. Most folks do.
A round hole of a reasonable size does not weaken the frame much(if any) at all.
Now a square cut is a different story.

I used the supplied self tapping bolts. If you tap yours and use off the
shelf bolts use hardened as a plain old steel bolt threads will be weaker
and since the frame is thin, there aren't many threads in contact.
Mine has held up well. I removed them a couple weeks ago to repaint
the tongue and they tightened up nicely when re-installed.

Good luck!

[youroo]

You might want to invest into a (Better?) - W/D with S/C built into it. Your Longer trips might be more worry free? In regards to frame and the friction bracket,they come with (Selftappers) not the best fastener but for the (Thin )frame they must be sufficient? Youroo!!

[mark0224]

If you are concerned bolt them then have them welded