BAL Scissor Jack Install Question

[IchLiebeBier]

Hi all, I tried replying to my old thread on this topic, but it was too old and it wouldn't allow it.

I have a question on how I installed the jacks, since I was researching something else and got nervous I screwed up based on comments I read about drilling holes in the frame.

I installed the jacks in front of the front tires on the frame i beams. I used self-tapping screws to mount them. The screws went through the bottom flange, but were slightly closer to the outer edge of the flange than to the web.

Was this a mistake? Did I severely weaken the i beam strength? If so, can it be fixed by welding a plate over the bottom?

I've seen tons of install pics that did that same thing, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

Thanks.

[arpipeliner]

I don't think so. After you see holes and welds done at factory. I did the same thing about mounting jacks. If really worried just inspect the area after each trip till you feel good.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[IchLiebeBier]

Thanks.

I crawled under today and there are quite a lot of tap screws in the frame from the factory. Plus, they installed the electric stabilizers with bolts to the i beam flange too.

The whole reason it came up was that I was considering options for under camper storage by building a hanging rack underneath. When looking for ideas, I read a lot of folks talking about how it weakened the beam substantially to drill through the flange. If that were true, I would have thought the BAL jack instructions would have said to NOT do it, but I don't remember it saying that.

Thanks again.

[fella10]

one idea for underneath storage might be a BAL "hide-a-spare", its intended for your spare tire, but could very easily be used for other types of storage,....pulls out for easy access to what ever is mounted on the rack, .... I bought one hoping to mount my Barker portable waste tank, but the tank was too large to mount under there,