Bunk Bracket Attachment Bolt Torque?

[minuteman62-64]

I'm replacing the bunks on my trailer. The old bunk brackets were attached with 7/16 bolts and nuts over what are called "pyramid washers" (which look to be a type of lock washer). I'm using the same attachment for the new brackets and have purchased my "pyramid washers" at West Marine. However, the package has no info on how much torque to apply to make sure the "pyramid washers" function properly.

Anybody know if there is a specified torque? Or do I just crank the nuts down real good?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Bunk Bracket Attachment Bolt Torque?

Let's go with 'real good' on this one. Since the bunks are made of wood (?) torque spec's on the bolts is only going to be relative to the bunks as you first install them. The wood will expand/contract with humidity & age. You may want to check them after a while.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bunk Bracket Attachment Bolt Torque?

Ayuh,... 7/16ths" bolts get 45ft.lbs...

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bunk Bracket Attachment Bolt Torque?

If your new bunks are pressure treated lumber then you're going to need to re-torque those nuts after 3 months and after 6 months as the wood dries and shrinks.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Bunk Bracket Attachment Bolt Torque?

I should have provided better info. The bolts in question are those that attach the metal bunk brackets to the metal trailer frame.

Based on Bond-0's input, it seems that the proper torque would be determined by the bolt diameter?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bunk Bracket Attachment Bolt Torque?

bondo has told you correctly ...... after MANY years of turning wrenches (and a few broken fasteners) I have a real good feel for proper torque on various fasteners... on stuff of this nature, I generally go with the spec of "tight enough that it doesn't come off but not so tight that it breaks" .... torque spec also varies with the grade of the fastener..... One idea to make it go faster for you is to use a torque wrench on the first one and then tighten a VERY small amount more with a normal ratchet to "get a feel for it". You can then tighten the rest quickly..... this is not a critical torque spec such as head bolts.... you also are dealing with stamped sheet metal brackets that will flex In this case 25 lbs would be bad and 60 lbs would be bad but keep it around say 40 to 50 and ur fine

 

[robert graham]

Re: Bunk Bracket Attachment Bolt Torque?

Maybe some lock washers and/or Loctite on the nuts just to be sure...