Can't find u-bolts

[Gary H NC]

I am wanting to add a second set of bunks and can find all the hardware except the u-bolts.
I need them to fit a 4 inch wide frame.
I have tried all the online places i could find.All of the 4 1/8 or 4 1/16 bolts are way too long.
My frame is only about 1 1/4 thick and all of the bolts wide enough are like 8 inches long with only 1 1/2 inches of threads...
Only other option would be drilling thru the frame....really want to avoid that.
Any ideas??

Darn it!! Meant to post this in the trailer forum.....move please Mods..

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

Gary, check here :http://www.portstrailersupply.com/comingsoon.nxg
Download their catalog then go to page 81.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

Gary, Yoiu can always buy some threaded rods and bend them into a U shape. Put some nuts on the ends of the rods to protect them when you beat them on the vise.

Alternatively, you can create some U bolts with regular bolts and two-eye turnbuckles (for the U part)

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

Regular bolts, two pieces 1 inch wide U Channel steel and drill the holes, or even 1/4 think flat steel..(any weld shop or nmachine shop should cut and sell to ya cheap)

 

[woosterken]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

get the u bolts,and beg bappow or steal a thread die.then you can run the threads up as far as you need them,then cut off the left over.
but put the nuts above the cut so you can run the nut off to restore the threads from the cut.
woosterken
that should be barrow..dang RAin fingers acting up!!!

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

Surprisingly, NAPA has a fairly good variety of them.

 

[burroak]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

Gary, Yoiu can always buy some threaded rods and bend them into a U shape. Put some nuts on the ends of the rods to protect them when you beat them on the vise.

Alternatively, you can create some U bolts with regular bolts and two-eye turnbuckles (for the U part)

I have done that but found that the threading created a weak zone that will break. Taking solid rodding and threading it will give you better results.

To assist in the bending use a gas burner from a turkey fryer and a clay pot cut in half vertically to make a bonnet. Insert the rod into the flame. It will get hot enough to weld pieces together if you wish. In this case it is not necessary. An anvil, 2-3 # hammer and some vise grips will do the job. Use heavy gauge wire to make a pattern, it saves time, material, and aggravation.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

Thanks for all the great ideas guys!
The link bhile posted has a ton of parts.I may check with Napa too..
I want to mount bunks closer together towards the front of the trailer to center the bow while loading..

 

[Boatist]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

Try the link below.

http://www.championtrailers.com/GAL_BOLTS.htm

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

all those car parts, on that racing team, and you can put a couple in your lunch box? LOL

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Can't find u-bolts

all those car parts, on that racing team, and you can put a couple in your lunch box? LOL

Do you believe the shop does not have any....
our fabricators are so busy or i'd get them to make some.
We have so many of those COT cars to get ready for next year.
Plus the big change from Dodge as the main sponsor to Budweiser..
Its going to be strange to have a #9 Bud car.I wonder how many Bud bottles i will be ducking from at the track... Those pesky Dale Jr. fans.....LOL