using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

[canman]

hi everyone . has anybody out there used threaded rod to make u bolts for there boat trailor ? i need some 3 inch square ones for my trailor and nobody around here has any . are they just as strong ? i want to go fishing tomorrow.thanks .

 

[marine4003]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

One Big Huge - NO- threaded rod is made of a "softer" metal than "u" bolts which are made from hardened steel, and by bending the threaded rod you'll fatigue the metal causing it to break at the bend..causing the boat to go sailing off into lawyer land...bad trip.there's no substitute for the real thing,i dont care how reasonable it seems,having a boat leave the trailer on any road is a good way for someone to die, our local ACE hardware has a small section for trailer parts,as does walmart,look around unless your in sawastackon B.F. theres got to be someplace that carry's 'em.Good Luck.

 

[BoatinFool]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

Marine4003 is absolutely right. DO NOT use threaded rod for your u-bolts. If it's soft enough to bend without cracking, it's too weak to take the axle loads. If it's strong enough to take the axle loads, it will crack if you try to bend it. Real axle u-bolts are hardened AFTER they are bent to give them the required strength.

 

[Booberdoo]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

I have always gone to a local automotive spring shop and had them made. Cheap and easy.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

hi everyone . has anybody out there used threaded rod to make u bolts for there boat trailor ? i need some 3 inch square ones for my trailor and nobody around here has any . are they just as strong ? i want to go fishing tomorrow.thanks .

Where is "around here?" Try an RV place.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

http://www.championtrailers.com/SS_BOLTS_UBOLTS.HTM

 

[gregmsr]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

What are you going to use them for?
I have the same thought in mind to use threaded rod just for mounting a couple "eyes" on the frame. I like to add a strap across my bow for added security while trailering. Now, I just place the strap over the bow and around the trailer frame. I want to add a couple hooks for the strap to attach to.
Just to hold down the bow.

 

[marine4003]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

The thing about threaded rod is it doesn't like water too much, not to mention the sharp edges when the excess is cut off..for a tad more money get Stainless Steel bolts with nylon lock nuts,no rust,never loosen,stronger than T.R. and looks better than a rusted mess after a few months...

 

[cbavier]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

What are you going to use them for?
I have the same thought in mind to use threaded rod just for mounting a couple "eyes" on the frame. I like to add a strap across my bow for added security while trailering. Now, I just place the strap over the bow and around the trailer frame. I want to add a couple hooks for the strap to attach to.
Just to hold down the bow.

Why not just buy two heavy eye bolts? They are hardened, drill the holes and walla. Double nut them or use lock nuts.

 

[gregmsr]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

Yea, thought about that, but drilling through the 3" frame with a hand drill and keeping it aligned. Eye bolts should be 3/8" at least, ya think? 1/2" too big.
Yea, that's probably the way to go.

 

[cbavier]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

Yea, thought about that, but drilling through the 3" frame with a hand drill and keeping it aligned. Eye bolts should be 3/8" at least, ya think? 1/2" too big.
Yea, that's probably the way to go.

1/2 inch at least I would say. Eye has to be big enough to put the hook through comfortably.

 

[bjcsc]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

1/2 inch at least I would say. Eye has to be big enough to put the hook through comfortably.

3/8 would be the diameter of the steel, not the hole

3/8 would be more than enough...

 

[cbavier]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

3/8 would be the diameter of the steel, not the hole

3/8 would be more than enough...

As long as the end of the hook will go thru the rod it 3/8's shuould be fine. But whats the difference you have to drill the hole. I didn't mean drill a 1/2 inch hole. that would restrain a Jet. Ha! I meant the size of the eye of the eye bolt.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: using threaded rod to make u bolts ?

What are you going to use them for?
I have the same thought in mind to use threaded rod just for mounting a couple "eyes" on the frame. I like to add a strap across my bow for added security while trailering. Now, I just place the strap over the bow and around the trailer frame. I want to add a couple hooks for the strap to attach to.
Just to hold down the bow.

Get yourself two square ended u-bolts and the tie plates. Then get yourself two eye-nuts and use them in place of one hex-nut. Install the u-bolt threads up (or side ways if better) with the eye-nut on one leg. You can get them in galvanized steel or even SS. Would look real clean and no drilling or welding required. Although you might want to cut the extra threads off of the eye-nut leg so they are not in the way of your hook when installed.

Typical axle U-bolts are not hardened. They are no stronger than grade-5 bolts. If you can not find square ended u-bolts, you can use two tie plates and two regular hex bolts.