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Securing CE Smith I-Beam Clamps for Boat Trailers That keep Falling Off  

Question:

I have this style fastener on my new trailer. One side keeps falling off. It happens after I pull the empty trailer out of the water, up the launch. Each time i replace it, I tighten as much as possible, manually. Should I use an impact wrench to tighten the clamp, or do you have a suggestion? No problem with the other side. It is on an aluminum I-beam trailer.

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Expert Reply:

The CE Smith I-Beam Clamps for Boat Trailers, part # CE27682A are designed for trailer that have an I-Beam 2-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches wide. It seems odd that one side stays on and the other side keeps falling off on your trailer. I do not recommend using an impact wrench to tighten the clamps as that could cause damage to the clamps or the boat frame.

You might try using a spacer on the bolt in between the lower part of the clamps. I have attached a photo of the # CE27682A. Adding a spacer would force the lower part of the clamp apart and that would move the upper arms of the clamp to close a little.

Another item that may work for you is Threadlocker 262, part # LT37420. This is often used for the threads when folks install a trailer hitch and do not want the hardware to become loose.

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Jeffrey L
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