Rivet Nuts Coming Loose on Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution System

Question:

the bolts on one side are coming loose. I tightened them up on the road with a hand wrench. Once home I took both bolts out, inspected and put the bracket back together. I was able to torq to 75 lbs as per the instructions. I am not confident they will stay. They didnt have any lock washers so I bought a couple and put them on when reinstalling. If they come loose again can the rivet nuts be drilled out and replaced with new ones and new bolts?

asked by: John W

Expert Reply:

Drilling out the rivet nuts # RP58507 could actually cause the holes they are in to enlarge which would allow them to come out of their respective holes easier. If that does happen then the only solution would be to use a bolt and nut and run the bolt all the way through the trailer frame.

Another option is to use some blue Loctite # LT37643 which will prevent the bolts from backing out and still allow you to remove the bolts using hand tools should the need arise.

expert reply by: Michael H