Troubleshooting Loose Rivnuts When Installing The Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control

Question:

The bolts for the sway control bracket have gotten loose and I’m not able to tighten them. The rivet nuts haven’t been compressed/riveted and therefore spinning. I’ve been able to remove them from trailer frame. The installation instructions doesn’t say anything about a rivet nut tool. Should tightening the bolts compress/rivet the rivet nut? Thank you

asked by: Goran

Expert Reply:

Hey Goran,

When the bolt is threaded into the rivnut and you tighten it down it start to bulge out as it bolt compresses it against the inside of the trailer frame, locking it into place. If the hole you drilled is slightly too large then the splines on the rivnut won't be able to grip the frame and it will spin as you try to tighten the bolt. The hole should be exactly 11/16" in diameter for a snug fit. If your holes are slightly larger you can pick up a rivnut setting tool at your local hardware store for around $30 and it will allow you compress the rivnut in the frame and then get the bolts in to so you can finish installing the Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control # RP26002.

expert reply by: Kevin C