Foretravel Construction

Topic: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts (Read 1078 times) previous topic - next topic

Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

December 12, 2014, 12:19:57 pm

Could someone who has toured the factory tell me if the Huck Bolts being used to connect the three frame members is (1) a bolt and nut or (2) a blind rivet.

Larry

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #1 – December 12, 2014, 12:24:14 pm

Starting with the 2006 Phenix I know they used huck bolts. I had a 2006 and now the 2008.

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #2 – December 12, 2014, 02:45:34 pm

If it helps here is a picture of the hulk bolts FOT uses.

see ya
ken

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #3 – December 12, 2014, 04:24:03 pm

Larry,
Foretravel used Huck Bolts when they reworked my rear bulkhead.
JD

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #4 – December 12, 2014, 04:48:06 pm

Huck Bolts , are widely used in industry when strength , speed of manufacture and durability are of need . Cost-- Huck bolts cost much more than bolts so being cheep is not the issue . There are spots where you would have a tough time using a bolt as no way to get a nut to it . I learned all this in (horse shoeing school)

Brad Metzger

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #5 – December 12, 2014, 06:07:48 pm

Related to Huck Bolts,the Fleetwood, Liberty Chassis, is Huck Bolted.

Freightliner Custom Chassis provides the power system and front end. The middle is Fleetwood provided and the three are integrated together by factory using Huck Bolts.

"The chassis consists of modular front and rear sections, which arrive at Fleetwood's plant (in Decatur, Ind.)," Van Herle (Fleetwood) explained. "These sections are then integrated with our superstructure (center section) here on site. The whole assembly is very rigid and offers numerous features and advantages."

From the Liberty Chassis Brochure: "Huck bolts are permanent, vibration-resistant machine fixture fasteners that are the strongest most reliable aerospace grade fastener available."

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #6 – December 12, 2014, 06:12:23 pm

Please don't get the idea that I am against Huck bolts-- I LIKE THEM, particularly for new construction.

But for repair of compromised bulkheads (1/8" walls of box beams), I much prefer to see the load spread a lot more than is possible with ANYTHING that does not access the far side (toward center of coach) of the box beam to allow the use of a washer. Drilling through the thin fiberglass basement floor and fitting a waterproof plug is very easy, inexpensive and the right solution IMO.

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #7 – December 12, 2014, 07:18:04 pm

When I heard that Foretravel (Wayne) is using huck-bolts to repair bulkheads, I cringed, as repairing worn thin metal with them is not a good idea and probably will not hold up.

We agree with Brett.

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #8 – December 12, 2014, 07:23:11 pm

How about proper flat washers on both sides of the Huck Bolt . Brad Metzger

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #9 – December 12, 2014, 07:30:17 pm

Boy I hate to see us get our panties in a wad over bulkheads again. Out of all of the Unihomes and Unicoaches on the road for 20 plus years I know of only one bulkhead failure. I'm sure there are tens and maybe hundreds of folks who don't participate in the forum that are still rolling down the road with no knowledge of bulkhead problems and no problems from them.

Although I was never too concerned about the bulkhead I did have mine repaired at FOT. There were 16 bolts replaced but there has never been a separation issue in 21 years and I doubt that there ever will be.

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #10 – December 12, 2014, 07:38:55 pm

Kent, well said....

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #11 – December 12, 2014, 07:46:39 pm

I had bulkhead separation on my best wheelbarrow . Like to drove me nuts . I ran in circles , screamed , shouted . Threw it in the dumpster , bought a new one .

Then along came Huck Bolts , to save the whole mess . Too late , it's gone . So am I . Brad Metzger

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #12 – December 12, 2014, 08:07:44 pm

Didn't someone have a bulkhead separation up in Maine while out with the motorcade a few years ago?
JD

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #13 – December 12, 2014, 08:24:07 pm

FYI about Hucks, What is being used for bulkhead repair is a Huck Blind Rivet, not a Huck Bolt that requires access to the back side for installation.
Here's a like to the Huck Web Site.

The HuckBolt range

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #14 – December 12, 2014, 10:59:25 pm

Thank you Fredi!!!!!

Now, can anyone answer my question. During new construction (since 2006), is Foretravel attaching the three chassis sections with Huck LockBolts (Huck Bolts) or Huck Blind Rivets.

Larry

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #15 – December 13, 2014, 12:32:11 am

As John commented there was a major bulkhead problem on a Motorcade and there have been many coaches with separations, some small and some large. The best repair is to add new bolts before there is any separation. Bulkhead bolt problems are a weak link in older Foretravels, but quite fixable, especially with so much awareness.

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #16 – December 13, 2014, 09:59:14 am

Has anybody seen the rear or front end of a coach fall off due to the bulkhead?

I don't have a structural drawing, but I've spent a few minutes under the coach trying to see how load/forces are transferred and came to the conclusion that these bulkheads we speak of so much really don't hold much together.

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #17 – December 13, 2014, 10:21:31 am

Quote from: krush – December 13, 2014, 09:59:14 am

Has anybody seen the rear or front end of a coach fall off due to the bulkhead?.........

Not sure what you mean by ".....end falling off...", but Foreforums search is available.......
For instance:

Christi and Ray's frame separation issue (was Calamity Jane strikes again!)

Neal

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #18 – December 13, 2014, 10:22:27 am

Quote from: krush – December 13, 2014, 09:59:14 am

Has anybody seen the rear or front end of a coach fall off due to the bulkhead?

I don't have a structural drawing, but I've spent a few minutes under the coach trying to see how load/forces are transferred and came to the conclusion that these bulkheads we speak of so much really don't hold much together.

Here's Roland's: Has this happened to anyone?

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #19 – December 13, 2014, 02:39:14 pm

Quote from: JohnFitz – December 13, 2014, 10:22:27 am

Here's Roland's: Has this happened to anyone?

Also do a search on "bulkhead blues" I have other photos and discussions of the repair process and cost near the end of the thread. Don't know how to put the link here with this I Pad

Roland

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #20 – December 13, 2014, 04:41:45 pm

Howdy Roland, This may be your post: bulkhead blues
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #21 – December 13, 2014, 06:06:11 pm

I remember that bridges were constructed using Huck Bolts in the '50s. The use of Huck Bolts on new construction should be just fine for a coach. If Foretravel feels they are the best fastener somewhere on a coach, I'm ok with that. It won't come apart easily.

Re: Foretravel Construction - Huck Bolts

Reply #22 – December 13, 2014, 08:31:57 pm

Quote from: Dave and Nancy Abel – December 13, 2014, 04:41:45 pm

Howdy Roland, This may be your post: bulkhead blues
Good Luck, Dave A

My posts and experience on this problem begins on the last page of that thread.

Roland

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