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Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

April 16, 2021, 07:16:28 pm

When I arrived at our campground this afternoon, I opened the large bay door on the driver's side and discovered the the top pivot bolt for the door had sheared off.  I called MOT hoping they would have the bolt in stock, but it quickly became apparent that they couldn't even figure out exactly what the part was.  Since I can't wait around for someone to figure out what I need and get the part to me, I am considering using a standard bolt of the same size as the shank.  Unfortunately, the shank on the original part is a larger diameter than the threaded end that mounts to the frame.  If I replace it with a standard bolt, I would need to drill out the frame to accommodate the larger threaded end. 

Does anyone know if that would create a problem or should I consider an alternate solution.

Thanks,

David

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #1 – April 16, 2021, 07:20:16 pm

Look for a shoulder bolt with the threaded section that fits in the bolt hole and the shoulder section that fits the pivot.  These are fairly common.

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #2 – April 16, 2021, 07:31:16 pm

After I broke a few, I drilled all mine out, and installed stainless steel bolts the same size as the fat shank with lock nuts.

Never an issue again

Chris

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #3 – April 16, 2021, 08:46:25 pm

Or you could look for the correct size bolt and add a sleeve over it.

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #4 – April 16, 2021, 11:17:48 pm

Replaced with shoulder bolt from Fastenal. Verify your size...

5/16" Shoulder x 1-1/4" Shoulder Length x 1/4"-20 18-8 Stainless Steel...

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #5 – April 17, 2021, 07:00:37 am

Here is a link to a previous thread with part numbers for the 3 different length bolts and links to various vendors where you may find them. You will have to scan through the replies.
Basement door, broken hinge bolt

Mike

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #6 – April 17, 2021, 07:09:14 am

Think Foretravel would have those parts over MOT.

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #7 – April 17, 2021, 07:26:40 am

Don't forget Grainger as a source for shoulder screws.

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #8 – April 17, 2021, 08:10:36 am

I have found them at ACE hardware in the specialty fasteners, True value also.

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #9 – April 18, 2021, 12:23:45 pm

If you look around at the hardware store you can find the bushings and spacers too

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #10 – April 18, 2021, 07:57:50 pm

Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions.  After I saw Roger's post with a picture of the specific item I needed, it occurred to me to check the various small parts the previous owner had left in the coach when I bought it.  After rummaging through those parts, I discovered 4 shoulder bolts in one if the small parts containers.  I probably had seen them before, but had no idea what they were for.  Long story short, problem is resolved and I have 3 spares.  Good to know where to find them in the future.

Thanks again.

David

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #11 – May 05, 2021, 04:32:30 pm

In the future for anyone else those parts are available at foretravel of Texas.
I know that because in october-november when I was at xtreme they sent me over to them to get some even though xtreme did have some but that's not what I was there for.

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #12 – May 05, 2021, 06:58:53 pm

I found them at an ace hardware, shoulder bolts.
Nothing special, bring in one to match up.
I bought around six of them. Going to give as gifts to my Foretravel friends next time I see them.

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #13 – May 05, 2021, 10:57:02 pm

Why keep replacing them? Even though the shoulder is 5/16" the threaded part is too small at 1/4" x 20. Just drill it out, use a 5/16" stainless bolt and lock nut. I broke a few twice, then did this about 2 years ago, no more issues.

The other thing is, you can damage your paint, or decals, and bend the mechanism when they break. On top of that, hard to do on the road.

The larger bolt is easier to install, once the hole is drilled out, which is no big deal to do.

Just sayin
Chris

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Re: Broken Cargo Door pivot bolt

Reply #14 – May 05, 2021, 11:03:03 pm

I think they come a little loose and that is how mine were when I broke two of them. It will be a good time to check mine again
to see if they are tight.

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