Faulty J-bolts on Yakima rack? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

YakDout · 10-08-2015, 02:02 PM

See if you can find higher grade bolts through www.fastenal.com

makobob · 10-08-2015, 02:19 PM

I looked at Rossman's in Asuncion and wondered why not just use a backup plate and through bolt them?

spudz · 10-08-2015, 03:08 PM

RedSledTeam , The J-bolts secure the tower to a 6” long piece of aluminum that fits snugly under the truck bed’s rail. Not an incredible amount of torque applied.

spudz · 10-08-2015, 03:09 PM

Thanks Rossman, The aluminum bar is flat and snuggly secured to the truck bed rail.

spudz · 10-08-2015, 03:11 PM

MrJB, Not sure where the original J-bolts were made. However, new J-bolts came in a bag/kit stamped made in China.

spudz · 10-08-2015, 03:16 PM

MrJB & YakDout, I’ll keep the replacement J-bolts on for now and check every few months for any disfiguring. If these replacements falter, then I’ll take your advice and make a trip to a machine shop/cut down some trailer U-bolts. Would hate to lose the rack/kayak while driving down the PCH!

spudz · 10-08-2015, 03:20 PM

Makobob, back plate under truck bed rail and through bolt through the back plate and rail plate section of tower?

10-08-2015, 02:19 PM	#2
makobob Baitless on Baja Join Date: May 2013 Location: Vista California, Gonzaga, San Quintin, Asuncion, Mag Bay Posts: 4,250	I looked at Rossman's in Asuncion and wondered why not just use a backup plate and through bolt them? __________________ http://www.mako-ville.com Home 760-630-4470 Cell 760-520-2514 YES YOU CAN

10-08-2015, 02:02 PM	#1
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	See if you can find higher grade bolts through www.fastenal.com

10-08-2015, 03:08 PM	#3
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	RedSledTeam , The J-bolts secure the tower to a 6” long piece of aluminum that fits snugly under the truck bed’s rail. Not an incredible amount of torque applied.

10-08-2015, 03:09 PM	#4
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	Thanks Rossman, The aluminum bar is flat and snuggly secured to the truck bed rail.

10-08-2015, 03:11 PM	#5
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	MrJB, Not sure where the original J-bolts were made. However, new J-bolts came in a bag/kit stamped made in China.

10-08-2015, 03:16 PM	#6
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	MrJB & YakDout, I’ll keep the replacement J-bolts on for now and check every few months for any disfiguring. If these replacements falter, then I’ll take your advice and make a trip to a machine shop/cut down some trailer U-bolts. Would hate to lose the rack/kayak while driving down the PCH!

10-08-2015, 03:20 PM	#7
spudz Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 78	Makobob, back plate under truck bed rail and through bolt through the back plate and rail plate section of tower?