Should Lock Washers or Nylon Lock Nuts be Used for CE Smith Bolster and Swivel Bracket

Published 11/26/2024

Question:

I am considering ordering some of these CE Smith 10000G bolster bracket assemblies. However, the current bolster brackets keep coming loose after torquing them to a suggested 15-20 foot lbs. So before ordering I need to determine if the suggested torque range of 15-20 foot lbs. is insufficient or if there is an issue with the fasteners. Ive heard that after a number of times of tightening them to torque they will not hold as well. The washers may be bent some from previously. There are no lock washers or Nyloc nuts on them now. Just flat washers. Also wondering if with the weight of the boat when the boat is retrieved if it is pushing them down. In my case they dropped roughly 1/2inch on each side from where I had them located. Some suggestions on torque Ive seen recently are anywhere from 40-80 foot lbs. Beginning to wonder if the boat weight would justify the dual slots and dual U-bolt bolster bracket design. It is an aluminum deep-V style 16foot 5inch in length boat. Trailer load weight appears to suggest 1200 lb limit. Just FYI

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

Hey Dave,

I think you figured out your problem without realizing it - you need to have either lock washers or nylon lock nut in order to secure the CE Smith Bolster and Swivel Bracket Assemblies # CE10000G-4 to your trailer frame. Without hardware that "locks" in place, the weight of your boat will slowly cause everything to start slipping the more you use it.

We don't have a specific torque spec for the hardware, but if you try using the correct hardware for it, I'm confident you'll see a big change in how it holds up.

expert reply by: Jon G

Dave

11/26/2024

Jon, thanks for the response and the info. I believe the washers, possibly original are just ordinary flat washers. They were on the U-bolts when we purchased it but no lock washers or Nyloc nuts. I do happen to have some 3/8" - 16 zinc nuts I could use, at least to try. I believe your saying there typically should have been a lock washer on top of the flat washer and or a Nyloc / Nylon insert nut on top of the flat washer also. If there are sufficient threads to put a lock washer and use the Nyloc nuts, would you see any harm in trying that? Also these bolsters don't have the typical dimples on one side like the CE Smith 10000G bolsters. As well the the 2 cross members are rectangular tube, smooth surface and painted on both sides, perhaps typical of cross members on a "wishbone" style trailer. I'll try the suggestions you made with regards to lock washer and or Nyloc nuts first before purchasing the new bolsters with the dimples. Any further input on the above is appreciated.

Dave

11/26/2024

Jon please read both this and the other recent response regarding the lock washers etc before responding. In the first response, I accidentally misstated (3/8" - 16 zinc nuts) I meant to say: 3/8" - 16 Nyloc nuts I now have on hand. The U-bolt threads are 3/8" - 16

Jon G.

11/26/2024

@Dave No harm in trying out the hardware you mentioned prior to upgrading. In fact, I recommend going that route just to make sure you aren't purchasing something that isn't needed.