Blue Ox Rotating Latches - What's the Tape For?

[Rick3478]

I purchased Blue Ox rotating latches BXW4010 to use on my weight distributing hitch, because I need something low profile to fit under the propane bottles.


Packed with the setscrews was a roll of special-looking tape. I don't know if it's teflon, or kynar, or something else, but it's not mentioned in the instructions or anywhere else I have been able to find.


I inquired with Blue Ox support, and they say they don't use tape. Begging the question, If they don't use tape why go to the expense and trouble of packing it with their product?


My best guess was that it might prevent a squeak or rattle somewhere, but that's just a guess. Anyone know what the tape is for?

[CharlesinGA]

Had the kit been opened? Someone had to have put that in there. Did you buy (or was it drop shipped from) Blue Ox, or did it come from somewhere else?

Could be some sort of anti fretting tape used to protect an aluminum tongue from the steel bracket.

Charles

[Rick3478]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

Had the kit been opened? Someone had to have put that in there. Did you buy (or was it drop shipped from) Blue Ox, or did it come from somewhere else?

Could be some sort of anti fretting tape used to protect an aluminum tongue from the steel bracket.

Charles

Factory staples on Blue Ox box, but I did buy from a car parts distributor on eBay that has better prices.


Aluminum tongue hadn't occurred to me, setscrews would still be biting into it but I think they are galvanized which should be closer anodic compatibility than the steel brackets. Hmmm... You throw a good theory, my friend.



So two theories now:
1) Rattle/squeak
2) Galvanic/fretting

[CharlesinGA]

More and more trailers (pricey ones) are being built with aluminum frames*. As far as the set screw, the best thing it so tack weld a plate of aluminum or steel, whatever the frame is, for the set screw to dig into. I did NOT, because my tongue is 1/4 inch 2x5 steel tubing. The couple I travel with has a Lippert frame trailer, with rather thin tongue metal, so he tacked a piece of 3/16 or 1/4 steel for the set screw to dig into, and keep from bending the tongue tubing, which is only 1/8 on his If I recall correctly. Blue Ox set screws are typical zinc plating. If you need shorter ones, McMaster-Carr has them. Search the web site for cup point setscrew and look at the 1/2-13 thread sizes. I bought stainless ones from them.

Properly tightened down, that bracket is not going to move, so squeaks and rattles are not a real issue.

Charles

*Escape 23, Oliver, inTech, are the few I can think of right now. There are also aluminum utility trailers such as Aluma brand that if heavy enough, might warrant a WDH.