Trailrax Mounting Question

[MidwayJ]

Hi Friends-

Would anyone be able to help out with the inevitable extra items I will need to buy to mount this to a Trailrax Trmr? I find it very hard to mount anything to this rack. I have purchased endless junky 1/4-20 slotted T-Nuts etc. and they all seem to be trash that don't work correctly for one reason or another. I called American Adventure Labs and they said they couldn't confirm it would work as is (nothing does) with the included M6 hardware. I'd rather carry my tent than call Trailrax but I did anyway and they just recommended Amazon T-Nuts which I have and I've never been able to get anything to screw into them.

I have seen several threads here where people are piecing parts together for different uses but I'm never positive what will work for me and am trying to avoid another round of the 1/4-20 lottery if possible.

https://americanadventurelab.com/product/sleeper-keeper-large-tent-mount/

Thanks in advance!

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[TrailRax]

Hey! Great questions! Happy to help here. Can you post the link of the drop in t nut hardware you are purchasing? With that said, do you happen to be using the M6 provided hardware from American adventure labs on the 1/4-20 Tnuts?

 

[MidwayJ]

Hey! Great questions! Happy to help here. Can you post the link of the drop in t nut hardware you are purchasing? With that said, do you happen to be using the M6 provided hardware from American adventure labs on the 1/4-20 Tnuts?

Here's the links to the last two I tried. I couldn't find anything that the threads on either of these would accept. I only tried bolts that came with different items I was buying as I didn't want to spend anymore money on the 1/4-20 lottery.

What I'm looking to do now is mount that tent mount. I'm done trying anything else. I'd honestly take this rack off if it didn't look so good and wasn't so expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JF7AIEM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WFG7WYP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TrailRax]

Here's the links to the last two I tried. I couldn't find anything that the threads on either of these would accept. I only tried bolts that came with different items I was buying as I didn't want to spend anymore money on the 1/4-20 lottery.

What I'm looking to do now is mount that tent mount. I'm done trying anything else. I'd honestly take this rack off if it didn't look so good and wasn't so expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JF7AIEM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08WFG7WYP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the links. So from what we can tell on these links, you are in fact getting the correct hardware needed to fit in our TSLOTS, the issue is the Tnuts you bought are 1/4-20 and the bolts you seem to be using are M6, hence why the bolts or nuts are failing when threading through, you need to purchase 1/4-20 hardware. We can send some your way but we will need the dimensions of the tent mount from American adventure labs, specifically we need the thickness of material so that we can get you the right length of bolt to mount your set up.

 

[MidwayJ]

Thanks for the links. So from what we can tell on these links, you are in fact getting the correct hardware needed to fit in our TSLOTS, the issue is the Tnuts you bought are 1/4-20 and the bolts you seem to be using are M6, hence why the bolts or nuts are failing when threading through, you need to purchase 1/4-20 hardware. We can send some your way but we will need the dimensions of the tent mount from American adventure labs, specifically we need the thickness of material so that we can get you the right length of bolt to mount your set up.

And this is exactly why my rack has never had anything on it. When I go to buy 1/4-20 there's multiple lengths and other confusing measurements. You guys have told me "10 series" but that seems hard to find and further confirm that whatever I'm buying will work. Does 10 series come in different lengths? If so which would I need? I didn't buy the tent mount yet because of this. If the measurements aren't supplied at the link I'll just pass on this mount too. You guys spent a month + telling me that you don't supply the hardware but because I posted publicly you'll send me some. Be better.

 

[TrailRax]

And this is exactly why my rack has never had anything on it. When I go to buy 1/4-20 there's multiple lengths and other confusing measurements. You guys have told me "10 series" but that seems hard to find and further confirm that whatever I'm buying will work. Does 10 series come in different lengths? If so which would I need? I didn't buy the tent mount yet because of this. If the measurements aren't supplied at the link I'll just pass on this mount too. You guys spent a month + telling me that you don't supply the hardware but because I posted publicly you'll send me some. Be better.

Hey! Thanks for your response. The 10 series should not matter what length. The hardware you purchased is correct and should fit in your rack. You are right in the fact that we do not send out additional hardware free of charge, we can sell individual pieces of hardware if you are having a hard time finding them online. The reason our CS team recommends purchasing on Amazon is because you as the customer can get it cheaper than what we could sell it to you at or in some cases we can purchase the hardware at. We want to help you save money in the process of building out your dream set up, hence us recommending amazon or other hardware sources online.

For reference, 1/4-20 is a standard / imperial measurement for thread pitch and does not correlate to the length or size of hardware. M6 is a metric measurement for thread pitch and does not correlate to the length or size of hardware.

In order to use your current tnuts that you have linked above, you will loosen your choice of crossmember you would like to have the hardware in-> end feed your tnuts into the top TSLOTS of your crossbar-> remount your crossmember to the rack-> position the tnuts where you would like your chosen accessory-> use a matching thread bolt through your accessory to the tnut and tighten down till snug.

1/4-20 sees about a maximum torque of 15 ft-lbs before stressing the head of the bolt and potentially breaking off just as an FYI.

 

[MidwayJ]

Hey! Thanks for your response. The 10 series should not matter what length. The hardware you purchased is correct and should fit in your rack. You are right in the fact that we do not send out additional hardware free of charge, we can sell individual pieces of hardware if you are having a hard time finding them online. The reason our CS team recommends purchasing on Amazon is because you as the customer can get it cheaper than what we could sell it to you at or in some cases we can purchase the hardware at. We want to help you save money in the process of building out your dream set up, hence us recommending amazon or other hardware sources online.

For reference, 1/4-20 is a standard / imperial measurement for thread pitch and does not correlate to the length or size of hardware. M6 is a metric measurement for thread pitch and does not correlate to the length or size of hardware.

In order to use your current tnuts that you have linked above, you will loosen your choice of crossmember you would like to have the hardware in-> end feed your tnuts into the top TSLOTS of your crossbar-> remount your crossmember to the rack-> position the tnuts where you would like your chosen accessory-> use a matching thread bolt through your accessory to the tnut and tighten down till snug.

1/4-20 sees about a maximum torque of 15 ft-lbs before stressing the head of the bolt and potentially breaking off just as an FYI.

I appreciate the attempt but I know how to get the T-nuts into the crossmembers. The length of the 1/4-20 bolt will absolutely matter when it comes to a good clean fit. Sure I could follow the usual path of ordering multiple lengths and trying each one out. I just thought there would be some solid information on exact items needed to mount things. I'll skip it - not worth the time. At least it looks good.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I have this rack. I have had no issues mounting things.

I bought these T-Nuts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4MW5GJL/

I bought these screws: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CCRRK9VF/

I want to say the 1/2" and 5/8" lengths are the ones that worked best for me, it depends on how thick the plating of what you're mounting, use the longest one you can get away with.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I appreciate the attempt but I know how to get the T-nuts into the crossmembers. The length of the 1/4-20 bolt will absolutely matter when it comes to a good clean fit. Sure I could follow the usual path of ordering multiple lengths and trying each one out. I just thought there would be some solid information on exact items needed to mount things. I'll skip it - not worth the time. At least it looks good.

Dude, they have no idea what you're mounting or how thick it is. You need to figure this out yourself like an adult. If you want pampered service, take it to a shop and pay someone to deal with it.

 

[MidwayJ]

Dude, they have no idea what you're mounting or how thick it is. You need to figure this out yourself like an adult.

Been trying that for a while and it's not working out. I sent the link to the exact item thinking that might help. I appreciate that you're such an adult you didn't need any help - I do.

 

[TrailRax]

Been trying that for a while and it's not working out. I sent the link to the exact item thinking that might help. I appreciate that you're such an adult you didn't need any help - I do.

So are you looking to get bolts to match with the Tnuts? We are here to help but confused on what part of the equation you are looking for. Do you have the thickness of the metal of the AAL tent mount?

 

[WarthogJr]

I’m thinking duct tape.

 

[MidwayJ]

I have this rack. I have had no issues mounting things.

I bought these T-Nuts: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C4MW5GJL/

I bought these screws: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CCRRK9VF/

I want to say the 1/2" and 5/8" lengths are the ones that worked best for me, it depends on how thick the plating of what you're mounting, use the longest one you can get away with.

I'm buying those bolts. This is exactly what I was hoping for, someone who had something that worked for them with this rack in order to avoid buying more things I don't need. Thank you.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I'm buying those bolts. This is exactly what I was hoping for, someone who had something that worked for them with this rack in order to avoid buying more things I don't need. Thank you.

Despite my earlier sarcasm, i do empathize with your frustration. If you haven't spent time with hardware it doesn't immediately make sense that you need drop-in nuts that match your thread and pitch, but the length is variable. That kit should square you away though you may run out of certain sizes.

It did take me some trial and error. I was mounting ROAM adventure quick mounts, the first bolt I picked was too long, and I had to pick a shorter one on the second try. You can also use the included washers to make the longer bolts shorter if you start to run low on one length or another. When I get home on Friday I'll see about looking at my box and exactly which bolts I used the most of.

Do get yourself some blue loc-tite and put a dab on each bolt. When you snug these bolts up turn them until they stop turning easily, then tighten them maybe 1/8 to 1/4 turn more. You do NOT need to absolutely crush them and i don't think you'll enjoy stripping out the drop-in t-nuts. Their strength is in the tension when they twist, not in how hard you twist the screw.

Also worth noting: The crossmembers can move. If there is one not perfectly lined up with where you intend to mount, you can move it from one of the fixed holes to one of the adjustable ones. I don't have guidance for a RTT mount, just keep it as evenly distributed as you can.

 

[CalvinT]

McMaster-Carr has a better selection than Amazon. You want to order hardware for 1" t-slot rails.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/t...aming-fasteners-4/system-of-measurement~inch/

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