SUCCESS removing frozen lock nuts on HappiJac turnbuckles

[hedgehopper]

For the first time since we bought our camper several years ago and had it installed on our truck, I tried to loosen the lock nuts on the HappiJac turnbuckles. They won't budge. Any suggestions on how to break them loose?

I'd like to take the rig back to the dealer and have them break the nuts loose (because they overtightened them?). But the dealer is in Washington state and we're in Denver.

For Success story, see my 07/17/20 7:37 PM post below.

[Grit_dog]

Dick_B wrote:
Impact wrench?

Nope, it's a jam nut on a long threaded stud with a hook on the end, hooked to the truck.

[Dick_B]

Impact wrench?

[Kayteg1]

x2 on PBBlaster and leave it on at least overnight.
Than, after successful removal. wipe off aggressive penetrant and use dry lubricant.

[Grit_dog]

If it’s froze on, you may round off the nut with a crescent hammer.
Get ya a line wrench for the jam nut. Open end wrench on the body. If it don’t go and penetrating oil hasn’t worked, then heat the jam nut with a Mapp gas. Use another pair of wrenches as cheater bars (slide a box wrench over the end of the other wrenches) and let er rip.


Then oil your nutz!

[midnightsadie]

pent oil let sit a day then some heat. helps if you have bubba give them a twsit.

[Notakwanon]

If you are referring to the spring-loaded cylinders, the HappiJacs have been on my camper for ~14 years and they are rusty. they get removed only once or twice each year. A couple squirts of PB Blaster over a couple days, and then a pair of 3/4 open end wrenches placed closely together so you can grab them and 'make a fist' has always freed the top nut for me. Once loose, I've also chased the threads with a die and greased the threads on assembly.