trailer bunk bolts .. Grade 8 installed 3 years ago

[yam240sx]

Coming up on season 4 with the grade 8 bolts and lock nuts installed on the bunks.. Primarily salt water drops and stored outside in winter ... So far no issues and the bolts look Ok ... but am i gambling at this point ? who thinks i should swap to grade 5 SS ? and which kind 304 ? thanks

 

[Babin Farms]

What are these bolts currently holding? The brackets or boards on the brackets? Either way I don’t see a reason to be using grade 8 unless that’s what you had. In salt water I would be using stainless hardware if possible or just replacing regular bolts as needed.

 

[yam240sx]

What are these bolts currently holding? The brackets or boards on the brackets? Either way I don’t see a reason to be using grade 8 unless that’s what you had. In salt water I would be using stainless hardware if possible or just replacing regular bolts as needed.

bunks pivot attachment

 

[Babin Farms]

If they look fine I’d just leave them but only you can make the call because we aren’t there to visually see the wear and tear from salt. Another option would be galvanized bolts for replacement.