Forum Discussion

Dave_H_M's avatar
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Apr 19, 2019

Lug Nut Torque

I had a wheel off the fifth wheel camper today. It has been a while.

I am running 8 lug hubs with E range tires.

Went through all the literature and as best as I can figure the torque should be 120 ft lbs. I am kinda skiddish about that being correct. Make take one off today and measure the diameter of the lug bolt and look at some charts.

Should I search further or go with the 120?

Thanks
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2019
    If you are planning on taking one off, measure torque required to break it free for reference.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Apr 19, 2019
    My generic owners manual says to torque lite towables 50-75 lbs, and all others at 85-95 lbs. I have 6-bolt hubs, and set them at 90 lbs. I do think that the bolt size is the determining factor, as well as wheel style (aluminum or steel). On mine, at 90 lbs, rarely do any loosen, unless wheel has recently been removed.

    I would not set mine to 120 ft lbs.

    Jerry
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Apr 19, 2019
    120 seems a bit high, but not by much. I torque mine to 100-110 lb. ft.
  • justme's avatar
    justme
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2019
    Dave H M wrote:
    I had a wheel off the fifth wheel camper today. It has been a while.

    I am running 8 lug hubs with E range tires.

    Went through all the literature and as best as I can figure the torque should be 120 ft lbs. I am kinda skiddish about that being correct. Make take one off today and measure the diameter of the lug bolt and look at some charts.

    Should I search further or go with the 120?

    Thanks


    This is what I use https://www.etrailer.com/question-93673.html

    It is a mystery why the RV manufacturer does not provide this information in an easy to find manner.
  • JTrac's avatar
    JTrac
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2019
    May not help but I have 8 lug, 17.5 inch, H rated tires on mine. The torque spec is 120.
  • Michelle_S's avatar
    Michelle_S
    Explorer III
    Apr 19, 2019
    Lighter units generally have 1/2" studs, mid-weight have 9/16" studs, while the heavy weights like DRVs use 5/8" studs. If I remember right 120 Ft Lbs is about correct for 9/16" studs.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2019
    Michelle.S wrote:
    Lighter units generally have 1/2" studs, mid-weight have 9/16" studs, while the heavy weights like DRVs use 5/8" studs. If I remember right 120 Ft Lbs is about correct for 9/16" studs.


    x2
  • RobWNY's avatar
    RobWNY
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2019
    For what it's worth, I have 5 lugs. Written on a sticker attached to the front of my 5th wheel it says to torque to 100 Ft. Pounds
  • mapguy's avatar
    mapguy
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2019
    For Dexter and Alko axles the chart on page 75 of the linked PDF file from Dexter axle, will give you the proper answer to the torgue question - it also outlines the proper tightening procedure to use...

    Dexter Service Manual -go to page 75

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