Near tragic event!!
I'm not new at this. I have pulled boat trailers since I was 17 and Rv's for the past 16 years. I've owned 3 fifth wheels. My maintenance procedures are second to none in my opinion......up until last...
Forum Discussion
noteven wrote:Likes to tow wrote:JKJavelin wrote:
You will get many opinions here, but I think the studs sheared from over tightening or, more probable, defective studs. You might want to replace all of the studs, and for sure, replace the other tire from that side. The remaining tire took the whole load from that side and may be compromised. I'm glad you avoided other damage.
JK
Now this raises a question.....defective studs?? I will check the others.
Wheel studs that have been over torqued are considered compromised. They weren’t “defective” until they got stretched by over tightening.
All wheel studs have a tightening sequence and pattern as well as a specified torque value.
It is humanly possible to torque wheel nuts very close to the correct spec in an emergency without a pesky torque wrench if you practice a bit.
A wheel off incident is super dangerous to people and property until the energy in the wheel assembly is dissipated.
I don't believe I was running at speed when the wheel came off. I may have been in a tight turn in an intersection or turning onto a different road. The plastic dressing around the wheel well was totally undamaged. Had the tire came off at highway speed I think it would have damaged it in some way.
