Lug nut tightening

Hi,

I have been told to re-check the lug nuts after 50 miles towing after the wheel has been removed. My guess is that most owners never check the lug nuts - the better informed members of this board excepted.

My guess is some lawyer required the manufacture to put that statement into the owner manual after someone's tire fell off causing a accident.

U-Haul had a problem with it's 75 - 79 F-350 dual rear wheel trucks where overtightening of the lug nuts caused them to pull through the brake drum mounts, and basically fall off. By torquing them to the correct value, the problem went away.

Fred.

Lawyer speak for CYA but also good advice !!

Check them with a torque wrench at 50 miles then again at 100 miles. When they no longer 'move' with proper torque then good to go.

Repeat anytime rim has been removed.
Steel rims usually good to go if properly torqued 1st time
Alloy rims will typically snug up a couple of times before being properly set.

Only takes a few minutes and is a good idea to check.

I always check my truck lug nuts at least once after rims have been off.

Four of the five TTs we've owned never loosened the lugs. One TT did loosen them, and they needed to be snugged up about every 500 miles. Until you have some history with the unit, it's better to be watchful.

LOL I have a sticker on the door of my TT that states to check the lug nut torque every 50 miles. :E Ya right, like I'm going to check them every 50 miles. :R

Layton really must have gotten hammered in a law suite once over loose lug nuts.

I have steel rims and mine has never loosened. If I had alloy rims I would be a little more careful but not much.

You are absolutely correct when purchasing a new camper or when removing the wheels and lug-nuts, check them again after 50ish miles on the road. After that they are good to go. No, they do not loosen up. They just never completely tightened in the first place. After rolling on the road, they finally seat themselves and then you can give a little extra "tug" on the lug wrench.

Repacking bearings does not always require removing the wheels. Some can be repacked by removing the nut off the spindle.
Yes, wheels should be checked more often then autos and trucks, especially if equipped with aluminum or other metals then steel. Steel wheels are less susceptible to loosening. Flexing of the wheels in turns can also mess up some nuts and wheel studs. I have seen a couple studs stripped. Cause? could have been loose lugs!

Since the wheels are fixed, there is a tremendous torque on them every time you make a turn.
I check mine at least once a year when I am greasing the bearings

Jack L

Not really sure. Every time I check mine, and yes I use a torque wrench, they are tight. But like truck drivers, checking their tires every time they stop, I think it is a wise thing to do.