With Dustin Simpson, California RV Specialists
Here is an important reminder to torque lug nuts! If your lug nuts are not torqued enough they can become loose and may continue to loosen until they fall off while driving. In any case, driving without one or more functional wheel studs can be dangerous and could result in losing a tire while driving, a situation you do not want to be in!
The owner’s manual on every new RV states that you should re-torque the wheel nuts or lug nuts after the first 100 miles or so. After that, you should periodically recheck the torque to make sure nothing has changed.
WARNING
Every time a tire is reinstalled:
- Torque lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified range.
- Check and re-torque after 50 miles for the first 200 miles. Thereafter, check lug nuts before each trip.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.
Also by Dustin:
- Dometic RV water heater and refrigerator maintenance
- RV ladder safety and an important reminder about hidden damage
##RVDT1895
Article is a good reminder. When new to having a trailer I started this practice. Three times I have found a lug nut a bit loose.
While more difficult to do on newer wheels, in some cases it may be possible to install the wheel with the inside facing out. If this happens, the lug nut will not seat in the chamfer of the wheel as there is none on the inside, and this will cause the lug nut to come loose much quicker and fall off. Don’t ask me how I know this……….but always check to be sure the wheel is properly oriented with the outside out!
The picture shows a long extension being used. The longer an extension bar is, the more that it will distort and give false readings, due to it actually twisting. Generally, the cheaper they are, the less accurate they will be. Use as short of an extension as possible.
Yes, it’s much better to use a deeper socket if is clearance is a problem. Also, only use a six point impact type socket. Less chance of breaking the socket and slippage on the lug nut.