Wheel Lug Nut Torque

[dJohn]

Have a 35 ft class A, how does everyone check the torque on their lug nuts. Used to check the ones on the old 5th wheel every week or so when traveling, but 120 ft lbs cpmpared to 450 ft lbs is a big step, not even sure how you would check it.
Any thoughts or opinions?

 

[Joe Hogan]

Typically we rely on truck tire service center if the tire/wheel needs attention. Other than visual inspection at the start of a trip (damaged, obviously loose or missing lugs) we don't touch the lugs.

 

[Gronk]

Once youor wheels are torqued just do a visual inspection like JoeHogan said. If you see one that has rust or dirt streaks coming from the nut (they will be sprayed out toward the tire) then you have one that needs attention. Semi trucks go many many miles without rechecking them, so you can too. Just curious, after the original torque of your fiver, how many times did you find one loose?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

As others have said, lug nuts don't need more than a visual check unless they have been disturbed. In fact, frequent torqueing can result in them being over-torqued. A half-pound here, a pound there and pretty soon you are too tight.

TJ

 

[dJohn]

Once youor wheels are torqued just do a visual inspection like JoeHogan said. If you see one that has rust or dirt streaks coming from the nut (they will be sprayed out toward the tire) then you have one that needs attention. Semi trucks go many many miles without rechecking them, so you can too. Just curious, after the original torque of your fiver, how many times did you find one loose?

Thanks for the reply, I have not done any at this point, as the rig is new and is in storage for the winter. On our 5th wheel there was the odd time that a nut had loosened a bit but nothing significant. I was curious about what others do. Thanks again and Happy New Year.

 

[AbdRahim]

I had the truck center do mine after the first few thousand miles as per the instructions, but they thought it was totally unnecessary.

 

["EZ"]

Does anyone know the actual torque value of the lug nuts on a class A with 22.5" wheels? I'm curious if one of my torque wrenches has a high enough setting!

 

[dJohn]

Hey EZ, from what I have seen the torque spec for 22.5 inch wheels is 450 ft/lbs. The torque wrench I have is nowhere near big enough, truck center would have to do them.

 

[Chuggs]

I had to order one that was bigger. My largest was 300 ft-lbs... Now, 600 ft-lbs...

Our 22.5" wheels...if you remove the plastic nut covers...the torque is written on the nuts in raised letters. At least on our coach. Torque is 450 +/- 25 ft-lbs... I would look for guidance specific to you coaches chassis builder.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I had the truck center do mine after the first few thousand miles as per the instructions, but they thought it was totally unnecessary.

The reason for the first check after buying new or having work done is if the lug did not seat right and may have pulled in. After the first time check the lugs are surely seated properly.

 

["EZ"]

Hey EZ, from what I have seen the torque spec for 22.5 inch wheels is 450 ft/lbs. The torque wrench I have is nowhere near big enough, truck center would have to do them.

Thanks for the reply dJohn.

 

["EZ"]

I had to order one that was bigger. My largest was 300 ft-lbs... Now, 600 ft-lbs...

Our 22.5" wheels...if you remove the plastic nut covers...the torque is written on the nuts in raised letters. At least on our coach. Torque is 450 +/- 25 ft-lbs... I would look for guidance specific to you coaches chassis builder.

Thanks Chuggs! What brand of torque wrench is that? My 1/2" Craftsman isn't big enough. I'm assuming that's a 3/4" drive?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

If I were to need a torque wrench capable of 450+ ft/lbs (and, I can't imagine why I would), I would be inclined to go with something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GLITFW/?tag=rvf01-20

I have a couple of big breaker bars that would work with it, but if I didn't, they are available pretty inexpensively.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QL09086/?tag=rvf01-20

Even buying the pair, you are at about 1/3 the cost of a dedicated torque wrench in that range.

TJ

 

[Chuggs]

Thanks Chuggs! What brand of torque wrench is that? My 1/2" Craftsman isn't big enough. I'm assuming that's a 3/4" drive?

NEIKO PRO 03710B 3/4” Drive Adjustable Click Torque Wrench | SAE | 100-700 Foot-Pound | Chrome Vanadium Steel | 48” Length
by Amazon.com
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017JZ846/?tag=rvf01-20

Yep...and purchased an impact socket for 3/4” drive to fit the lug nuts. I usually remove them with a 1” drive extended shaft air wrench...so had to buy another impact socket to fit that. I purchased these items when I installed Centramatic wheel balancers and Tyron bands to the steer wheels. I admit..it’s nice to have though.

 

["EZ"]

If I were to need a torque wrench capable of 450+ ft/lbs (and, I can't imagine why I would), I would be inclined to go with something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GLITFW/?tag=rvf01-20

I have a couple of big breaker bars that would work with it, but if I didn't, they are available pretty inexpensively.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QL09086/?tag=rvf01-20

Even buying the pair, you are at about 1/3 the cost of a dedicated torque wrench in that range.

TJ

Think that digital gizmo would work? Says it's accurate to +/- 2%. Somehow I'd feel better if it was American made........but then I couldn't afford it.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Think that digital gizmo would work? Says it's accurate to +/- 2%. Somehow I'd feel better if it was American made........but then I couldn't afford it.

I think it would work fine. Neiko is a fairly well-known tool manufacturer, with some of its products made in China and others in Taiwan. Like you, I would much prefer American-made but they are costly and, for an occasional-use tool, I'd be willing to take a chance on Neiko tools.

TJ

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I'd rather that american names had products made in the USA, but most aren't.