Lug nuts overtorqued

[Chilidan]

I bought my first ever TT in 2016 from a dealer. It is a single axle 2013. I didn't realize how little I knew about TT's then! I've learned a LOT from this forum, and may be getting a wee bit paranoid reading about all the stuff that could go wrong.

My latest concern is lug nut torque. I bought a clicker type Craftsman 3/8" drive torque wrench today and checked the lug nuts while TT parked in the driveway. If I'm doing it right (and I think I am) the nuts are torqued well over 150 lb./ft. Mfr. spec is 90-120 lb/ft. I don't know when the tires were put on or by whom.

My question is what to do about the over-torqued lug nuts, if anything. I've had the trailer out 6 times since I bought it, roughly 1200 miles and no indication of any problems. Any advice?

[oldmanAZ]

My advice is to pick 1 lug nut, loosen it a 1/4 turn or so, then torque it to the required amount. Then pick another lug nut opposite the one you just torqued and repeat the process for all the lug nuts.

If you were finding the torque by either trying to loosen or tighten the lug nuts, you weren't finding the torque used to tighten the lug nuts.

[rdlouks]

First of all make sure your 3/8 drive Clicker Type torque wrench is in fact calibrated for Ft. Lbs. and not In.Lbs. I have not seen or heard of a 3/8 drive torque wrench able to go up to 150 Ft. Lbs.
Setting the proper torque is not a problem if they are in fact over-tightened. Simply remove one lug at a time, inspect both the stud and nut then install and torque to the proper spec. work in a star pattern. recheck the torque after your first trip, then add it to your pre-trip inspection when checking the air pressure.

[vcbice]

But, are they over tightened? Once you set a nut with a torque wrench and let it sit, it will take more torque to move it than it did when you set it. Sounds to me like they were probably correct.

As stated above, the only way to make sure torque is correct is to back them off and retighten. I would not do it one at a time. I'd back all off then retighten in order, just like you were reinstalling the wheel.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I thought the same thing as rdlouks...generally 3/8" torque wrenches are in inch-pounds, not foot-pounds. Verify that and then, as others have stated, loosen 1 at a time and re-torque. Check again after about 50 miles towing.

[Chilidan]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Turns out the wrench is calibrated in "Inch Pounds". Glad I learned that now. Looks like a trip back to Sears! Continuing to learn something new every day here.

[Popcycle]

There are 3/8 inch ft. lb. torque wrenches. I have been using one for the past 40 years. It too is a Craftsman. I bought it originally to work on the aluminum engine in my VW bus. The torque wrench outlasted the car. Mine only goes up to 75 foot-pounds. It's small size is great for tight places.

[NVGun40]

There is a difference between over torqued a little versus over torqued a lot/severely.
Of course I know any good mechanic worth their salt will toque lug nuts properly. Yet, many volume tire dealerships will simply set their impact wrenches to the setting which puts them "in the ballpark" and just go with it.
To have the lug nuts severely over torqued is cause for concern due to obvious reasons.
Think about it this way: how many people actually carry a torque wrench with them on the road? How often to see that person changing a flat tire out on the side of the road setting down their tire iron or star wrench to pull out the torque wrench and properly torque each lug nut? The most common method used there is the "grunt" torque method. More often than not, a person over torques when changing the tire on the side of the road. Just not severely.

In short (I know, "too late"). Don't worry much if your lug nuts are lightly to moderately over torqued. After all, which would you rather have, a little over torqued, or under torqued?


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[Auto_Pilot]

I maybe new to the forum but as a mechanic I can answer this one! [emoji16] most of the people who replied to this post are correct. I personally would raise one side of the camper at a time and remove all lug nuts and remove the tire. Once the tire is removed inspect the holes the wheel studs go through, front and back. Inspect the studs themselves. Last but not least clean the mating surfaces if need be with a wire brush or 120 grit sand paper. Install the tire and install all lug nut hand tight. Lower the trailer until you have some weight on the tire and then torque to 110 ft/lbs (100 - 120 ft/lbs is fine). Make sure you use a criss cross pattern when tightening and NEVER apply any lube or anti-seize to the studs as it will cause an over torque condition. Hope this helps!

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[bedrck46]

Originally Posted by Auto_Pilot

I maybe new to the forum but as a mechanic I can answer this one! [emoji16] most of the people who replied to this post are correct. I personally would raise one side of the camper at a time and remove all lug nuts and remove the tire. Once the tire is removed inspect the holes the wheel studs go through, front and back. Inspect the studs themselves. Last but not least clean the mating surfaces if need be with a wire brush or 120 grit sand paper. Install the tire and install all lug nut hand tight. Lower the trailer until you have some weight on the tire and then torque to 110 ft/lbs (100 - 120 ft/lbs is fine). Make sure you use a criss cross pattern when tightening and NEVER apply any lube or anti-seize to the studs as it will cause an over torque condition. Hope this helps!

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Although this is some good advice It also is misleading My Jayco manual and also the Dexter manual calls for a max lug nut torque of 75 fi. lbs. for 12 and 13 inch rims so if you were to follow the advice posted I would be over torqued by a good 25 to 45 ft. lbs.

[Auto_Pilot]

I do apologize for that and you are correct as I am referring to my trailer with 15" rims! Definitely check your owners manual for correct torque.

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[norty1]

Common sense applies here: Check the mfg. recommendations for the type tire/ rim combo you have.

[norty1]

Torq-N-Go lug nuts by Dexter came on my rig in 2011. I have not heard much about them since. I don't think Jayco uses them anymore but not sure.

[Chilidan]

Good point, but there is a sticker on the wheel from the manufacturer that says 90 - 120 ft. lbs. It is a 14 inch wheel. I have them torqued at 100 now.