Trailer owners can never underestimate the importance of proper lug nut torque.
The lug nuts or mounting nuts that are affixed to trailer wheels must be
adequately tightened and sufficiently torqued in order for the trailer to
operate in an efficient and safe manner. When this is overlooked, lug nuts can
loosen while the trailer is in use. When this happens there can be dangerous
results. Here are a few tips to help you ensure that lug nuts are properly
tightened and torqued.
- Familiarize yourself with the exact trailer wheel specifications and maintenance protocol established by the vehicle manufacturer. Understanding and practicing the proper vehicle maintenance is your responsibility as the vehicle owner and operator. It is important to check the lug nut tighten several times in the first hundred miles of use after a new trailer has been purchased. After this initial trial period it is a good idea to check the tightness at least twice a year.Torque should generally be check before a long trip.
- A torque wrench is the best way to ensure that you have torqued or checked the torque of the l lug nuts. Other tools will not accurately tell you if the lug nuts have been properly torqued.
- A good way to keep track of trailer wheel maintenance is to keep a log book recording the date and mileage of last lug nut torque. You should make a note at each time of maintenance of which lug nut lost torque so that you can track any ongoing problems. Attending to the issue early on will help you avoid a possible problem in the future.
- When ongoing lug nut loosening is apparent it is time to contact the vehicle manufacturer. You may have a defective lug nut, trailer axle or wheel problem. Manufacturers want to know about these types of problems so that they can evaluate whether or not there is need for a recal.
- The worst case scenario is that a wheel separation incident will take place. If this happens you should immediately notify the manufacture or dealer. You should quickly attain assistance so that you can assess the trailer damage. Make sure you keep the defective lug nuts, but do not reuse them. You should not at this point attempt to repair the trailer yourself, but rather call a trained professional to keep your trailer in optimum, safe working condition.
