lug nut torque

[Alan Fowlkes]

Need correct torque for lug nuts on a Cardinal 30WB le with Aluminum wheels. Any help really appreciated.

[jimh]

unless urs is as old as mine, there is a little label on the side of the trailer between the wheels.
once u find out, the important thing with aluminum rims is to retorque them after the 1st 50 miles (as close to the 50 miles as possible).

[cardinal4fun]

I torque mine at 90 thats what was on the sticker. I also check the torque every so often to make sure the nuts are not coming loose. Those alum. rims do not hold the torque.

[jimh]

i'm afraid i've always torqued mine by feel. sense that will change with the strength and weight, it isn't very scientific.
i don't think the tag warns u abt al rims. first time i encountered it was when i had a tire replaced on my truck. receipt came back saying to retorque at 50 miles. later i read that it was necessary to retorque al rims. that wasn't the first tire i've replaced but the first time i seen that on a receipt. the tire was changed in Ia.

[Willis]

I've had 4 TTs and the first three had steel wheels. I was always told to torque @ 90-95 ft/lbs and that seemed to work well. I have an old style "needle" type torque wrench but I think that gets it close enough.

My current TT has aluminum wheels which are beautiful. During the initial walk-through I asked the technician (who was very knowledgeable and competent) what torque I should use...he suggested 100-110 ft/lbs. I tried that with my existing torque wrench and at about 100 it really felt like I was starting to over-tighten so I left it at that.

I think what I want to do now is get a ratcheting torque wrench that you can set to your desired limit (say 100) and when it get to that point it "breaks" so you can't over-tighten. Expensive though!

Example: Amazon.com: Professional Grade 1/2" 30-150 Foot-Pound Automatic Adjustable Torque Wrench: Automotive

[Alan Fowlkes]

Thanks to all who responded to my question regarding proper torque on lug nuts. I'm shopping for a good Torque wrench.
Al fowlkes

[crocus]

The torque required is directly related to the size of the axle studs.
As for the torque wrench to use, definitely buy a good one. Aluminum wheels need to be torqued correctly, and often. For some reason, aluminum wheels can work the nuts loose once in a while.

[traveler2955]

You might call the company who makes your wheel. I did for ours. They should have all of the recommendations for a safe journey. As some have stated, you'll need more info than just your wheel brand and model, so be prepared.
Mike

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by Willis

I have an old style "needle" type torque wrench but I think that gets it close enough.

I remember using those. If you could see the gauge, they worked great.

[buckisland1950]

Check out the Husky Torque Wrench at HD. Good quality and direct replacement if it breaks...