Do you use a star wrench or a deep socket for lug nuts?

[60sumtin]

Originally Posted by keymastr

And do you use those fancy plastic socket liners that prevent scratching the wheels and where do you get them? I think I am leaning towards a deep socket on a breaker bar. What do you think?

Star wrench as I can spin the nuts off/on fairly quickly, then followed up with a deep socket on a torque wrench. One socket for the trailer, one for the truck.

[birddog2you]

Originally Posted by JSM180

I use the same. I carry a 12v compressor for airing tires and air bags. I did the 120 volt compressor for one year. In the time it takes to get the generator, cords and hoses out and put away I can have the tire changed with the Dewalt.

Since I already had all the equipment and the generator sits next to the compressor I just plug it in and ready to go. Works for me.

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by keymastr

And do you use those fancy plastic socket liners that prevent scratching the wheels and where do you get them? I think I am leaning towards a deep socket on a breaker bar. What do you think?

keymaster,

I'll answer you just so you hear from an ORV owner!

If I had to change a tire, I'd use my old fashioned "X" shaped wrench, I guess that's a "star" wrench. But I have never done that! I check the lug nuts frequently with an Allstate torgue wrench with an ordinary socket on a 4" extension. No lining on the socket but I am very careful!

I hear that "Lac" uses his bare hands to loosen lug nuts...

Bob

[R.B]

I use these specific sockets: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They fit the lugs, all nuts and bolts on my WDH, the anode on the hot water tank, and other things.

[dix39]

Is the X tire wrench really what's being called a star wrench? I'll have to add that to my tool vocabulary. To be honest, I never liked the things. I would prefer a breaker and socket. IMHO, it's much easier to add a "cheater" to one of those if needed. The star wrench does cover several nut sizes and can spin the nuts off quickly as mentioned.

When I was in the Navy many years ago ('58-'62) one of the guys I worked with asked me to hand him a "thumb wrench". I had to ask what a "thumb wrench" was. He said, you know, one of those wrenches you adjust with your thumb. I had always heard it called a crescent wrench, I guess because some of them were made by Crescent.

For lug nuts I've always used what was available. At home an air impact tool to get them off, then snug them up with fingers and tighten with a torque wrench and socket. On the road I've never had a flat with the MH, but I always carry a full set of tools including a breaker bar with sockets and an old "bender bar" torque wrench that will be accurate enough. Our tires are 19.5 with the lower torque.

Steve

[1bigmess]

I use a breaker bar, HF torque wrench, and a 1/2" drive thin wall socket on the trailer lug nuts. The thin wall socket for into the hole where the lug nuts are located on the aluminum wheels. A hot rod magazine treated the quality and accuracy of the HF torque wrench and deemed it very worthy.

[keymastr]

Thanks for the answers guys. I have roadside coverage 4 different ways between factory warranties, aftermarket warranty and insurance company but I like to be able to get myself out of my own mess.

I have a pretty good set of deep sockets and a cordless impact driver, 4 ton bottle jack, floor jack and whatever insufficient stuff Ford gave me with the truck so I guess a torque wrench is all I really need.

We are planning our spring trip and will be going at least 3500 miles through Utah, Arizona Nevada, California and Oregon. Only 2000 miles on the Marathons but you never know what can happen. Thanks for the info

Bob, I will have to ask Lac for a demonstration if we make it to the rally this year.

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by birddog2you

I use an air impact and socket

For the wheels at 450 Ft Pounds there is no other chioce on the RV. I use a socket and extension with either a breaker bar or a big ratchet usually for the simulators.

But if the Wheels are coming off.. It is the Impact for those too.

[60sumtin]

Originally Posted by dix39

Is the X tire wrench really what's being called a star wrench?

I'm assumed that's what he was referring to. Some also call it a cross wrench. Some a 4 way lug wrench.

[Lac]

Originally Posted by IdahoBob

keymaster,

I'll answer you just so you hear from an ORV owner!

If I had to change a tire, I'd use my old fashioned "X" shaped wrench, I guess that's a "star" wrench. But I have never done that! I check the lug nuts frequently with an Allstate torgue wrench with an ordinary socket on a 4" extension. No lining on the socket but I am very careful!

I hear that "Lac" uses his bare hands to loosen lug nuts...

Bob

Not anymore Sir Robert....you have a good memory. Not one of my smartest moments. Now I don’t leave home without one.

[edge68474]

Would you care to share that story with us who have not heard it, Mr. Lac.

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by edge68474

Would you care to share that story with us who have not heard it, Mr. Lac.

Lac, will you please explain this to "edge", I can't remember!

Mr. Wonderful

[Switchflicke]

Originally Posted by edge68474

Enjoy that 2nd cup Birddog....
My MH wheels are 19.5 which I believe need to be torqued to 150 ft lbs. I have a wrench for that. The 22.5's are torqued at 450ft lbs.... Big difference....
ENJOY your coffee.

Yes that 3am coffee reminds me of flying the red eye special.

My MoHo has 19.5 rims but it's too dang cold to run out and check for sure. I'm sure we torque them at 450 ft lbs. Am I doing it wrong. I don't recall ever reading what the torque is supposed to be.

Stan

[60sumtin]

Seem quite high to me but check your owners manual.