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Jimg · 06-10-2018, 07:17 AM

I have a 2018 Fleetwood Southwind 36P on a Ford Chassis.

The owners manual from For states that Lug Nut tightness should be checked at 50 miles, and again at 1000. Assuming that it is unlikely that the transport companies take the time to do this , at 3000 miles I put it in a shop to check the lug nuts.

Ever one was under spec. They should be at 450 ft/lbs.

This could be a real problem. I have had 5 class a's and have never checked them before. I certainly will now and suggest everyone have theirs checked. It only cost me 60.00 at a truck stop, well worth it.

Quincy · 06-10-2018, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimg

I have a 2018 Fleetwood Southwind 36P on a Ford Chassis.

The owners manual from For states that Lug Nut tightness should be checked at 50 miles, and again at 1000. Assuming that it is unlikely that the transport companies take the time to do this , at 3000 miles I put it in a shop to check the lug nuts.

Ever one was under spec. They should be at 450 ft/lbs.

This could be a real problem. I have had 5 class a's and have never checked them before. I certainly will now and suggest everyone have theirs checked. It only cost me 60.00 at a truck stop, well worth it.

I dont pay much attention to lug nut torque and never have or had a problem. I am curious... how much under spec?

Pirate · 06-10-2018, 04:56 PM

Recheck at 500 miles for 19.5 2006 F-53.

exrench · 06-11-2018, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimg

I have a 2018 Fleetwood Southwind 36P on a Ford Chassis.

The owners manual from For states that Lug Nut tightness should be checked at 50 miles, and again at 1000. Assuming that it is unlikely that the transport companies take the time to do this , at 3000 miles I put it in a shop to check the lug nuts.

Ever one was under spec. They should be at 450 ft/lbs.

This could be a real problem. I have had 5 class a's and have never checked them before. I certainly will now and suggest everyone have theirs checked. It only cost me 60.00 at a truck stop, well worth it.

You have learned a valuable lesson and the point you make with respect to "transport companies not taking the time to check wheel nut torque" is well taken. Just watch the evening news for the next OTR rig to lose a wheel and tire assembly on the highways where we all drive.

Quincy · 06-11-2018, 06:42 AM

I find it hard to believe that more than a small percentage of tire or wheel replacements are rechecked after initial install.

That would apply to all car bus and truck tire installs.

Wheels are just not flying off the axels of vehicles here.

I would not be surprised that paragraph was put in the manual by lawyers to cover their rear end.

Torque specs are so nuts are not over tightened and that all nuts are about the same. It is not the case that if only tightened to 500ftlb instead of 600ftlb that the wheel will fall off.

JMHO of course. Good luck and dont worry.

hohenwald48 · 06-11-2018, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exrench

You have learned a valuable lesson and the point you make with respect to "transport companies not taking the time to check wheel nut torque" is well taken. Just watch the evening news for the next OTR rig to lose a wheel and tire assembly on the highways where we all drive.

In 70 years, I don't think I've ever seen such a report on the evening news.

ScoobyDoo · 06-11-2018, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exrench

You have learned a valuable lesson and the point you make with respect to "transport companies not taking the time to check wheel nut torque" is well taken. Just watch the evening news for the next OTR rig to lose a wheel and tire assembly on the highways where we all drive.

When I read "transport companies not taking the time to check wheel nut torque" in the OP, I assume he is referring to the company that delivered RV to dealers. As for the OTR rig, federal regulation requires the driver to check at least by hand and eye every lugnut on the rig before he starts to drive. (Of course, no regulation says the driver must be paid for doing the inspection, or for the time waiting for repairing what he finds wrong on the inspection. The driver will be fined if he misses something, and is caught on road).
Now tell the truth now; Do you walk around your car, look at your tires have air in them before you leave the drive?

NorthernDriv · 06-11-2018, 10:27 AM

The transport company I worked for started torquing wheel nuts at 150 kms and 1000 kms. They had a significant reduction in wheel accidents. Most of the drivers thought it was a bit excessive until we stopped losing wheels. I carry a 650 ft/lbs torque wrench now! There is nothing more fun than watching your wheel pass you......

Soppy · 06-11-2018, 10:49 AM

After having a rear wheel com loose on my SUV, I recheck the wheel torque on my vehicles .Most times they are tight , but i have found a couple that were loose.

Waiter21 · 06-11-2018, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Ever one was under spec. They should be at 450 ft/lbs.

This sounds way to high for 19.5 inch wheels.. On my 1999 Southwind, 19.5 inch, 8 lug steel wheels, the manuals says 150 ft-lbs...

ScoobyDoo · 06-11-2018, 11:26 AM

Millions of miles, never had wheel come off while driving. I did slip some Datyons. But the first truck I bought with hub-piloted wheels I had a couple work loose. Hunting for the bad u-joint, find loose nuts.
On small trailers, I learned long ago to set to spec, and check until they stop moving. Over torque can warp a drum. Anything with alloy wheels, check until they don't move.
One trick I started to use on my trucks, and now do on anything not running wheel covers. Once I have put the wrench on and they didn't move use nail polish, but mark on nut and wheel, on side closest to center. Then any movement between can be seen. And even with polished wheels and chrome nut covers, it is rarely noticed. I did have a LEO at roadside safety inspection see marks as he was grabbing nuts, asked if they where to check lugs. Skipped grabbing rest of nuts.

TeJay · 06-11-2018, 11:50 AM

Many or perhaps even most technicians who work on heavy duty trucks just hit the lugs with their 3/4" impact wrench until they stop moving and call it good.

Inconsistent torque from lug to lug will warp a rotor. That I've proven with a dial indicator. Getting all to 450 or 500 or 525 when it should be 450 won't hurt anything. I doubt an air impact will stretch those heavy duty lugs beyond their elastic limits. But I could be wrong.

buzz57 · 06-11-2018, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hohenwald48

In 70 years, I don't think I've ever seen such a report on the evening news.

Happens every year! This is NOT a rare occurrence. In Ontario, Canada, they changed the laws a few years back, now holding the trucking company AND the driver liable for any injuries. Just having a wheel come off the driver is facing a 1000.00 fine and points on license.