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LarryJB · 11-13-2016, 08:21 AM

First time motor home owner here with a new 2017 Winnebago Vista/Sunstar 29VE. I am getting to know my motorhome and am trying to figure out how to remove the chrome wheel covers to get better access to the air valves to add air to the tires which seem to be under inflated. During the walk through at the dealer I was shown a tool that was to be used to remove the wheel covers. On 2 of the lug nut covers there is a dimple. He said use the tool to remove those 2 covers. I actually tried to remove a wheel cover this morning and am having no luck at all. this tool seems to be a stamped metal socket spot welded to a T handle. This implies to me that you would insert the tool over the lug nut and turn the T handle to remove the nut cover. The other implication is that thes nut covers should not be very tight given the flimsy tool provided to remove them. However, it will not budge and I am afraid I will break the tool if I apply any more pressure. I think I probably have a socket that will fit it but I just want to make sure I am doing it right before proceeding.

Hikerdogs · 11-13-2016, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryJB

First time motor home owner here with a new 2017 Winnebago Vista/Sunstar 29VE. I am getting to know my motorhome and am trying to figure out how to remove the chrome wheel covers to get better access to the air valves to add air to the tires which seem to be under inflated. During the walk through at the dealer I was shown a tool that was to be used to remove the wheel covers. On 2 of the lug nut covers there is a dimple. He said use the tool to remove those 2 covers. I actually tried to remove a wheel cover this morning and am having no luck at all. this tool seems to be a stamped metal socket spot welded to a T handle. This implies to me that you would insert the tool over the lug nut and turn the T handle to remove the nut cover. The other implication is that thes nut covers should not be very tight given the flimsy tool provided to remove them. However, it will not budge and I am afraid I will break the tool if I apply any more pressure. I think I probably have a socket that will fit it but I just want to make sure I am doing it right before proceeding.

You have the right tool and you are using the correct method. In reality the nuts were probably tightened by either a normal socket and ratchet assembly or an air wrench.

We had the same setup on our 2001 Adventurer. Like you we found the included wrench was woefully inadequate for the job. To remove the nut the first time I used a vise grip pliers over the socket end of the supplied wrench. Once the nut was loose I took it to a local farm supply store that handled tools and matched it up to a 1/2" drive socket (can't remember the size). I used it on a ratchet to remove the remaining nuts. I kept the socket and a cheap ratchet in the motorhome tool box for future reference.

Happyho · 11-13-2016, 08:35 AM

The ones with the dimple are the two on each wheel you remove. Straight across from each other. I use a socket. They do have a tendency to get some rust under them and makes them hard to turn. I gave up on the t-hadle

LarryJB · 11-13-2016, 08:47 AM

I did manage to get one of the eight lugs off, so I learned a lot there. Best I can tell it is a 1 1/8" nut. The largest I have is a 1". I will take it to an auto parts store and get the right size socket and I think I will be good to go. Thanks for your help!

litewave · 11-13-2016, 08:00 PM

When you reinstall them, put anti-size on the threads and the nuts will come off much easier next time. Better yet, put valve stem extenders on all wheels and you won't have to take off the chrome covers.

AITG · 11-13-2016, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litewave

When you reinstall them, put anti-size on the threads and the nuts will come off much easier next time. Better yet, put valve stem extenders on all wheels and you won't have to take off the chrome covers.

Or, you can eliminate the problem all together and leave them off. That allows more airflow through the wheels to cool the brakes, easier access to check tire pressure, and the ability to spot oil leaks and loose lugnuts before they become a problem. Mine never left the dealership lot.