Torque setting on Lug Nuts

[papa-t]

Just wondering what the recommended torque setting is on Scamp lug nuts. Thanks

[Carol H]

Depends on what size wheels you have on it.

Trailer Wheel Torque Requirements.

[captsteve2002]

I have 14" rims and use 100 ft. lbs. This is recommended by both Scamp as well as Discount Tires where i fot my tires. I have checked them a couple of times and found only one nut looser than that. Yes I do carry a torque wrench when I travel.

[Steve L.]

Dexter recommends between 90 and 120 ft-lb for 14" and 15" wheels.

[papa-t]

I have been setting at 100 ft. lbs. So, thanks to all.

[Stretcher]

What type of torque wrench do you recommend?

[frank_a]

I've been playing with cars and trucks for years, and generally just tighten the heck out of lug nuts on steel wheels. Then I check them. And check again. Ad nauseum, especially trailers. Disc brakes with aluminum wheels I am much carefuller with, and will use one of my torque wrenches and torque to spec.

Frank

[captsteve2002]

I have a good quality torque wrench, Snap-On, and have bought a Harbor Freight one to carry in the trailer. The HF one is off a bit, there is 2-3 ft. lbs diffence between the two. I check the HF one when ever I'm home.

[Steve L.]

Originally Posted by Stretcher

What type of torque wrench do you recommend?

Wow. I have all sorts of things to say about this but this really isn't the forum. In general I subscribe to the "you get what you pay for" philosophy, also known by what I call ABHF (Anything But Harbor Fright).

I have a bunch of them and I try to use the particular wrench where the desired torque I'm looking for is in the middle of the wrench's range. It's thought that's where most wrenches are most accurate.

[frank_a]

I have a quality Craftsmen torque wrench, NOT digital, but a clicker type. Best way to keep a torque wrench honest is to ALWAYS turn it to zero after any use.

Frank

[mgellar]

Hi,
I'm trying to get clarification on the lug nut torque setting for my new Scamp 16' with 13" wheels. The link to the chart shows a much lower setting than others say they use. And in general, is there someone or way to ask Scamp questions like these if they're not on their site? So far, Alan has been the only one I've asked questions to, but I don't feel that's the best source.

[Ian G.]

Lug nut torque should be based on the wheel stud size NOT the rim size. For 1/2" wheel studs the recommended torque is 90-120.
Here is a far better torque spec chart http://www.countrytrailer.com/uploads/TorqueSpc.pdf

[mgellar]

Thanks. I guess that's the stud or bolt vs the nut.

[mgellar]

Yes, the studs are 1/2". Thanks!

[Steve L.]

Originally Posted by mgellar

Thanks. I guess that's the stud or bolt vs the nut.

I'm not clear what you're asking here. Both the stud and nut have to be the same size and thread pitch per inch. In Dexter axles of our size I think you'll find they both are 1/2-20 tpi.

Lug nut retention largely is a function of the tightening torque being converted to stretching the stud a miniscule amount and does not depend on the wheel size (as previously mentioned) but rather the thread diameter and pitch, for a given grade of metal (grade 5, grade 8, etc.) and for the same surface coating (the as-manufactured coating plus whether it's dry, oiled, etc.)

[mgellar]

I think I got it now!

[mgellar]

Well, got my torque wrench and went to check the lugs on the new Scamp. Of course they are way over-tightened. I didn't realize I couldn't use the long torque wrench for leverage to loosen the lug nuts. I tried with a socket wrench, but no way. Do you think I'll need to have a tire lug nut wrench, or once the nuts are tightened to the correct setting, would I be able to loosen with a regular socket wrench?

[Glenn Baglo]

You can use a socket wrench with the handle inserted into a length of pipe to increase leverage ( remember lever principle from high school? ). This assumes a decent quality socket wrench.

[honda03842]

I carry a tire lug wrench and an 18" breaker bar that can slip over the lug wrench.

I also carry a torque wrench and tighten to 60 lbs, lighter than most I imagine. However I regular check them when traveling and they seem to stay.

[mgellar]

I'm one who has always taken my vehicles in for service and not done much myself, so I'm naïve! I looked up the breaker bar, which is basically a long socket wrench. If I have that to loosen the nuts and a socket wrench and socket, why would I need the tire lug wrench? Just to more easily tighten up to the point of needing the torque wrench or after loosening with the breaker bar?