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HEARTLAND Recreational Vehicles, LLC
Proper wheel nut torque is essential to safe and
dependable trailering.
The wheel and axle systems
used in RVs are similar in many ways to those used in
cars and trucks, but they differ in several important ways.
These differences require special attention to wheel nut
torque both while the trailer is new and throughout the
trailer’s life
Trailer wheels must carry much higher loads per wheel
than passenger car or truck wheels. Furthermore,
wheels on tandem axle trailers do not steer, and are
subjected to very high side load stress whenever the
trailer makes a tight turn. When you go around corners
– especially slow, tight ones – the wheels on your trailer
are subjected to these strong side loads. This tends
to flex the wheel and gradually loosen the wheel nuts.
Although the materials and manufacturing methods
are maximized for this kind of service, these extra load
stresses and flexing can cause loosening.
It is critical that the wheels be properly torqued at
the start of the trip and every 50 miles for the first
500 miles of road operation.
Although the wheels have
been properly torqued before leaving the manufacturing
plant, settling and wearing in of components during the
first few miles of operation may cause some loosening
of the wheel nuts.
The wheel nut torque is 120 ft-lbs. Always use an
accurate torque wrench to tighten wheel nuts
. A
torque wrench with adequate accuracy is available at
most automotive tool stores. Considering the overall
investment in the trailer, this is a very reasonable cost.
Use of a torque wrench can also reduce the effort
required to tighten the wheel nuts.
WARNING
IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN PROPER TORQUE TO PROVIDE SAFE
AND SECURE ATTACHMENT OF THE WHEEL TO THE HUB/DRUM. BE
SURE TO USE WHEEL NUTS THAT ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE COIN IN
THE WHEEL. IMPROPERLY TORQUED WHEEL NUTS CAN CAUSE THE
WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE DURING
OPEARTION. THIS COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY, OR LOSS OF LIFE.
Any time a wheel is replaced, be sure to tighten the wheel
nuts, following the sequence shown in the diagram to the
specified torque. If the wheel was replaced, check the
torque again at every 50 miles for the first 500 miles and
prior to each trip thereafter. If you notice wheel wobbling
or hear a rattling sound coming from a wheel, especially
at low speeds, a wheel lug nut may have come loose.
This problem is usually caused by improper tightening
or by faulty or damaged lug bolt threads. If you have
reason to believe a lug nut has come loose, SAFELY
STOP THE VEHICLE AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Put up warning devices.
Remove the lug caps and check the tightness of all the
lug nuts.
Tighten all lug nuts to the specified torque of 120 ft-lbs. If
lug bolt threads are damaged or faulty, get professional
service help. Do NOT tow the trailer with missing lug
nuts of faulty lug bolts.
WARNING
DO NOT USE A SIZE AND TYPE OF TIRE AND WHEEL OTHER THAN THAT
ORIGINALLY PROVIDED BY HEARTLAND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, LLC
BECAUSE IT CAN AFFECT THE SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE OF YOUR
VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISE OF LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL, VEHICLE ROLLOVER AND/OR SERIOUS PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH. THE INSTALLATION OF INCORRECT WHEELS COULD
CAUSE WHEEL SEPARATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY
DAMAGE, SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY, OR LOSS OF LIFE.
1. Clean mounting surfaces, lug nuts & studs. Do
no lube lug joint unless instructed in your owner’s
manual.
2. Start all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross threading.
3. Tighten nuts in sequence shown below using a
calibrated torque wrench. Do not use an impact
wrench. Wheel nut torque requirements vary
depending on the size and manufacturer. Always
use wheel manufacturer’s recommendations
4. Wheel nuts should be torqued before first road use
and after each wheel removal. Periodically check
and re-torque per manufacturer’s recommendations.
WARNING
DO NOT TOW THE TRAILER WITH MISSING
LUG NUTS OR FAULTY LUG BOLTS
WHEEL NUT TORQUE
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