torqueing the wheels

[Kaptn Krabby]

hi all....i have 14" wheels on my Outback. What setting do you all torque the wheels on your rig?

[chuckster57]

I use a Harbor Freight 1/2” drive torque wrench ( less than $20.00 when on sale), the proper socket and use a cross cross pattern.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by Kaptn Krabby

hi all....i have 14" wheels on my Outback. What setting do you all torque the wheels on your rig?

The specific torque setting should be in the owners manual.
Get a good torque wrench and socket with extension if needed and keep it with you on trips, you should check it regularly and if you have to change a flat tire you will have it with you

[bobbecky]

In the Keystone manual, this is the 2019, https://keystone-rv-dealer-app.cdn.p...ers-manual.pdf ,
They indicate torque for 1/2” studs as 110-120 ft lbs. I’m guessing Keystone does not use any axles with studs any smaller than that, so that is probably what you have on your rig.

[sourdough]

I would note here;

My previous trailer had a 10k gvw, 9300 actual weight. When pulled by my previous Ram 1500, upgraded tires, shocks etc., I would have to retorque the truck wheels daily. They always seemed to back off up to a 1/4 turn to get back to torque. Moved to the 3/4 then one ton; neither of the HD trucks ever backed off nor needed retorqueing. Just something to think about since it does sort of underline the previous comment about always taking that torque wrench with you....and using it.

[gearhead]

Get the Harbor Freight torque wrench. Always after use and putting in storage back the setting down to nothing. The spring tension should be relaxed for storage.
Torque values are usually expressed with dry threads. Many people will use a anti seize lube on the threads, but don't. It will alter the torque value. A lot. At most a couple drops of light oil.

[Hblick48]

I've had bad luck with Harbor Freight Torque wrenches. Probably went through 3 or 4 because they quickly became inaccurate...yes I stored at zero.

Spent a bit more but now I have one I can trust.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by Hblick48

I've had bad luck with Harbor Freight Torque wrenches. Probably went through 3 or 4 because they quickly became inaccurate...yes I stored at zero.

Spent a bit more but now I have one I can trust.

I've had my HF torque rachet for over 10 years & as far as I know it was/is accurate.
Curious how you determined that yours became quickly inaccurate.

[Hblick48]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

I've had my HF torque rachet for over 10 years & as far as I know it was/is accurate.
Curious how you determined that yours became quickly inaccurate.

When I have to apply way more force than previously, and it still doesn't click. Then check the nut with another torque wrench...torqued too tight.

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

I've had my HF torque rachet for over 10 years & as far as I know it was/is accurate.
Curious how you determined that yours became quickly inaccurate.

If you are a pro mechanic, the tool truck can check torque calibration I believe.

[flybouy]

IMO a HF torgue wrench is ok for wheels, I keep one in the toolbox in the truck. No way would I use a $20 torque wrench for head bolts, a flywheel or tourque converter bolts, etc. I periodically will check it against a reliable one by tightening a 1/2" bolt/nut in the bench vise. The HF is relegated to the truck for lug nuts only as I use it to ensure thyat they are all equally tightened. I don't want my "good" one bouncing around in the tool box and IMO as long as it's within 10-5 ft. lbs. on the tight side I'm ok with it.
YMMV

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by flybouy

IMO a HF torgue wrench is ok for wheels, I keep one in the toolbox in the truck. No way would I use a $20 torque wrench for head bolts, a flywheel or tourque converter bolts, etc. I periodically will check it against a reliable one by tightening a 1/2" bolt/nut in the bench vise. The HF is relegated to the truck for lug nuts only as I use it to ensure thyat they are all equally tightened. I don't want my "good" one bouncing around in the tool box and IMO as long as it's within 10-5 ft. lbs. on the tight side I'm ok with it.
YMMV

I will admit to using my HF torque wrench for the last 15+ years on head bolts, rod and main bearings, etc. I haven’t had a failure yet.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I will admit to using my HF torque wrench for the last 15+ years on head bolts, rod and main bearings, etc. I haven’t had a failure yet.

You obviously have more faith than I do.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by flybouy

You obviously have more faith than I do.

Maybe. I have been building engines, working on autos for over 40 yrs (on the side) and I like to think that I take care of my tools so they will take care of me.

I know torque values are important, but I think EQUAL torque is just as if not more important.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Maybe. I have been building engines, working on autos for over 40 yrs (on the side) and I like to think that I take care of my tools so they will take care of me.

I know torque values are important, but I think EQUAL torque is just as if not more important.

Totally agree. I take care care of my tools as well, that's another reason for not havinmg my "good" torque wrench in the truck tool box.; With the humidity and temp swings on the east coast I would't want my good one to possibly rust inside where I wouldn't know about. I' think I boughtmy torque wrences back in the 1970's, long before HF was around here. The inch lb. one is a bar style, not a "click adjustable". I look at a $20 torque wrench as "disposable", if it lasts a few years I'm good with it. HF has come a long way from what they were selling just a few years ago which was IMO a use it once tool supplier.

[chuckster57]

Yes they have!! On a whim I bought a Bauer 20V 1/2” drive hammer drill to test against my DeWalt. I use it daily and it seems the battery lasts longer and it does just as good, so got the 1/4” hex impact driver. The driver was dropped off a trailer roof about 6 months ago and hasn’t skipped a beat.

[ChuckS]

OP the Keystone manual is a good reference for torque value and proper sequence for "initial" torque if wheel has been removed and reinstalled.. (3-2-1) torque steps....

As far as checking the torque again at first 10 miles then 25 then 50 I can say that in over 45 years of RV ownership I have never done this... Who drives ten miles and stops and checks lug nut torque

Get a decent 1/2 drive torque wrench and six point socket and extension and use it... Brand of the torque wrench aint gonna matter much .. usually..

I have several HF, Sears, and other "high dollar torque wrenches.. The HF ones I have are at least 20 years old and are within spec when compared to the others

Keep torque wrench stored at lowest value and dont drop it.. that does have a tendency to invalidate the calibration of the wrench

I check my lug nuts before a trip and have never had one loose.. Key is using the 321 step when torqueing first time ... YMMV

[travelin texans]

Torquing lugs is like airing tires, no 2 pressure gauges will read the same psi & neither will the TPMS pressures, trying to get them all the same will drive you nuts.
My HF wrench may click a 1/4 turn less than yours on the same lug, so whose is off? Both set at 110 ftlbs, I'd say mine & yours are close enough. I'm sure not going to go spend $300 for a wrench to get a 1/4 of a turn more than my $30 wrench.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Hblick48

I've had bad luck with Harbor Freight Torque wrenches. Probably went through 3 or 4 because they quickly became inaccurate...yes I stored at zero.

Spent a bit more but now I have one I can trust.

I've got three, a 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" HF torque wrenches and have had zero problems with them. I have a friend who is in the PME business and he has checked/verified all my wrenches over the years. They have never needed adjustment or "re-calibration". They're at least 7-8 years old, maybe older than 10 years ...

That said, when I worked on high performance fighter aircraft and on missiles, we had all our torque wrenches calibrated every 90 days. That's where I met the guy that checks my wrenches for me.

[Ibdagriz]

"Storing your torque wrench
When a torque wrench is in regular use it does not need to be wound back. However, when storing a torque wrench for an extended period of time, users should always wind it down to the minimum scale setting and never to zero.

A fully loaded torque wrench, left in storage for a long period, can cause a set in the spring, causing it to weaken over time. On the other end of the scale, by completely off-loading the spring, other components within the wrench may move fractionally relative to each other. When you reapply spring compression the orientation of these components can change, therefore affecting accuracy. All in all, it is better to leave a bit of compression in the spring while in storage."

Griz