Would Stainless Steel Lug Nuts Work Well With Carbon Steel Hubs/Studs

Published 09/07/2023

Question:

Hello, I have a 19ft EzLoader boat trailer that has carbon steel hubs/studs, lug nuts, and I fish primarily saltwater. My existing lug nuts have rusted pretty bad and need to be replaced. I wanted to know if you sell galvanized lug nuts for better corrosion protection or if a full stainless steel option would be the way to go. My concern with stainless steel lugs would be potential galling of threads since I have carbon steel hub studs. Maybe applying a lubricant helps with that. Looking for your recommendation.

asked by: Kendall G

Expert Reply:

We don't currently offer galvanized lug nuts but we do have stainless steel options like the Kodiak Trailer Wheel Lug Nut # KALN1375S you were looking at. I would not recommend any lug nuts with a stainless steel cap as the inside would corrode. You are correct that there will be corrosion between the carbon and stainless steel so you would need to use an epoxy or polyurethane coating on the carbon steel to prevent this. With the studs being carbon steel you'll have corrosion between the threads so the only option would be to pull and replace them. if you can get me the sizes I'd be happy to find a replacement.

The # KALN1375S fits 1/2"-20 wheel studs so you'll want to doublecheck the size of your studs to verify fitment.

expert reply by: Kevin C