Lug Nut Torque for 1/2 Inch Hub Lug Nuts which Steel or Aluminum Wheels

Updated 04/30/2020 | Published 05/31/2019

Question:

These hubs arrived with no instructions. Im installing them on my 11K GVWR Travel Trailer with a Kodiak electric/hydraulic disc brake kit. What is the recommended lug nut torque? Right now I have the stock Forest River steel wheels, but plan to upgrade to higher load capacity aluminum wheels and 10 ply tires eventually. Will that make a difference in lug nut torque?

asked by: ORVAL

Expert Reply:

The Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 5,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 # 8-213-5UC1-EZ with your added rotors will be torqued to between 90 and 120 foot lbs. If you switch to aluminum wheels like the Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Tire w 16" Viking Aluminum Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - LR E - Silver # A16RTK6FPS then the torque would change to between 90 and 100 ft lbs based on the aluminum wheels. I recommend getting aluminum wheels like these that have the steel inserts in the lug nut wells to keep the lugs tight as aluminum wheels without this need regular maintenance checks as they have a strong tendency to loosen more than steel wheels since the metal is softer.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Kbin B.

4/28/2020

Will this fit 17 inch wheels?

Chris R.

4/30/2020

The Dexter Hub Assembly # 8-213-5UC1-EZ should only be used with up to 16-1/2" wheels. Anything larger and it may not provide enough surface area for a proper attachment, which could lead to issues down the line.