Can Boat Trailer Use Open and Closed Lug Nuts

Updated 07/29/2019 | Published 07/27/2019

Question:

I have a 1999 Tracker Marine Nitro boat trailer that had closed lug nuts. When removing the nuts one of the five got 3/4 way off and started to spin. it would not advance or remove. The threads had melted and bonded. After it cooled it was there for keeps. I ground the nut off. So is this because the closed nuts may retain some water and rust inside? Or are closed nuts the best choice for boat trailers? This is my 4th boat trailer and the first with closed nuts. I have replaced my boat trailer nuts with open nuts but it bothers me that Tracker Marine originally may have supplied closed end nuts. Open or closed, what a simple dilemma. Nuts are cheep, do you have a recommendation for boat trailers, open or closed wheel nuts. Thank you.

asked by: Edward M

Expert Reply:

Some boaters actually swear by closed lug nuts as in general water is kept away from more of the wheel stud. With either setup though you still risk having problems that might cause a lug to break but I wouldn't necessarily blame your issue on the lug being closed.

Whichever you are more comfortable with will work fine as there isn't a specific style that absolutely should not be used on a boat trailer.

expert reply by: Jameson C