How Much Should Lug Nuts On Springdale Travel Trailer Be Torqued With 1/2" Studs and Steel Wheels?

Updated 09/11/2023 | Published 09/10/2023

Question:

I have a 19 ft Springdale travel trailer with these wheels. I have always used a torque wrench to set the lug nuts to 100 ft lbs. The studs are 1/2. On just one wheel, two of the nuts have pulled the lug hole in the wheel towards the brake drum, bottoming it out on the drum. The amount of stud sticking through these nuts is longer than the others, revealing the collapse. Despite this, the wheel does not show any lateral run-out wobble. Is the 100 ft. lbs. I was told to use excessive? Is this just an anomaly? I would like to replace the wheel, but of course dont want this to happen again.

asked by: Eric B

Expert Reply:

You are correct to be torqueing the lug nuts on your Springdale travel trailer to 100ft/lbs. 1/2" wheel studs with steel wheels are supposed to be torqued between 90-120ft/lbs(see chart below). I recommend having your brake drum inspected to determine if the studs are damaged and need to be replaced.

expert reply by: Bud M