Torquing trailer tires

[Dtraveling1]

I read that you have to torque the trailer tires after X-number of miles. Went to Harbor Freight and bought a 1/2" torque wrench. The problem is that the manual neglected to tell me how many pounds of torque is necessary. I have a 21 foot trailer.

[code2e]

Hi, Dexter axle recommends wheel lugnuts be torqued in 3 stages. You should start with loosening each nut, one at a time. Torque to 20-25 ft. lbs.. It is best practice to skip around the stud pattern as if you were drawing a 5 pointed star, for even tightening. Repeat on other 4 nuts. Then torque to 50-60 ft. lbs.. Finally, torque each to 100-120 ft. lbs. Then Dexter recommends a retorque at 10 miles, again at 25 miles and finally at 50 miles. The retorque only involves tightening to final torque of 100-120 ft. lbs.. As a professional mechanic I think their procedure is a bit anal. Most tire shops only recommend retorque once after 25 miles. Choice is yours. I would do the 3 stages and cross tightening. Good practice. Good luck.

[Eagle]

All the years changing tires/working in the trade including several years for Goodyear, steel wheels were put on, lug nuts tightened w/air wrench and never a mention of re-torque.

All mag wheels installed recommended initial torque and then re-torque in 50-100 miles.

[runner421]

I'm adding that I think it depends on the tire size, the size of the studs and what the tire is made of.

[Agnitio]

Code2e: Dexters recommendation may seam anal, but with sway, trailers see forces that cars don’t see. Plus I'm sure the recommendation is co-writen by the corporate lawyers in todays litigious environment

[APD]

For an accurate reading be sure all threads are clean and lightly lubed.
I check ours before every trip.

Alan

[Agnitio]

Alan: lubricant the threads? If that’s recommend, It’s counter intuitive.

[Eagle]

Wheel studs should be "clean and dry" when installed the lug nuts. Greasing the stud threads lessens the 'clamping force' needed by the lug nut to secure the wheel on the axle.
In the several decade or so working for Goodyear and in various entities doing vehicle maintenance, never heard of greasing the stud threads...nor saw any other mechanic doing so when installing a wheel/tire. However, from time to time lubricating oil or a rust buster was sprayed on them when 'frozen' due to rust/corrosion so they would/could be removed.

[APD]

Originally Posted by Agnitio

Alan: lubricant the threads? If that’s recommend, It’s counter intuitive.

Why so?

Clamping force is applied to the wheel by the slight "stretching" of the lug bolt via the nut NOT via friction between the two. Lube will make no difference in this slight stretching when applied to clean threads. Making the nut easier to turn will give a truer reading. It's splitting hairs at 100 lb/ft but it does no harm. Any resistance between the lug and the lug nut is not applied to the wheel.
In fact a little Never Seaze applied will also keep the threads from rusting.
Again just my 2 cents.

Alan