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Wheel Torque

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Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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The attached tire changing instructions came with my 2017 31SL. It states that this is the most recently recommended process, and takes precedence over any other information regarding Lug Nut Torque shown in the Crossroads, Lippert, or AI-KO Owners Manuals. It is actually an exact copy of what’s in my RW owner’s manual, which recommends that the lug nuts should be torqued to 110-120 ft-lb. What I’m curious about is the second set of torque values in each step. There is no reference as to what they are for. Anyone have any ideas? As a side note, my 31SL as delivered is set to 170 ft-lb.

 
Posted : April 9, 2017 12:09 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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I would be VERY concerned with bolt stretch at 170 Foot-Pounds....You may want to replace if they start breaking off. Metal can only stretch so far without becoming weak.

The instructions call out for 6 "rounds" of tightening (incremental). What they don't show is the "pattern" for tightening.

120 Ft lbs should be the max on models up to 2016 for sure (16" tires with 9/16" lug bolts per the Redwood Manual). The 2nd set I think you are referring to would be the re-torque after 10-50-100 miles. When you first tighten the bolts, it takes a few miles and they will likely loosen from stretch to some degree. That's why you need to recheck. And actually, you should check them prior to each departure and every 500 miles or so until you are satisfied there is no more bolt stretch or movement.

In your manual (for the 2017), Redwood/Lippert may have changed out the bolts to a different grade from previous models. Each bolt grade has a different set of tightening specs depending on overall length. If you can identify the bolt, then you can confirm the actual spec.

Here is but one chart for typical lug bolts. I have new 17.5" tires and wheels. With that, my ratings would be marked in RED. If you have the 5/8" studs, yours would be marked in Blue directly below mine. The 16" G tire/wheel combo would be posted as the 120 ft. lb. above mine as those lugs were/are also 9/16":

 
Posted : April 9, 2017 12:48 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
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The torque pattern was actually on the second page, which I didn't include, but thanks for adding it. The second set of values I'm referring to is for example under Follow Up (which is the pre-tow check once your beyond the initial 10-25-50 mile checks) lists 110-120 ft-lb and 140-150 ft-lb. I don't understand what the 140-150 ft-lb values apply to.

The RW manual says that wheel reinstallation torque is done in 3 stages, 20-30 ft-lb, 55-60 ft-lb, and 110-120 ft-lb, then recheck it at 10-25-50 miles, and before each trip for 110-120 ft-lb.

 
Posted : April 9, 2017 1:41 PM
Jim
 Jim
(@j_a_wolfe)
Posts: 10846
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2 "rounds" of tightening instead of just 1. The top set represents the 1st time around. The 2nd set represents the second time around. You don't want to apply the whole 150 ft. lbs all at once. You need the let the bolts stretch equally.

 
Posted : April 9, 2017 2:26 PM
Danny_and_Linda
(@danny_and_linda)
Posts: 884
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Once you have them torqued, check them again in a couple hundred miles, once they've heated/cooled a few times, by loosening each one & retorque, then don't do it again unless you remove a wheel. Don't retorque every time you stop, you're wasting time, energy & stretching bolts by doing it constantly.

Travelin' Texans
Former '13 FB owner
Currently rvless!!

 
Posted : April 9, 2017 6:05 PM
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