Do you check the torque on your pu trailer's lug nuts before every trip?

[madkatz1]

I was told that this is a very important safety feature to do before every trip. I have seen torque wrenches on sale for as much as $200-300 and as low as $50 at Sears (Craftsman).
I think this is a ploy to get the manufacturers out of a lawsuit in case you have a problem especially after changing a flat on the trailer. Any mechanics out there who have an opinion?

[tlhdoc]

Yes I do check the torque on the trailer and the TV before every trip.  The PU lug nuts always loosen after a wheel has been off.  After the first trip and I re-torque them several times they have never been loose, but I still torque them and check the air pressure in the tires.

[AustinBoston]

Yes, I do, and if I have done recent work that includes removing the tires (brake work, bearing repack, tire service), I check them at every stop for about the first 500 miles.  My owner's manual goes a lot farther (1 mile, 10 miles, 100 miles, 200 miles, 500 miles, and every day), but I think that is partly lawyer speak, and I know how much loosening I've seen in 100 miles so I have no concerns.

I have a 1/2" drive torque wrench, a 6 point socket of the right size, and a 3" extension to make it easier to get the socket on the lug nuts.

Austin

[howlinowl]

I'll admit that I do not check it everytime, but whenever I install a tire and rim on a vehicle, I do use a torque wrench.  Back in the '80s, when I was taking an automotive repair course, I did a brake job on one of the school vehicles.  Brakes were fine, but a couple weeks later, they had a pulsation.  They brought the vehicle back in, and guess what?  They took it to a tire shop and had new tires put on after I did the brake job.  The tire shop used an impact wrench to install the tires, causing each lugnut to be put on at a different torque.  Brake rotors got hot while in use and caused the rotors to warp.  Not only is a torque wrench important to make sure the wheels are tight, but also that they are tighten an equal amount.

Allan

[towrod]

Yep- check them at start of each trip as well as tire pressure.  
Cheap insurance if you ask me - neighbor's father lost a wheel on the road one time and nearly flipped his rig!
 
I just use an inexpensive ratcheting TW from Harborfreight with a deep socket from Lowe's.

[Tim5055]

Yes, before every day towing.

3/8'' DRIVE CLICKER TORQUE WRENCH  $15.99

Industrial Torque Wrench

[GrizzlyTaco]

Jeanie, you can get a really good 1/2 inch torque wrench at Harbor Freight Tools for around $21.00. This is the one I use, If you dont have a harbor freight by you I would be glad to send you a torque wrench.........Ed

[benhasajeep]

One reason lugs come loose is the rim expands and contracts when it goes from cold (not moving, to hot moving).  If you have had the lugs off for any reason you should check them after the hubs have warmed up from driving.

Autozone, Walmart, Kmart have no name branded click type torque wrenches for about $25.  They work just fine.  Stay away from the cheap beam type ones.  The Harbor Freights ones can be ordered online from their web site.  They often go on sale for $20.  Cheap insurance.  I carry one with me as I drive my trailers.  Only takes a minute to verify torque at a gas stop while the pump is going.

Also people with aluminium rims on your vehicles.  You need to check your lugs too.  Aluminium tends to expand and contract more than the steel rims.

[madkatz1]

Jeanie, you can get a really good 1/2 inch torque wrench at Harbor Freight Tools for around $21.00. This is the one I use, If you dont have a harbor freight by you I would be glad to send you a torque wrench.........Ed

Cool... there's a Harbor Freight less than 5 miles from my home. I'll be going there tomorrow.
Ed, very nice offer to send me one. Thank you!

[madkatz1]

Thanks to everyone for all your great replys!