For a light duty trailer with 5.70x8 tires, with 5 x 4.5 rims, with 1/2 x 20 studs, and probably 700-1200 pound axle stubs, what would be the proper torque for the lugnuts?

I started to put them on at 90 foot pounds and it did not feel right, so I settled for 50.

 

50 sounds too light. 90 might be high. I would go somewhere around 75 but that is a wild wild guess. The mfg recommendations should be followed, but of course most of us lose them first thing right?

What I would recommend is start with a clean stud and use a torque wrench to get to whatever torque you chooes. Then recheck torque about 50 miles later and then a couple hundred and I would even recommend every few gas stops later. Once you see that the torque setting hasn't changed I would stick with that.

On my 29S Prowler trailer the spec is 100 ft pounds and to retorque 50miles then 200miles.

Good Luck, and hope someone with real knowledge steps in. Like I said I am guessing on your tire size.

Jim Henderson

 

My utility trailer has the same bolt pattern, and axle capacity. It has lug bolts instead of nuts. If I remember correctly, the bolts have the torque specs stamped on them; 85-90 ft. lbs.

Our travel trailer has the same bolt pattern and lug size. I torque to 90 ft. lbs.

 

Well, it was a used trailer when I got it, so I do not even know what the axles are. Okay, sounds like 50 is too light then. I think I will go the 75 and keep checking it as suggested. Thanks.

 

I felt sure I knew the answer to your question, but I did look it up in order to make certain. I checked three different trailering guides and all three agreed. If using lug nuts on a five-stud bolt pattern of 1/2-inch-20 thread, the torque spec is 75 foot pounds. That specification is for clean and dry threads.

One of the manuals stated to torque to specs in a star pattern. Drive the trailer 50 miles and recheck the torque. Drive 100 miles and check the torque once more.

 

think the 90 may be to high,,

we have a 12,000 lb 5th wheel and the pin plate calls for lugs to be torqued to 90 ft lbs,,

eight lug wheels with 16" E rated tires,,

enjoy,,