Q. The lug-nut problem on travel trailers comes up every once in a while in your column. We are on our third travel trailer since the early ’70s and our experience has been that it is best to check the lug nuts before starting out each morning on a trip. We have kind of kept track of ours, and it is always the right rear-wheel lug nuts that start loosening first on a tandem axle. All three of our trailers, of different sizes and manufacturers, did exactly the same thing.
I am not sure why this happens, but tightening the lugs nuts is part of our checklist in the morning before departing a site. Besides peace of mind, it’s good exercise!
I had a friend who bought a new trailer and made a 200-mile round trip as his first time out. I cautioned him to check the lug nuts prior to departure, but I guess he forgot. On his return, he lost the right rear wheel, which went right through the floor of the trailer and ended up in the kitchen. This experience made
him a believer.
— W.W., Brookings, Oregon
A. An experience like that would make a fast believer out of anyone, W.W.. Thanks for sending that tidbit of information. And yes, we agree wholeheartedly: Frequently checking one’s lug nuts is an easy way to avoid a lot of damage and expense, to say nothing of danger, while you tow.
–J.J.
Jeff Johnston, TL technical director, started RVing at age 6. During his more than 20 years as a writer/photographer, he has worked for Truckin’ and Four Wheeler magazines before joining TL’s technical staff in 1985. Johnston also has produced an award-winning travel video and TV commercials.
