Check those lug nuts!

[NV Bigblue]

Hey guys,
Just a reminder to verify the lug nut torque on your trailer wheels before heading out.

We lost a tire off our trailer at about 70mph last Saturday.

Luckily, no one was hurt and we were able to limp the trailer home using the spare.

Totally my fault.... the one thing I didn't check.

But that tire had a lot of energy in it. It left the trailer, cleared the other lane, the right-of-way, and the highway fence (about 130 feet) before hitting the ground and traveling another 1200 feet. Had it hit someone or something, it could have been really bad. I don't care about the damage to the trailer, but I would have a hard time dealing with it had I killed someone.


Be safe out there!

NV

 

[hidesertwheelin]

I always worry about this as I have wheel lug spacers/pattern adapters on my trailer to make he wheel pattern match. Glad everything turned out alright.

 

[Billiebob]

Yep, maybe the only reason I've never used spacers. There are always alteratives.
Easy way to spot loose lug nuts, they will be dust free and look like polished metal. No need to "trust" a torque wrench, just look at them every day.

 

[JDGreens]

Glad your ok, this can happen to anyone. Thanks for sharing experience so we all are reminded of checking our stuff. Daily driving is one thing but as we beat on our rigs out on trails,the oddest things can loosen up. I try to crawl under and around my rig before venturing out for a trail ride. I have had my front drive shaft bolts come loose, Luckily I was just driving around the block to bring it in my garage.

 

[Sierraman]

Hey guys,
Just a reminder to verify the lug nut torque on your trailer wheels before heading out.

We lost a tire off our trailer at about 70mph last Saturday.

Luckily, no one was hurt and we were able to limp the trailer home using the spare.

Totally my fault.... the one thing I didn't check.

But that tire had a lot of energy in it. It left the trailer, cleared the other lane, the right-of-way, and the highway fence (about 130 feet) before hitting the ground and traveling another 1200 feet. Had it hit someone or something, it could have been really bad. I don't care about the damage to the trailer, but I would have a hard time dealing with it had I killed someone.


Be safe out there!

NV

Bummer my good man. I try to always rotate all tires 2 weeks before check all under carrage stuff then the day before check one more time.

 

[Dilldog]

To add to this, working in the trucking industry I have seen just as many wheels come off of trucks due to bearing failure as loose lug nuts. So be sure to check wheel bearing condition also.