Basecamp lug nut socket

[Bullwinkle]

My new 2017 Basecamp has pretty wheels, but the lug nuts are recessed into cavities barely larger than them. None of my sockets fit in the narrow space. What brand of socket are you all using?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle

My new 2017 Basecamp has pretty wheels, but the lug nuts are recessed into cavities barely larger than them. None of my sockets fit in the narrow space. What brand of socket are you all using?

You will need what is called a "thinwall socket".

[gwolson50]

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle

My new 2017 Basecamp has pretty wheels, but the lug nuts are recessed into cavities barely larger than them. None of my sockets fit in the narrow space. What brand of socket are you all using?

Bought one at Home Depot. Kobalt 337755. 13/16

[AWCHIEF]

I use air impact sockets for lug nuts. They are made to tighter tolerances and have a thinner side thickness than my old Craftsmens sockets.

[Gail Miller]

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle

My new 2017 Basecamp has pretty wheels, but the lug nuts are recessed into cavities barely larger than them. None of my sockets fit in the narrow space. What brand of socket are you all using?

Your 2017 BC was supposed to come with a lug nut tool. Many did not, including mine. I eventually got one from my dealer. I asked for it when I picked my BC up from having the axle replaced.

[Bullwinkle]

First off, my dealer seems primarily concerned with selling interstates and Mercedes Benz cars. They don't really know much about the trailer and info from them has been less than satisfactory. For example although I recently purchased the trailer, it was delivered to me in winterized state. I took considerable work to get it set up. Also the toggles for the tents were not installed. You might ask why did I just not just return it to them for sorting out? Well, although they are the nearest Airstream dealer to me, they are 2 1/2 hours away, so it is simply easier to do it myself. I have found info on these forums invaluable and thank all the posters for that.

Getting back back to the lug nut issue. I had ordered a thin wall socket from Amazon but it came with a plastic sleeve designed to reduce marring of the wheels, which make it too thick. I just removed that sleeve and it now works.

Thanks to all for the information

[MrKenmore]

If you have a spark plug socket lying around that will work as well. I am using that along with a 3/8" breaker bar from Harbor Freight.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by MrKenmore

If you have a spark plug socket lying around that will work as well. I am using that along with a 3/8" breaker bar from Harbor Freight.

I really hope that you are NOT torqueing up the wheels with just a 'breaker bar'!
My FC SPEC call for 110 ft. lb. torque. I 'm sure that other models with Aluminum wheels use a similar figure.
You NEED to use a calibrated torque wrench to safely tighten the lug nuts to the specified figure; before every trip. (The nuts can loosen, and you will gain a little movement.)
These torque figures were calculated by engineers, who publish the figures.
If you have a wheel failure, by not using the spec., the results are on you.

[MrKenmore]

This is merely for an emergency flat tire situation. No different than a lug wrench. I don't carry around my torque wrench in anticipation of changing a flat.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by MrKenmore

This is merely for an emergency flat tire situation. No different than a lug wrench. I don't carry around my torque wrench in anticipation of changing a flat.

WELL.I DO!
And yes, I did have a flat in June.

What made the day was that I had just purchased a TPMS. "Tire Minder-55".
On the very first trip out, it 'squealed' out, that I was losing tire pressure.
I had picked up a screw in the tire, on the '401' highway.
The tire was changed, using "Coach-Net" service, and my torque wrench, and I carried on smiling.
In over ten years of RVing, I had never had a flat.
That $400+ expenditure had just saved me several thousand dollars repairs etc.

What can I say to that??? 'The GODS were smiling on me that day.

[otisb]

Alright _ I 've purchased 2 so far - can find a socket that will fit the lug nuts on my basecamp
The nuts are recessed into the wheel and it requires a thin wall - anyone have source for this? Strange design !
I tried looking for the Kobalt 337755. 13/16 - referred to earlier - can't find anything that refers to a thin wall
thx

[Mollysdad]

I bought this one for my Sendel rims.
It's not a basecamp, but it has the recessed lug nuts.
I use a short extension (3") and a long breaker bar 1/2" drive from Harbor Freight.
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW2291...499911&sr=8-31

[GCinSC2]

Search:

Thin wall lug nut socket if the OD is too large.

[otisb]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I bought this one for my Sendel rims.
It's not a basecamp, but it has the recessed lug nuts.
I use a short extension (3") and a long breaker bar 1/2" drive from Harbor Freight.
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW2291...499911&sr=8-31

Thank you
Is that a “thin wall” that will fit into the tight space?

[OTRA15]

Per the fine print in the product description:

"Thinner than wrench sockets for tough to access areas"

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW2291...499911&sr=8-31

As Michael said back in 2017:

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

I use air impact sockets for lug nuts. They are made to tighter tolerances and have a thinner side thickness than my old Craftsmens sockets.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Bullwinkle

. . .
Getting back back to the lug nut issue. I had ordered a thin wall socket from Amazon but it came with a plastic sleeve designed to reduce marring of the wheels, which make it too thick. I just removed that sleeve and it now works.
. . .

As the OP 3 years ago, could you provide a link for the socket you found . . . this would be helpful for other Basecamp owners IMO.

Thanks,

[Basecamp19]

I don't know about the regular Basecamp 16 or the new Basecamp 20 but on my 2019 Basecamp X a 19mm deep socket is an exact fit to the lug nut. 13/16" (20.6 mm) would be quite sloppy For my factory wheels and lug nuts a thinwall socket appears to be nice to have but not a necessity.

[otisb]

I started a new thread as well Since I had so much trouble finding the thing.
Maybe it’s only the 2017 model that has the thin wall.

Ok - it took me three tries but I finally found the right socket
I have a 2017 Basecamp
The wheels are cool but the lug nuts are recessed into the wheel -the space around the nut is so small it requires a special socket - otherwise you are out of luck trying to change the tire !

GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 2-1/2" Spark Plug Socket 13/16", 6 Point - 80403

Found it on Amazon
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by otisb

GEARWRENCH 3/8" Drive 2-1/2" Spark Plug Socket 13/16", 6 Point - 80403

Found it on Amazon
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One concern, I would not select 3/8" drive for high torque applications like a lug nut. What is the torque spec on your trailers wheels? Mine is 100 lb/ft and that's the range for 1/2" drive tools.

Gary