What size lug nut?

[Mollysdad]

Is there a standard size lug nut on an Airstream?
I want to buy a socket for my breaker bar to keep handy.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Is there a standard size lug nut on an Airstream?
I want to buy a socket for my breaker bar to keep handy.

Hi

There are at least two standards. I'm not at the trailer at the moment so I can't look at what I have. You want a six point socket not a twelve.

If you get a socket for the lug nuts, consider that the "fancy ones" have a plastic shield on them to protect the pretty wheels. I can buy an entire set at the local big box store for what one of them runs ....

Bob

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Is there a standard size lug nut on an Airstream?
I want to buy a socket for my breaker bar to keep handy.

Some are 3/4", but others, including mine are 13/16".

[uncle_bob]

Hi

If you are going to get retentive about the tire process, you also need a torque wrench. Remember to re-torqe the lug nuts at 10, 25, and 50 miles ... or was it ...10, 20, 30 ...

Bob

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

If you are going to get retentive about the tire process, you also need a torque wrench. Remember to re-torqe the lug nuts at 10, 25, and 50 miles ... or was it ...10, 20, 30 ...

Bob

I do have a torque wrench. (even though I've never torqued a lug nut in my life nor do I know anyone who has and I've never had one fall off.) But never mind that right now. Maybe torque wrenches cause loose nuts?

BTW, Nascar torques lug nuts before every race. During the race, never, since they're put on with an air gun in 12 seconds, and the studs are extra long so the nuts (glued to the rims) are aligned when hit with the air gun for .5 second. Lug nuts are checked after the race, but only to verify they have five, not that they're tight.

[AWCHIEF]

Easiest way to determine what size you have is to try your available sockets to see what fits. I prefer to use impact sockets for lug nuts as they are made to higher tolerances than most off the shelf sockets. Ditto on the quality torque wrench. Use it before every trip. Comparing race team usage to trailer use is apples and oranges as far as I am concerned. Good luck and happy torquing.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Easiest way to determine what size you have is to try your available sockets to see what fits. I prefer to use impact sockets for lug nuts as they are made to higher tolerances than most off the shelf sockets. Ditto on the quality torque wrench. Use it before every trip. Comparing race team usage to trailer use is apples and oranges as far as I am concerned. Good luck and happy torquing.

Thanks, I won't pick it up until a week from Friday, so I can't just look. I wanted to have a socket handy just in case for the trip home.

I Googled and found a site that claimed that after 2000 Airstream changed to 3/4".

[Biker]

I picked up a set of reversible sockets to keep on my truck. Covers all bases.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Biker

I picked up a set of reversible sockets to keep on my truck. Covers all bases.

Attachment 293580

How do those work? An extension goes into the middle and the sockets are shallow?

[Biker]

Yes, the 3" extension

[Biker]

Oops...

Yes, the 3" extension goes through the side you aren't using.

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I do have a torque wrench. (even though I've never torqued a lug nut in my life nor do I know anyone who has and I've never had one fall off.)

I do torque mine and retorque after 50 or so miles. I always get a few that can be tightened a bit, but nothing serious. I've also checked after 50 mile and never had to adjust.

[Biker]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

How do those work? An extension goes into the middle and the sockets are shallow?

Here is a picture of the extension inserted into the socket. My 2017 23FB came McGard lug nuts and they are 13/16.

[Rgentum]

I also re-torque the wheel nuts after getting the truck or trailer back from maintenance if the wheels have been rotated.

[quietguy]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Thanks, I won't pick it up until a week from Friday, so I can't just look. I wanted to have a socket handy just in case for the trip home.

I Googled and found a site that claimed that after 2000 Airstream changed to 3/4".

My 2017 25 FB International (with upgraded 16" wheels and Michelins) uses a 13/16" socket for the lug nuts (which are the solid ones, not the ones with the cheap covering that comes loose). YMMV...

[Mollysdad]

Since there was some doubt, I ordered a deep impact socket in both 3/4" and 13/16". Should have them today.

[greghoro]

Lugnut stud is 1/2" x 20 Threads per Inch (TPI).

As others have said, 3/4" 6 point thin wall deep socket will work best for loosening/tightening.


Greg

[Milo1952]

I found 3 loose nuts on my last trip of 2400 miles.
Perhaps the idea is torque to make sure you do not over tighten and damage the threads.
I always check before leaving on a trip and then again 1/2 way through.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Milo1952

I found 3 loose nuts on my last trip of 2400 miles.
Perhaps the idea is torque to make sure you do not over tighten and damage the threads.
I always check before leaving on a trip and then again 1/2 way through.

Hi

You can spend a lot of time going back and forth on the value of re-torquing (as opposed to re-tightening) nuts or bolts. There is a school of though that says a torque spec is only met if you start from "loose". In this case I'd say that's a really bad idea ....

Bob

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by adventure.as

some are 3/4", but others, including mine are 13/16".

2016 30' fc: 13/16".