Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.


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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> One is Never Too Old to Learn
Post Info TOPIC: One is Never Too Old to Learn
Terry and Jo


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One is Never Too Old to Learn
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Following the recommendations of the manufacturer of our Mobile Suites in keeping the lug nuts as a certain ft/lb, I broke down recently and purchased my first EVER torque wrench.  Today, I crawled under the extended slides to check each and every one of the lug nuts and to apply some grease to the grease fittings on the suspension.

Now, I've been involved with agriculture, agribusiness, trucking and just general use of cars and trucks for a lot of years.  At 65, I know I am always learning new things.  In the past, I've just hunkered down and "turned the crank" when tightening lug nut and stopped when I heard a pop or really felt that it was tight enough that I couldn't tighten it any more.

I guess I figured that the small frame that I have wouldn't be able to overtighten them.  Anyway, figuring that 150 ft/lbs of torque would require quite a bit of "oomph", I went to tighten the first one.  To my real surprise, it didn't take that much "extra" pressure to get the wrench to "click" at 150.  I guess part of that is the 2 foot long handle of the wrench.

Now, I'm wondering whether there are other "fasteners" on a fifth wheel that call for a certain torque setting.  Looks like I get to go to researching again.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

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rclvnv


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Terry, Couldn't agree more about never being too old to learn. As you and I are of a similar age, I'm sure you, like me, are not concerned about learning new things as much as trying not to learn the same things twice!! For sure the RV lifestyle is a constant learning curve. Best,

Richard



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Richard & Ginny, travel with Buster,our Schnauzer boy. 2010 Ford Lariat PSD;2011 Open Range 345 RLS, 5th wheel."Not all who wander are lost".
nessiekatt


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Yes, We are never to old to learn new things.  I just celebrated #67 and am learning how to tow a big Big Horn 5th Wheel.  I took a class two weeks ago.   Now I will feel more confident once I am on the road.  I will be doing it solo early next year.  Everything about RVing is new to me.  Live and Learn!



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Susan
whatsupwithsusanandcompany.blogspot.com/

"Never under estimate your power to change yourself
and 
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2003 Dodge Ram 3500 , 2007 Big Horn 3670RL 5th Wheel by Heartland
Luvglass


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You might want to check the bolts holding the rails under your hitch on the truck.

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Fred Wishnie

Full time since Feb 06 in Carriage Cameo 35KS3 and Ford F350


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Camper_Boy


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Hey Fred,

 

What is that torque amount for under mount 5th wheel hitch?  I often think about it,  but never get around to doing it.  :)  I thought Terry was a expert on most things...LOL  Thanks...



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Tom, Marci, Nicolas, Bryce and our dog, Casey
2008 Newmar X-Aire 41CKLG toyhauler
2008 Ford F-450 Lariat
Check out our blog  http://roamingfree2010.blogspot.com/
Terry and Jo


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Tom,

Once in my lifetime, I used to manage a country elevator and deliver fuel, oil, and fertilizer to farmers.  As a part of my training, I was sent to a class on lubricants and fuels.  When I was done, they gave us a certificate designating us as a "Fuel and Lubricant Expert."  (Yeah, Right!!!!)

After getting home, my boss told me to be sure and post that certificate on the wall of my office.  I didn't really want to, but orders are orders.  One of our farmer customers, known for great common sense, was looking at that certificate, and then asked me a question.

"Terry, do you know the real definition of an 'expert'?"

Knowing him pretty well, I knew I was fixing to be the butt of a joke.  When I responded with what I thought was the required 'No' answer, he told me to break down the word into its two syllables.

Thus, it is "Ex" and "Spurt."  And anyone can tell you that an "ex" - "spurt" is nothing more than a "Drip."

The certificate came down within the next half-hour.

Terry



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Terry and Jo

2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3
2008 Ford F450
2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

Our photos on Smugmug
53 Merc


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Luvglass wrote:

You might want to check the bolts holding the rails under your hitch on the truck.

 Thinking that a mechanic had installed my Reese 5th wheel hitch properly, I never checked the bolts.  After a trip to Oregon and back, I noticed some shiny metal on the area around ome of the bolts.  Got out the wrenches and crawled under the truck.  Some had the nuts almost falling off.  Tightened them as far as I could, then got out the impact and cranked it up.  Got them tight that way.  Could not break loose with a wrench since they are in such an awkward place.  These need to be checked often.



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Jim Dean


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You guys are right about checking the tightness of the nuts frequently. I had my 5th wheel in storage and when I went to move it I noticed that one of the wheels on the driver's side was wobbling. Come to find out of the 8 lugs holding the wheel on 4 of them had snapped off and the other 4 had backed out so they were not even finger tight. With the right tools it is a simple job to check the torque. It is a lot easier than replacing the lugs and nuts. I was lucky because I am in San Antonio where I could find the parts easily and fix it myself.





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Jim & Peri 2007 Select Suite pulled by a 2008 Ford F450

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